At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Curator in managing art collections and delivering exciting exhibitions.
- Company: Queen's University Belfast, a vibrant hub for contemporary art.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a supportive environment with a focus on equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art.
- Qualifications: Passion for art, organisational skills, and relevant experience in a cultural setting.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 € per year.
Overview
Gallery and Collections Assistant, Civic Engagement and Strategic Communications (25/112909)
Duration: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
The Naughton Gallery at Queen’s is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Gallery and Collections Assistant to support the Curator & Collections Manager in the care and management of the University’s art collection, as well as the planning and delivery of the Gallery’s dynamic exhibitions and events programme.
This role plays a key part in the day-to-day operations of the Gallery, including providing essential clerical and administrative support, assisting with exhibition installations, populating the gallery website, and ensuring a welcoming and professional environment for visitors. The post holder will also take responsibility for supervising the Naughton Gallery space, maintaining its presentation standards and supporting public engagement initiatives.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for contemporary art and the ability to demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative skills in a vibrant gallery setting.
Responsibilities
- Provide clerical and administrative support to the Curator & Collections Manager.
- Assist with exhibition installations and gallery presentation.
- Populate and maintain content on the gallery website.
- Ensure a welcoming and professional environment for visitors.
- Supervise the Gallery space, maintain presentation standards, and support public engagement initiatives.
About the person
We are looking for a well-organised, proactive individual with a keen interest in contemporary art and experience in a gallery, museum, or similar cultural setting.
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs (including English & Maths) or NVQ Level 2 in Administration; degree-level education preferred in Visual Arts, History of Art, Museum Studies or similar.
- At least one year’s relevant experience, including clerical support, liaising with artists and suppliers, processing invoices, and customer service.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with museum software (e.g. MODES) and web/content management systems desirable.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; confident dealing with a range of audiences.
- Organised, flexible, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Willing to occasionally work evenings or weekends to support gallery events.
To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.
What we offer
Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at the University website.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Queen’s University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks and have established staff networks to progress equality. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit the University Diversity page.
Gallery and Collections Assistant Queen\'s University Belfast employer: Artscouncil Ni
Queen's University Belfast is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within the arts. As a Gallery and Collections Assistant, you will benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises employee wellbeing, professional development, and work-life balance, alongside an attractive benefits package including generous holiday entitlement and pension schemes. This role not only allows you to engage with contemporary art but also provides opportunities for meaningful public engagement and personal growth in a prestigious academic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gallery and Collections Assistant Queen\'s University Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the gallery! Before your interview, spend some time exploring the Naughton Gallery and its exhibitions. This will not only show your genuine interest in contemporary art but also give you talking points during your conversation with the Curator & Collections Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend events or openings at the gallery and engage with staff and visitors. Building connections can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a recommendation when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects or tasks in previous roles. Being able to demonstrate your ability to juggle multiple responsibilities will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your passion for art! During interviews, share what contemporary art means to you and how it inspires your work. This personal touch can really resonate with the hiring team and show that you're the right fit for the gallery.
We think you need these skills to ace Gallery and Collections Assistant Queen\'s University Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Art:When writing your application, let your love for contemporary art shine through! Share any experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm and knowledge in this area. We want to see how you connect with the role and the gallery's mission.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your organisational and administrative skills, as well as any relevant experience in a gallery or cultural setting. This helps us see why you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Queen’s University Belfast.
How to prepare for a job interview at Artscouncil Ni
✨Know Your Art
Make sure you brush up on contemporary art and the specific exhibitions at the Naughton Gallery. Being able to discuss recent shows or artists will show your passion and knowledge, which is crucial for this role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. This could be from previous jobs or even volunteer work. Highlighting your organisational prowess will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Technology
Since the role involves using Microsoft Office and possibly museum software, it’s a good idea to mention any relevant experience you have. If you’ve worked with content management systems before, be ready to discuss that too!
✨Engage with the Audience
Think about how you would create a welcoming environment for visitors. Prepare to share ideas on public engagement initiatives or how you would handle visitor interactions, as this is a key part of the role.
