Maidenhead Heritage Centre is looking to appoint an experienced museum professional to
fulfil the post of Museum Curator following the retirement of our honorary curator.
Job Type: Part Time
Contract Type: Fixed term
Salary: £12,480
The post is part time, 20 hours per week over at least 3 days. Occasional work outside these
hours and on weekends may be required.
The post is being offered on a 12 month fixed contract, with a possibility of renewal, and
dependent on a three month probationary period.
The closing date for applications is 21 October 2015.
To apply, please send a C.V. and handwritten covering letter to:
The Chairman
Maidenhead Heritage Centre
18 Park Street
Maidenhead
SL6 1SL
Please mark the envelope 'Private Curator Post'
About Maidenhead Heritage Centre
Maidenhead Heritage Centre is an independent charity and accredited museum located in
Maidenhead town centre, Berkshire. The museum has a permanent display dedicated to the
history of the town as well as a programme of changing exhibitions. Its collections total around
2,000 objects, photographs and documents showcasing local archaeology and social history. In
addition the museum is home to the archive of the Air Transport Auxiliary, featured in a
permanent gallery and research space of national and international significance. The museum is
a stakeholder in a 5-10 year redevelopment of the town centre (coinciding with the arrival of
Crossrail) and is negotiating for the provision of a larger, purpose built museum space.
The museum’s collection has previously been managed by an honorary curator and small team
of curatorial volunteers. The museum also employs a part time Administrator and Education
Officer, as well as a team of around 70 volunteers.
The Museum Curator is responsible to the Management Committee/Chairman/Board of Trustees.
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Job Description
To manage all aspects of the museum’s conservation, curatorial and collections activities,
including:
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To work with the management committee to achieve accreditation renewal in 2016.
To maintain and develop the museum’s permanent exhibitions.
To contribute towards the museum’s programme of temporary exhibitions, including
carrying out research within the collection, producing text/labels, organising object loans
and overseeing installation.
To handle new acquisitions and internal/external object loans.
To oversee and maintain documentation of the Modes collection catalogue
To undertake the care and management of the collections store
To carry out research within the collection for documentation and display and to increase
the accessibility of the collection for a broad range of audiences.
To oversee and direct the strategic development of the collection.
To employ a curatorial intern to be employed on specific projects.
To manage the existing curatorial volunteers.
To act as a keyholder as necessary.
To represent the Council at external groups and organisations at a local, regional and
national level.
To attend and participate in relevant meetings as part of the Museum’s Management
Committee, and keep members aware of new initiatives, trends and opportunities for the
museum collection.
To assist the Education Officer during school workshops as required.
Person Specification
Essential
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At least 2 years’ paid experience in a museum collections related role with proven
collections management experience.
Possess a good working knowledge of sector standards for collections documentation
and care.
Excellent standard of public relations skills both in person and via email/telephone
communication.
Ability to manage and work as part of a small team, including staff and volunteers.
Experience of working with local community groups, other heritage organisations and
multiple stakeholders.
Experience and a high level of proficiency in installing exhibitions.
Computer literate and experienced user of Modes collection management system.
Experience writing and submitting detailed reports.
Desirable
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Experience in public speaking, and delivering public talks/lectures to community groups
Experience producing temporary exhibitions.
Ability to work creatively within tight budgets.
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Specialist interest in one of the museum’s collection areas, i.e. local history, archaeology,
aviation history etc.
Qualified driver (with car)
Availability to work outside of regular hours or on weekends as required.
Qualifications
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Educated to postgraduate degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline, e.g. history,
archaeology or museum/heritage studies.
Personal Skills
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Confident communicator with a wide range of age groups and stakeholders.
A high level of diplomacy skills.
Excellent written, oral and numeric abilities.
Excellent organisational skills.
Flexible approach to work.
Organised and logical approach to tasks.
Ability to prioritise tasks and to work to tight deadlines
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