Job Vacancy: National Trust Property Curator

The Heritage Partnerships Team is pleased to advertise a series of vacancies at the National Trust.

For further information and to apply for this post see the original advertisement here.


Vacancy Ref: IRC97214
 
Summary

Our remarkable collections are held across hundreds of properties and places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They include outstanding internationally important works of art and material culture such as paintings, sculptures, textiles, dress, decorative arts, furniture, books and libraries, as well as highly significant industrial, agricultural photographic, archaeological and archival collections.  We also care for places and landscapes that are carry with complex and fascinating histories.  We now have a number of exciting opportunities for Property Curators at some of our most internationally significant historic properties within England.

Our houses and collections are a fundamental part of our work and these new roles take a critical part in helping to care for, research and interpret these places and their collections.

To support some of our most internationally significant collections we need Property Curators to deliver an innovative approach to these high profile cultural destinations. While the properties are all unique, the role is to deliver a consistent approach of high standards of collections management and care across our most internationally significant historic properties.

 

What it's like to work here

We are looking for Property Curators at the following properties: 

The Vyne, Basingstoke https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne

Blickling, Norfolk https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate

Kedleston Hall, Derby https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kedleston-hall

Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick-hall

Tyntesfield, Bristol https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

Lacock, Wiltshire https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock-abbey-fox-talbot-museum-and-village

Kingston Lacy, Dorset https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Hilltop and the Beatrix Potter Gallery, Cumbria - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hill-top

We are inviting applications for no more than two properties per applicant. Please outline very clearly in your cover letter which property you would like to be considered for. If you do not specify a property, we may not be able to shortlist your application.

 

What you'll be doing

We aim to improve our collections care, deepen audience engagement with our collections and interiors, and diversify the appeal of our houses and collections through the high quality and innovative research, presentation and interpretation that we deliver.

Working as part of the Property Leadership team at your property, you will help to develop the vision for the house and garden in collaboration with the other members of the property leadership team.

You'll provide leadership to the collection and house team, developing a lively and engaging house experience, delivering high quality presentation, interpretation and collections care.

You will work with our consultancy teams who provide specialised expertise in geographical regions. You'll be responsible for all elements of the visitor experience programme at your property where it relates to the cultural assets within the property or portfolio.

This new role, provides a great opportunity for you to bring your expertise to help us deliver curatorial change at our internationally significant, museum quality collections at our internationally significant historic properties.

These operational roles will require the post-holder to be on site regularly and are based at the properties. At some of our properties, there may be an opportunity to live on site as a Key Representative, however this could be discussed at interview at individual sites.

 

Who we're looking for

As an experienced Curator, you'll be able to demonstrate where you have:

  • Strong knowledge in history, art and design history, architecture or related fields as relevant to each property, including a good understanding of diverse and inclusive histories

  • Experience of collaborative professional curatorship, including research skills

  • The ability to work collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver curatorial outcomes

  • Ability to be able to lead for innovative, inclusive and accessible histories and interpretation

  • An understanding of the needs of a wide range of different audiences, to deliver creative, accessible and layered content to reveal the meanings of collections and places to meet these needs

  • Team leadership skills, and the ability to effectively balance operational needs with effective coaching and mentoring

  • Excellent verbal and communication skills

  • Ability to undertake, lead on, interpret and respond to external and internal research, intelligence and analysis

  • Good business planning and organisational skills

  • Strong skills in advocacy and building partnerships with regional and national colleagues and partners

  • In-depth understanding and experience of working with historic collections and properties

  • Capability to undertake, lead on, interpret, and respond to external and internal research, intelligence, and analysis.

  • Relevant formal academic / professional / vocational qualifications in Art History, Museum Studies and related fields

 

Closing Date: 14th February 2021. Interview dates w/c 22nd February 2021

Please note that whilst 1st interviews will be conducted via video calls, 2nd stage interviews are likely to be required in person, at the property you apply to.

We only accept on-line applications. If you require a reasonable adjustment or other assistance to participate in the recruitment process, for example due to disability, please contact the Recruitment Team on 0370 240 0274

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre. 

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.


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