Administrator (part-time)

The British Museum; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free exhibition entry

27 days annual leave

Discounts at onsite catering and shops

Social and wellbeing perks

Employee Assistance Programme

Defined contribution pension scheme

Interest-free loans

Job summary

The British Museum is seeking an Administrator to support the BM Images licensing team, helping to make the collection accessible to media and creative professionals worldwide. Working with the BM Images Collections Manager, you will support content management, research, licensing and administrative activities that underpin the commercial image service.

This varied role offers exposure to image research, cataloguing, digital content management, customer service and licensing.

Qualifications

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and multitasking abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel; familiarity with databases.
• Interest in culture, heritage or the creative industries is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support cataloguing, keywording, quality checking and uploading images.
• Maintain data across databases and spreadsheets for accuracy.
• Perform image research and cataloguing for client enquiries and licensing needs.
• Assist with image licensing, processing orders and customer service.
• Monitor invoices and guide clients to online services; support content delivery.
• Provide administrative and project support across the BM Images team.

Skills

Organised

Attention to detail

Communication

Multitasking

Microsoft Excel

Adobe Photoshop

Data management

Team player

Tools

Excel (Advanced)

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Hybrid (at least 2 days per week on-site in Bloomsbury, London)

18-month fixed term contract

Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants.

This is a part-time role working 21.6 hours per week (0.6 FTE). To support flexibility while maintaining business continuity, the hours can be worked across either 4 or 5 days per week, with the working pattern agreed with the successful candidate. We welcome applications from candidates who are able to work their hours across either arrangement to ensure consistent service delivery throughout the week.

About the role

BM Images is seeking an Administrator to support the image licensing team and help make the British Museum’s collection accessible to media and creative professionals around the world. Working closely with the BM Images Collections Manager and wider team, you will support a range of content management, research, licensing and administrative activities that underpin the commercial image service.

This is a varied role offering exposure to image research, cataloguing, digital content management, customer service and commercial image licensing. You will contribute to the development of the image collection, support enquiries from clients, partners and agents and assist Account Managers with research and content requests, helping to deliver an effective and responsive service.

About you

This role would suit someone highly organised who is an adaptable team player with excellent attention to detail and strong communication skills. Comfortable managing multiple priorities, you will be able to multitask effectively, work accurately with data and maintain a high standard of administration in a busy environment. You will also be confident collaborating with colleagues, building positive relationships and handling information with discretion.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, is essential, along with a willingness to work confidently with spreadsheets and databases. Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop would be advantageous. This role will suit you if you have an interest in culture, heritage or the creative industries, a strong visual eye and an enthusiasm for learning new skills and contributing to a collaborative team.

Key areas of responsibility

• Support the cataloguing, keywording, quality checking and uploading of images and content to BM Images systems and the website.
• Maintain accurate data across databases and spreadsheets, ensuring content and metadata are complete, consistent and up to date.
• Conduct image research and cataloguing to support client enquiries, commercial requests, photography projects and the needs of Account Managers, partners and agents.
• Assist with image licensing activities, including responding to enquiries, processing orders, delivering content and supporting customer service activities.
• Monitor invoice payments, direct clients to appropriate online services and support the efficient delivery of images and licensing services.
• Provide administrative, reporting, research, marketing and project support across the BM Images team, including content development and newsletter activities.

At the British Museum Company, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That's why we've designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. You can read more about our benefits below:

• Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
• 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Discounts at onsite catering, Museum shops and local Bloomsbury partners.
• Social and wellbeing perks including employee parties, social clubs, and peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
• Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
• Defined contribution pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
• Interest‑free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.

Our Values

Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered:

• Care Deeply
• Embrace the Unknown
• Value Many Voices

These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.

At the British Museum Company, we are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process where every applicant has the opportunity to present their genuine strengths and experience in their own voice.

If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to [e-mail].

The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.