Assistant Curator

We are looking to recruit an Assistant Curator to join our team based in London. You will join us on a full-time, permanent, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £25,500 per annum.

This is a hybrid role.

The Royal Air Force Museum is a national museum, a Government non-departmental public body (NDPB) and a registered charity, with two sister sites at London and Midlands. Our purpose is to share the RAF story, past, present and future - using the stories of its people and our collections in order to engage, inform and inspire. Our Vision is to inspire everyone with the RAF story – the people who shape it and its place in our lives.

Purpose of the Assistant Curator role is to:

• To support the work of the Archives and Library team in enabling access and understanding of the collections
• To assist in looking after the Archive and Library collections to ensure their development and preservation
• To assist cross-departmental teams in the delivery of the Museum’s vision and Strategy 2030
• To undertake research and disseminate knowledge in support of the Museum’s programmes

Key responsibilities of our Assistant Curator include:

Access and Research 

• Facilitate access to the collections and information relating to and contained within them according to Department policies and procedures
• Answer requests for information received from Museum colleagues, visiting researchers and external enquirers within agreed timeframes
• Supervise and assist researchers using the Museum’s reading room. • Disseminate knowledge through the delivery of agreed and supported outputs including but not limited to the undertaking of outreach activity, exhibition and digital content
• Build and enhance your knowledge of RAF history including the development of knowledge of the collections held by the Department
• Contribute to the Museum’s Research Programme by undertaking research and through the delivery of agreed and supported outputs including, but not limited to, talks and blogs 3

Stewardship 

• Assist in caring for the Museum’s Archive and Library collections as directed and in accordance with Museum policies and procedures as well as sector best practice guidelines
• Assist as directed in developing the Archive and Library collections through the acquisition and disposal of material and liaison with stakeholders
• Document and catalogue the collections to enhance access and research use in line with Museum policies and procedures and Spectrum standards.
• Contribute to the Museum’s digitisation programmes, undertaking digitisation of documents, recording metadata and uploading to the Museum’s databases

Administration and Departmental Support 

• Supervise volunteers as required
• Collect data and provide reports both in writing and through presentations and discussion as required
• Contribute actively to business risk management and Health and Safety management
• Support cross - departmental teams as required.

What we are looking for in our Assistant Curator:

• High level of knowledge related to Museum practice and administration gained through employment or a relevant qualification.
• Experience of using Collections Management systems, including Collections Management databases
• Demonstrable experience of working with archive and library collections
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent Microsoft Office software skills
• Demonstrable experience of working within a team

Closing date for applications: 19 September 2024 at 12 noon

Interviews will take place on: 1 October 2024

If you think you have what it takes and want to be part of this exciting journey, please click apply now to be re-directed to our jobs page where you can access the application method and details for the Assistant Curator role. Join us in delivering our purpose and achieving our vision, ensuring that the Royal Air Force’s story continues to enrich and inspire current and future generations. We would love to hear from you.