JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Exhibition Manager, London Branches
Department
Exhibitions, Learning and Interpretation (L&I)
Responsible to
Head of Exhibitions, London sites
Salary Range
£31,548-£35,699 per annum
Hours
36 hours net per week
Term
Permanent
BACKGROUND
IWM (Imperial War Museums) tells the story of people who have lived, fought and
died in conflicts involving Britain and the Commonwealth since 1914.
Our unique collections, made up of the everyday and the exceptional, reveal stories
of people, places, ideas and events. Using these, we tell vivid personal stories and
create powerful physical experiences across our five museums that engage people of
all ages with the issues of modern conflict.
IWM has recently undergone a brand review, developing a vision and values for the
organisation as well as a stronger more focused identity for IWM as a whole. Our aim
is to position ourselves more clearly as the world’s leading authority on conflict and
its impact, particularly in the lead up to the Centenary of the First World War in 201418. This is a landmark anniversary for Britain and the world and IWM will mark the
centenary by leading a vibrant, four year programme of cultural activities across the
country, including the opening of brand new First World War galleries at IWM London
in 2014.
Overall purpose of the job
The two London based Exhibition Managers will work across all three of IWM’s
London sites and share a core range of duties with a particular focus on the priorities
of the Museum’s Public Programme.
This post holder will focus on the development and implementation of the
interpretation strategy for the Churchill War Rooms (CWR) and HMS Belfast (HMSB),
taking a leading role in exhibition and interpretation project development, monitoring
the daily operation, maintenance and replacement of all displays, and supervising the
care of objects on display or in transit. S/he will also deliver temporary exhibitions
and updates to long-term galleries at IWM London.
Key relationships
All three sites: Head of Exhibitions, Assistant Director L&I and colleagues in the wider
Learning & Interpretation department including Learning, Research and Information
and Design; other departments including Collections and Collection Management;
New Media; Brand and Marketing; Communications; Development; Visitor Services;
Retail; Events and Publications.
CWR and HMSB: Director CWR and HMSB, Head of Operations CWR and HMSB,
Head of Conservation HMSB
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The post holder will be required to work across all three sites. The proportion of time
spent at each site will be flexible and dependent on programmed projects
Principal Accountabilities
CORE DUTIES
Planning
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Assist the Head of Exhibitions with the forward planning and scheduling of all
exhibitions and display projects which form part of the London Public
Programme
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Assist the Head of Exhibitions with the preparation of the department’s
contribution to the L&I Corporate Plan and draft contributions to Quarterly
Reports
Exhibition delivery
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Lead and project manage all aspects of exhibition and display projects
including:
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Preparing project initiation documents, exhibition briefs, schedules
and budgets
Building and leading teams made up of staff from across IWM
including designers, researchers, historians and curators and external
consultants where required
Commissioning, producing (where required) and selecting content for
exhibitions and related digital products (including web)
Writing briefs for interactive exhibits/installations and multimedia, and
working with the New Media department to develop these, leading on
content, interpretation and project management
Managing exhibition budgets in line with Museum procedures
Preparing, analysing and managing tenders, appointing consultants
and contractors and managing their contracts
Liaising and scheduling meetings with stakeholders from within the
IWM and externally to ensure their input at appropriate stages.
Ensuring that the necessary internal approvals are sought, gained and
implemented
Progress chasing and monitoring to ensure exhibition schedules are
followed
Drafting, editing and proofreading exhibition text as required
Ensuring that the Museum’s Collections Management standards are
met
Ensuring that Access requirements are addressed
Developing and managing risk registers
Maintaining paper and electronic records in line with Museum
procedures
Ensuring that staff, consultants and contractors adhere to appropriate
H&S standards
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Other duties
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Represent the Head of Exhibitions at internal meetings, and the IWM at
external events (conferences, seminars etc) as required
Manage volunteers recruited to assist with specific projects
Liaise with other exhibition teams at IWM North and IWM Duxford
Keep up-to-date with interpretive standards and programmes at other
museum/heritage sites and cultural agencies
Produce articles for newsletters and other publications (print and digital) and
contribute to guidebooks and leaflet development
Answer enquiries relating to the exhibitions and displays
Assist at press views, private views and other events
Deliver private tours and occasional talks
CRW and HMSB RELATED DUTIES (not already covered above)
Interpretation and display maintenance
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Oversee (in consultation with the Director CWR and HMSB and Head of
Exhibitions) the interpretation strategy for both sites
Maintain/update the historic displays/room settings and their contents
(including mannequins and props), and the exhibition galleries and their
content on each site
Maintain/update interpretive panels, captions and exhibition related signage.
Monitor the daily operation, maintenance and replacement of displays in
conjunction with technical and operations staff
Day-to-day responsibility for the security of items on display
Monitor the use of the audio guide within exhibition spaces and take
responsibility for adapting the service to changing needs and demands
Collections Management and Care
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Supervise the care of loans and collections on site in partnership with the
Department of Collections Management
Plan and implement a constant programme for the renewal, replacement
and/or return of items at the end of the loan period
Manage relationships with current and potential lenders
Ensure that documentation, transportation, insurance/indemnity, condition
checking and conservation are arranged in accordance with Imperial War
Museum’s ‘Loans in’ policy & procedures and are accurate and up-to-date
(loans administration will be provided by the Exhibitions Coordinator)
Contribute to the ongoing development of IWM’s Collections Management
procedures, working in close liaison with the Exhibitions Registrar and
Installation Manager and Collections Management Department
Liaise with IWM Collecting Departments regarding offers of material
Health and safety
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IOSH Managing Safely-Responsible for implementing systems and
procedures to support all Health & Safety at Work Acts and other legal
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requirements and any reported unsafe working conditions and practices are
sought out and rectified.
