Project Assistant – Derby Museums

Are you passionate about working with people and communities to unlock the potential of collections? Are you excited by the possibilities of co-production to re-think what a museum gallery can be? If the answer is yes, you may be exactly what we are looking for.

Our galleries have vast potential to tell fascinating stories that relate to and are developed with the widest possible audience. This project will broaden the voices and perspectives in our galleries, actively involving community partners and volunteers in decision-making. The project will produce significant change across two of our museum galleries and within our stores. The detail of this change will depend on the coproduction process and the ideas of those involved.

The Role

This role will support a project which will coproduce the redisplay of the Nature Gallery and Archaeology Gallery spaces at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

Role Purpose:

As part of the project team, you will support all aspects of administration of the activity, materials and equipment needed for the project, including the setting up, and managing of, a project lab and displays and activities both within Derby Museums and within local community settings. You will also work closely with an evaluator in the development and delivery of the project’s evaluation.

You will play a key part in supporting the collection and recording of data for, and the writing of reports to the Project Steering Group and others as required. This will involve financial reporting via the National Lottery Heritage Fund portal.

You will work collaboratively with and support the knowledge and skills development of volunteers supporting the project and work collaboratively with internal and external partners to enhance the care for and visibility of collections relating to archaeology and the natural world.

As a part of this role, we will support you with your ongoing professional development and work together to explore opportunities to develop your knowledge and practice.

The Person

You will be an excellent communicator and display high levels of enthusiasm and commitment. 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: £20,098 – £24,237 (pro rata)

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

Applications

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Laura Phillips – Head of Interpretation – or Sally Hawley – Head of Collections – via [email protected] or 01332 641901.

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 RCP/SH.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 11 February 2024 at 23:59. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 27 February 2024.

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

Interviews will be held at the Museum & Art Gallery, The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS.