Collections Assistant
The role will help develop and diversify access to the Museum’s collection, archive and collections library through a mixed-model of public bookings, public programming, artist and academic residencies and other creative partnerships from across the sector.
Salary
£20,000 - 4 day per week (£25,000 full time equivalent)
Contract
Permanent
Closing date
12pm on Wednesday 23 August 2023
Interviews
Interviews will be held during the week commencing 4 September 2023.
Working hours
28 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
About the role
This role will be central to the day to day running of the museum through collections-related tasks.
Main Responsibilities
- Support Collections Library bookings and engaging with researchers and artists
- Maintain and develop documentation of the collections
- Assist in writing, reviewing and updating collections management procedures
- Conduct gallery maintenance, daily environmental monitoring, preventative conservation, and bug and pest monitoring
- Assist in monitoring and responding to enquires sent to the shared email Curatorial inbox
- Support the curatorial team with filing journals and cataloguing library acquisitions
- Edit and improve catalogue records with a focus on accessible terminology
- Assist with the creation of volunteer roles to work with the collection and supervision of volunteers
- Create a programme of participatory cataloguing and documentation in consultation with visitors and community groups
- Building transparency around museum practice and process and tackling barriers to access
- Programming workshops and events around the collections and the library
- Assist with collections disposals and conservation projects
- Support the curatorial team with collections research and due diligence on potential acquisitions
- Provide support for the Museum’s CDP PhD scheme.
Key Performance Indicators
- Increased visitor numbers to the library
- Number of objects catalogued
- Range of new partnerships and communities engaged with the Library and Collection
- Quantity and quality of material entered onto the Museum’s collections database
- Meeting schedules and budgets
- Providing timely and accurate information
Skills/Knowledge/Personal Attributes:
Essential:
- Reliable and responsible for museum collections
- Self-starter
- IT skills
- Organisational skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Able to work as part of a team
- Time management skills
- Have an interest in museums, arts and heritage
- Understanding of established museum procedures and techniques, such as museum object handling and cleaning, and SPECTRUM procedures
- Attention to detail and accuracy
Desirable:
- Communication skills including delivering talks, tours, lectures, etc.
- Strong networks with artists and other collections/archives
Experience:
Essential
- Experience of working with a collection to promote engagement
- Experience of working with museum collections database packages
- Experience of using computer programmes, particularly Microsoft Office packages such as Excel and Word to input complex data and communicate with participants
- Experience of working with communities and people in-person and remotely, facilitating workshops, conducting evaluation.
Desirable
- Awareness of Data Protection and Records Management policies
Other requirements:
A minimum of 1 year experience of collection or archive management
Working in the galleries for approximately 1 shift per month as part of the Visitor First scheme.
How to apply
Please do not send a CV or cover letter, we will only consider applications with a completed application form. Please read the instructions and download the application form before applying.
- Download and complete the application form (below)
- Save your application form as a Word document or pdf
- Upload your completed application form to the online application portal and enter your personal details.
You will need to upload your completed application form and enter your personal details in one sitting. It is not possible to save your application and return to it later. Please note this portal does not work in Internet Explorer.
Download application form (Word)
After applying
Due to the quantity of applications, we will only contact those invited to interview. If you do not hear from us by the interview date you have been unsuccessful - we encourage you to stay up to date with upcoming opportunities to volunteer or work with us.
Inclusive and accessible recruitment
As a Disability Confident Committed employer, our recruitment is inclusive and accessible. If you would like to request an alternative application format on disability grounds please contact us on jobs@museumofthehome.org.uk
You may wish to discuss reasonable adjustments for a role that interests you. If so please state this on your application and we will be in touch with you.