Data Security
 Staff must be aware of and abide by the Museum's information security and
data protection policies regarding the handling of all sensitive and personal
data
This job information cannot be all encompassing. It is inevitable over time that
the emphasis of the job will change without changing the general character of
the job or the level of duties and responsibilities entailed. This information may
be periodically reviewed, revised and updated in consultation with the post
holder to reflect appropriate changes.
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Person Specification
* Job Family: Professional
*Level: 1
Essential Criteria
How this will be
assessed
Qualifications and Experience
1
Relevant degree or qualification of degree standard
Application Form
2
Recent experience of leading and project managing a range of
high profile exhibition or interpretive projects within a museum or
gallery environment and working as part of a multidisciplinary
team
Application Form &
Interview
3
Experience of managing and monitoring budgets
Application Form &
Interview
4
Experience of managing contractors and consultants within the
context of an exhibition or interpretive project
Application Form &
Interview
5
Experience of forming and maintaining successful relationships
with internal and external stakeholders
Application form,
interview
6
Experience of using Microsoft Office and Project, email and
internet
Application Form &
Interview
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Knowledge
Thorough understanding of the exhibition development process
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Knowledge and appreciation of best practice in collections
management
Application form,
interview, test
Application Form &
Interview
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Knowledge of procurement within publicly funded organisations
Application, interview
10
Awareness of CDM regulations and their implications within a
Museum context and current health and safety legislation
Application form &
interview
11
A sound knowledge of 20th and 21st Century history and the life
of Sir Winston Churchill and an understanding of the history of
HMS Belfast
Application Form &
Interview
Key Competencies
Proactive Change (C)
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Demonstrates a creative and flexible approach
Application Form &
Interview
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Deals well with ambiguity – remains productive and focused
Application Form
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Always open to change
compliance regulations
Application Form
January 2012
but
consistently
works
within
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Planning & Results Drive (C)
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Identifies priorities and consistently achieves key targets
Application Form
16
Demonstrates a tenacity and persistence to achieve results
Application Form
Encouraging Collaboration (C)
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Develops positive and productive relationships with colleagues
at IWM and other organisations
Application Form
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Encourages all team members to work collaboratively
Application Form
Meeting Audience Needs (C)
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Excellent written, face-to-face and telephone skills
Application Form &
Interview
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Ability to flex their style to best suit their audience and subject
matter
Application form
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Developing Diversity (C)
Generates or encourages others to identify ideas for
greater levels of diversity and inclusion
Application Form
Commercial Acumen (C)
22
Understand the realities and complexities of running a costeffective service
Application Form &
Interview
23
Manages resources responsibly
Application Form &
Interview
Leadership/Management Skills (C)
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Uses positive communication, openness and integrity to
motivate staff
Application Form &
interview
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Provides clear direction for the team
Application Form &
interview
Desirable Criteria
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Experience of working directly with the general public on a dayto-day basis
Application Form
* IWM has a Career Development Framework, which consists of four job families:
Professional, Customer Facing, Collection Access & Care and Business Support. Within
each job family there are 3 levels under Head of Department. Internal candidates can go to
http://intranet.iwm.org.uk/upload/pdf/IWMCompetencyFrameworksIntroOverview.pdf
for
further clarification.
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Additional Information
Terms and Conditions
 Your normal hours of work will be 41 gross including lunch breaks. This would
normally be Monday to Thursday 09:00 - 17:15 and Friday 09:00 - 17:00, unless
otherwise agreed with your line manager. There is a requirement on occasions to
work unsocial hours or at weekends for which leave in lieu will be granted.
 The successful candidate will be on probation for 6 months.
 The annual leave allowance is 25 days per annum plus public holidays, rising to
30 days after five year’s service.
 The Museum has introduced a total ban on smoking in all its buildings.
 In the first 13 months of service you are only eligible to Statutory Sick Pay.
Salary
The salary range for the Exhibition Manager is £31,548 - £35,699. Starting salary is
normally at the minimum of the range. Salary increases are in line with the Museum’s
Performance Pay Scheme, which is subject to government pay policy.
Benefits
The benefits listed below are discretionary and the Imperial War Museum reserves
the right to vary or withdraw them at any time. All such benefits apply during the
course of your employment only.
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The Museum is a member of the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Civil Service
offers a choice of final salary and stakeholder pension, giving you the flexibility to
choose the pension that suits you best.
An interest free season ticket loan scheme after three months service.
20% discount in the Museum Shop.
25% discount in the Museum Restaurant.
Free entry to the majority of Airshows at Duxford.
Free entry to most fee charging exhibitions in other National Museums.
Continuous professional Training & Development opportunities.
Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits linked to length of service.
Child care vouchers
Subject to the society's terms and conditions, IWM staff are entitled to
membership of the Benenden Healthcare Society.
IWM staff also have access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund.
Ride 2 Work Scheme
Selection
The candidates who appear from their application to meet the essential criteria will be
invited to interview. It is thus essential that your application form gives a full but
concise description of the nature, extent and level of the responsibilities you have
held. The shortlisting criteria are detailed under the personal specification. Please
ensure that you address each of the areas that are to be assessed on your
application form. Applications by CV only will not be accepted.
To Apply
For an application form please visit our website www.iwm.org.uk
The closing date for receipt of applications is Midday, Tuesday 14 February
2012.
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We regret that if you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date
your application, in this instance, has been unsuccessful.
The Imperial War Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunities
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