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- Tasks: Join our team as a National Curator, shaping research on plants and public history.
- Company: The National Trust is dedicated to preserving nature and heritage for everyone, forever.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, substantial pension, free entry to Trust places, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project that connects communities and promotes healing through green spaces.
- Qualifications: Strong interpersonal skills, project management experience, and a collaborative mindset are essential.
- Other info: This is a part-time role with opportunities for travel and engagement across various locations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We're looking for a part-time National Curator to join the National Trust on a fixed-term contract until September 2028. As part of our national curatorial team, you'll contribute to a ground-breaking partnership research project with the University of Bristol, INTO, and affiliate members. The project explores plants, gardens, and outdoor spaces as living histories, finding creative ways to share and memorialise these stories.
You'll collaborate with National Trust colleagues and external partners, both online and in person. This role involves connecting, enabling, and managing tasks and relationships, with opportunities to travel to offices, properties, and partner organisations to engage with stakeholders and carry out work. Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office. However, there is flexibility on where you’re based at other times. You’ll be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.
You’ll play a key role in shaping and delivering the research project Plants, Enslavement and Public History: Re-imagining green spaces as places of heritage and healing. Collaborating closely with lead researchers from the University of Bristol and INTO partners, you’ll help facilitate effective teamwork across the National Trust’s properties and departments. You’ll support the project by providing access to research materials and contributing to its overall goals.
As Project Curator, you’ll take responsibility for all property-based activities, including displays, exhibitions, and engagement events. You’ll ensure these are delivered successfully and evaluated, while also helping to share the project’s findings through publications and conferences.
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
- Influencing and interpersonal skills, with the ability to understand people, explain benefits, and support changes in practice and behaviour
- Ability to prioritise across multiple workstreams, considering subject areas and organisational priorities
- Collaborative approach to partnerships, creating mutual benefit both internally and externally
- Project management skills
- Experience in organising and presenting at workshops, seminars, and conferences
- Experience with publications in areas relevant to your specialism
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
National Curator employer: National Trust
Contact Detail:
National Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Curator
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the heritage and curatorial fields. Attend relevant workshops, seminars, or conferences where you can meet potential colleagues and partners. This will not only help you understand the current trends but also give you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the National Trust's projects and initiatives, especially those related to plants and public history. Understanding their current work will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your project management skills by volunteering for or leading small community projects related to heritage or environmental conservation. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your CV but also provide concrete examples to discuss in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your collaborative approach to partnerships. Think of specific examples where you've successfully worked with diverse teams or stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role. Highlighting these experiences will show that you can effectively manage relationships and drive mutual benefits.
We think you need these skills to ace National Curator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the National Curator position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in project management, collaboration, and public engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your influencing and interpersonal skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for heritage and healing through green spaces. Mention how your background aligns with the goals of the research project and your enthusiasm for working with diverse teams.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous experience in organising workshops, seminars, or conferences. Include details about publications or presentations that relate to the role's focus on plants and public history.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Trust
✨Understand the Project's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the research project 'Plants, Enslavement and Public History'. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with its goals, and think about creative ways you can contribute to sharing the stories of plants and gardens.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, highlight your experience in collaboration. Share specific examples of how you've successfully worked in teams or partnerships, and how you can facilitate effective teamwork across different departments.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your project management skills. Provide examples of past projects you've managed, focusing on how you prioritised tasks, met deadlines, and evaluated outcomes. This will show your ability to handle the responsibilities of a Project Curator.
✨Prepare for Questions on Inclusivity
The National Trust values diversity and inclusivity. Think about how you can contribute to creating an inclusive culture within the team. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of these values and how you've implemented them in previous roles.
