At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the care and access of a diverse collection of prints and drawings.
- Company: Join the British Museum's dynamic Prints and Drawings Department.
- Benefits: Enjoy free exhibition entry, generous leave, and social perks.
- Other info: Great opportunities for learning, development, and career growth.
- Why this job: Work with iconic artworks and contribute to their preservation and accessibility.
- Qualifications: Practical, organised, and passionate about collections care.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
This is a hands‑on opportunity to work in the British Museum’s Prints and Drawings Department, supporting the care, access and movement of a collection that covers the period from 1400 to today. As Assistant Collection Manager, you will help ensure works on paper are safely stored, documented, displayed and made accessible for study, loans and exhibitions. The role combines study room supervision, loans and display work, storage projects and some courier activity in a dynamic museum environment.
About you
You are practical, organised and keen to work closely with artworks, with a strong interest in collections care and access. You understand the importance of careful handling, accurate documentation and best practice when working with works on paper. A confident team‑player and clear communicator, you are comfortable engaging with curators, researchers and the public, and remain calm and professional in busy environments. Whether you bring prior museum experience or are developing your career in collections management, you are motivated by working with a collection that bridges historic and contemporary art.
Key areas of responsibility
- Supply and supervise objects for the Study Room, providing a welcoming and professional service to researchers and visitors
- Support the movement, packing, installation and display of works on paper for galleries, storage, loans and exhibitions
- Assist with loans and touring exhibitions, including acting as a UK or international courier
- Monitor the security and condition of objects in storage, transit and on display, always following best practice
- Maintain accurate collection documentation, including location tracking, condition reports and photography
- Support collections audits, mount‑making, and wider Care & Access projects across the department
Benefits
- