F63 Version 1 (January 2010)
JOB DESCRIPTION
General Information
Job Title
Collections Manager (maternity cover)
Reporting To
Heritage Services Manager
General Purpose
To contribute to provision of an excellent Heritage Service for Peterborough
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To ensure that the collections at all Vivacity Heritage sites (currently Museum, Longthorpe Tower, Brassey Close
store and Flag Fen) are professionally managed and accessible as a resource for learning, inspiration and
enjoyment
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To maximise opportunities for improved access to collections through efficient and effective use of resources,
teamwork across Vivacity and partnership working with other organisations
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To provide expert advice in agreed specific heritage and collections areas
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To put our users and customers at the centre of what we do and to strive for continuous improvement
Key Deliverables
1. To take overall responsibility for the care, management and development of collections at all Heritage sites, to exceed
Accreditation Standards. To lead on the renewal of Museum Accreditation in April 2013.
2. To take responsibility for compiling and analysing environmental data for storage and display areas, and managing
OPAC (the collections database and public access system), working with the Archaeology & Interpretation Officers
3. To be responsible for development, updating and implementation of the Acquisitions and Disposals Policy,
Collections Management Plan, Emergency Plan and other key collections-related documents and to provide advice to
the Heritage Services Manager on collections strategy and development
4. To strive continuously to improve public access to Heritage collections and information and to identify opportunities to
do so including interpretation, exhibitions, events, enquiry service, object identification, information services, learning
activities and online and the appropriate deposition of archives in liaison with archaeological units
5. To work as part of the Heritage Team to develop vibrant visitor experiences and learning opportunities through
delivery of exhibitions, events, learning activities and partnership projects
6. To undertake research and to improve knowledge and understanding of the collections and to share this for the
benefit of the public, partners, colleagues and volunteers through varied routes,
7. To actively identify and support development of funding bids, alternative funding, income generation, sponsorship and
partnership opportunities for Heritage services, especially in the areas of collections care and conservation
8. To support and develop collections maintenance and care awareness and skills of staff and volunteers through
training, support and information-sharing
9. To be an ambassador for the Vivacity Heritage Service with external bodies, businesses, organisations, partners,
funders and the public
10. To contribute to improvement and development of the Heritage Service through service planning, monitoring, and
evaluation to support continuous improvement
11. To act as the curatorial expert in an agreed designated area
12. To manage and monitor delegated elements of the Heritage budget for which the post-holder is responsible, and to
comply with financial rules and regulations
13. To act as a keyholder for the museum and undertake call-out duties
14. To act as duty manager on Heritage sites as part of a management rota
F63 Version 1 (January 2010)
JOB DESCRIPTION
Requirements - Experience
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At least three years of work in the heritage sector
Knowledge and experience of the management, maintenance and care of museum collections, policies and
procedures
Experience of using collections for the public benefit
Knowledge and experience of collection documentation
Experience of interpreting collections to a wide and diverse range of users
Experience of effective customer care
Knowledge of the Arts Council Museum Accreditation scheme
Knowledge of the Social History and Industrial Classification System (SHIC) and Spectrum
Experience of project work or project management
Experience of team working with staff and volunteers
Requirements – Qualifications
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Degree or equivalent in an area relevant to the museum’s collections; geology, palaeontology, social history
preferred.
Working towards or holding a Museum Studies Diploma or Museums Association AMA qualification
Requirements – Personal Characteristics
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Must be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Flexibility and ability to adapt to change
Good ICT skills, including database use
Good self management
Other Points
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Desirable that the person has the ability to be on the Museum Call-out rota for security duties