Assistant Curator

the Design Museum; London; Hybrid; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits at a renowned institution for design enthusiasts! Join the Curatorial team as an Assistant Curator and play a pivotal role in shaping exhibitions that inspire and educate. This position offers a unique blend of research, project management, and collaboration with creative minds. You will have the chance to contribute to the development of exhibition content, engage with diverse audiences, and support the museum's mission of inclusivity. If you're passionate about design and eager to make a difference, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

25 Days Holiday

Christmas Eve Off

Hybrid Work Arrangement

Qualifications

• Experience in contributing to exhibitions or displays.
• Ability to manage complex information effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist in curatorial research and development for exhibitions.
• Coordinate loan agreements and project administration.

Skills

Project Management

Curatorial Research

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Relevant Work Experience

Study in Art or Design

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for two highly organised and self-motivated individuals with a passion for design to join the museum’s Curatorial team as Assistant Curators, on a 12-month contract.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals from the global majority, in recognition of the value of lived experience in shaping inclusive and representative curatorial work.

Job scope

The Assistant Curators play an important role in providing curatorial support in the development, documentation, and research of upcoming exhibitions. Reporting to a Curator, the role will involve working closely with colleagues across the museum, assisting curators in delivering major exhibitions. Within this fixed-term role, Assistant Curators may be assigned to work on one or several exhibition projects, depending on the exhibition programme schedule.

Job Description

Curatorial research and development

• Research, develop and manage exhibition content, working under the direction and support of the Curator.
• Assist the Curator with compiling and maintaining object lists for exhibitions and displays.
• Drafting and editing of exhibition interpretation, from labels to catalogue text.
• Presenting ideas and curatorial narratives, with the ability to adapt communication styles for different audiences.
• Update project documentation, ensuring that all relevant updates are accessible for all members of the team.
• Lead on image research to compile list for clearance and display.
  
  

Loan research and administration

• Follow-up approaches to exhibitors and lenders to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Coordinate the administration of Loan Agreements and Condition reports with the Curator and members of the Exhibitions team.
• Acting as a project administrator, including scheduling meetings, planning agendas, minute taking and following up on action points.
  
  

Support to curator and department

• Act as liaison when the Curator is not present/available.
• Liaise with the exhibition design teams as necessary.
• Take part in departmental and cross-departmental meetings relating to the operation of the museum.
• Respond to general requests and enquiries for the Curatorial team.
• Work with other members of the team in minuting departmental meetings and plan monthly exhibition visits.
• Support curator and project team to collate information for touring exhibitions.
• Assist with installations and de-installations (when necessary).
• Act as a spokesperson for exhibitions (for media/press etc.), including press briefings, press previews and ongoing interviews.
  
  

Person specification

Essential

Knowledge, skills, and experience

• Demonstrable, relevant learning from work experience, study or external interest which can be applied to the role of an Assistant Curator.
• A track record of having contributed to displays and/or exhibitions or equivalent experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively and confidently, both in writing and verbally, with colleagues and external contacts.
• Demonstrable skills in project management and planning work to meet agreed standards, deadlines, and budgets.
• Ability to compile and organise substantial amounts of complex information.
  
  

Salary: £25,970 per annum

Holidays: 25 days + Christmas eve (museum closed)

Hours: 35 hours per week / 5 days per week

Location: Design Museum Kensington is the place of work, with a hybrid arrangement of 60% of an employee’s role to be performed at the museum and 40% remote

Closing date: Sunday, 25 May 2025, midnight

Interviews: w/c 02 June 2025

Application process

For all the latest job vacancies at the Design Museum, please visit our Careers page to apply via our online portal: https://careers.designmuseum.org/vacancies

If you encounter any issues while completing your application, please email [e-mail] before the vacancy closing date. We will be in touch as soon as possible; (please note the inbox is monitored Monday-Friday).