Curator of Making – Derby Museums

Are you passionate about all things made by the human hand? Are you fascinated by developments in engineering, technologies, and sciences – particularly from the 18th century Enlightenment to the present day? Do you enjoy creativity and innovation? Do you have an ethos of ‘anything is possible!’.

If the answer is yes, you may be exactly what we are looking for.

Role Purpose

Derby Museums is looking for maternity cover for our Curator of Making, to be based at the Museum of Making in Derby.

As part of the curatorial team, you will lead on the care and development of the collections of making and social history at the Museum of Making.

Working closely with colleagues and our co-production volunteers, makers, industry, and community partners, you will support the ongoing development of the Museum of Making as a museum to inspire the maker, creator and innovator in us all.

A key part of the role will be to work on the delivery of co-produced displays, exhibitions, and programmes across all three sites and with our collections in store. As an organisation, we are committed to exploring and understanding our shared history, you will be a part of this ongoing conversation as we work collaboratively and in co-production to consider who we represent and how we might best do that equitably within our spaces.

The Person

You will be an excellent communicator and display high levels of enthusiasm and commitment. You will be confident and capable in planning and delivering work programmes and projects, you will be a team player who is organised and enjoys the challenge of working efficiently and creatively.

You will be experienced in working with a wide range of people and will be able to communicate confidently with visitors, volunteers and community and industry partners. Experience of working in a similar role either at another museum or visitor attraction would be advantageous.

We believe that diversity and equality within our workplace, programmes, and in our outlook is crucial. We therefore particularly welcome applications from candidates that are under-represented at Derby Museums and within the heritage sector, including black and minority ethnic candidates and/or candidates with a disability.

The Place

Derby Museums is a charitable trust which manages three museums and cares for collections of cultural heritage on behalf of Derby City Council. This includes the finest collection of work by the 18th century British artist Joseph Wright of Derby and extensive collections of natural science, world cultures, archaeology, history and making.

Derby is a city with a heart, in the heart of England. It’s a friendly, prosperous but affordable place on the edge of the beautiful Peak District and has great ambitions to place culture at the heart of its future prosperity.

Salary: £27,757 – £29,593

Contract Type: 9 months fixed term (with possibility of extension)

Employee Benefits: 20 days (pro rata) + bank holidays. Derby Museums is committed to flexible working arrangements including the option for some home-working. A mileage allowance is payable on authorised business travel.

Applications

If you believe you are the person we are looking for, please read the job description and person specification, complete the application form* and send it to [email protected]  quoting the reference SHDM/CM. The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 23 May at 11.59pm. Interviews to be held week commencing 5 June 2023 at the Museum of Making.

*Please ensure that your application form is sent to us in Word format.