Collections Curator

Collections Curator

Part-time fixed term contract for two years

Salary £16,200 per annum for 3 days/22.5 hours a week (£27,000 FTE)

Christ’s Hospital has had a museum on its site at Horsham for over 25 years, but its history goes back 470 years to its foundation by Edward VI in the City of London in 1552.  Over the centuries, CH has developed extensive collections of objects which relate to the school’s history including paintings, manuscripts, costumes, ceramics, and ephemera with a CH connection.  There are over 100,000 artefacts in the collection spread across the museum and the school’s historic site as well as many original documents held at the London Metropolitan Archives and a silver collection in Ironmonger’s Hall. London. We also manage archival records related to the 67,000 pupils the school has educated since 1552 and regularly respond to enquiries about these from the public.

We require a collections curator to join our small team of museum staff and volunteers. This role involves having a key role in overseeing the management of CH’s significant and varied heritage collection within its museum and school environment as well as some off-site locations. Organising and understanding an approved method for object/archive data capture, ‘cleaning’ and transfer of data from existing systems to Modes Complete (museum collection management system) will be core to this job. With the support of the Museum Curator, addressing collection cataloguing backlogs, assessing new acquisitions, managing loans as well as advising and acting on conservation matters are also integral to the post.

We are looking for someone with an appreciation and understanding of historical collections and their management. You should be a dynamic, organised and flexible person with strong communication skills, team-player integrity and a methodical approach to working. Ideally, you will have a relevant humanities degree or equivalent related subject and have substantial experience of working with historic collections in a museum, art gallery or heritage sector role. Sound administrative and IT skills are vital. The role will require an awareness of heritage collection-care standards, including documentation within a museum database system, handling, security, and storage with a view to cataloguing work, research, access, and interpretation for museum users.

Normal working hours are 22.5 hours per week (0.6 FTE) and must cover a Tuesday and a Thursday (when the museum is open to visitors) and one other day to be agreed with the Museum Curator.

Applicants should evidence in their personal statement how they meet the requirements of the role and person specification. The successful applicant will be suitably qualified and capable, with an enthusiasm for providing a first-class service.

Benefits include 6.2 weeks holiday (inc. Bank Holidays) per annum, a stakeholder pension scheme for eligible staff, free on-site parking, low-cost membership of the on-site Sports Centre, uniform and to take lunch in the dining hall during term time.

For further information and to apply please download an application pack.

Applications should be received by 9am on Thursday 16th November 2023

Interviews will be held on Monday 27th November 2023.

Early application is advised as we may close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.

Christ’s Hospital is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  All successful applicants are required to complete an enhanced disclosure application with the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service).  More details on the disclosure process can be found on www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.

Christ’s Hospital is an Equal Opportunities employer.

Registered Charity No. 1120090.