Curator – Museum of East Dorset

The Museum of East Dorset is looking for a Curator, this is a rare and exciting opportunity to join this recently modernised museum. At the heart of any museum is the collections and exhibitions, therefore this is a pivotal role which is being offered on a permanent and full-time basis.

In the centre of Wimborne, the Museum of East Dorset is in the process of undergoing a pivotal transformation. We re-opened in 2020 following a major National Lottery Heritage Funded project which saw all new galleries created. We are still completing the postponed activity plan as part of this project, and the Curator will be responsible for the creation of a new volunteer Research team and the development of 2 new temporary exhibitions. Whilst we’ve come a long way, we’re still changing and adapting including improving our ways of working, systems, and processes. To ensure the museum is fit for the future, increasing visitor numbers is a key consideration for us and the Curator will lead on creating exhibitions, displays and offers which support this.

At the heart of the East Dorset community, we’re keen to keep challenging ourselves to ensure we’re accessible, relevant, and inclusive for all. This role will suit someone a dynamic, experienced professional who is looking to positively lead the curation of a small community museum.

As Curator your objectives will be:

1. To ensure the museum’s collections are regularly rotated with exhibitions created which appeal to our key audiences and create a reason to return
2. To safeguard the museum’s collections and ensure they are cared for to ACE Accreditation Standards.
3. To ensure staff and volunteers understand how to care for the museum’s collection and the historic fabric of the building
4. To create high quality offers which are inclusive and accessible to all.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collections Management
• Preventative Conservation
• Exhibitions and Displays
• Visitor Experience
• Research
• Staff and Volunteer Management.

Person Specification

Relevant Experience of:

• Curatorial experience gained through working with collections
• Collections care & conservation, including creating cleaning programmes
• Collections management processes
• Creating experiences to appeal to specific audiences and evaluating success
• Setting up and developing curatorial processes e.g. enquiries, exhibition development
• Lead & supporting volunteers, finding innovative ways to involve them in our work.
• Positively introducing and managing change
• Working under pressure and to deadline, with excellent prioritisation skills
• Using collections management systems e.g. MODES
• Undertaking research and using to bring stories to life.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) and a desire to enthuse others about the history and culture of East Dorset
• Community engagement and learning best practice and innovation
• Developing and updating relevant policies and plans e.g. Collections Documentation Plans.

Skills/Ability to:

• An enthusiasm for collaborative working both internally and externally including co-curation.
• Exceptional written and presentation skills
• Proactive approach to challenges and the ability to work independently
• Act as an ambassador for the Trust
• Strong IT skills
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and access
• Dynamic and innovative
• Proven ability to work on several projects with competing priorities simultaneously.

Application details
The closing date for this role is 15 July 2022.
Shortlisting will take place during week of 18 July 2022, with interviews taking place shortly afterwards.

For an informal chat to learn more about the role please contact Francesca Hollow director@museumofeastdorset.co.uk.

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter Oliverc@citrushr.com explaining:

1. What has attracted you to this role; and
2. Give examples of how your skills and previous experience make you a suitable candidate.

All applications should be received  by close of business on 15 July 2022.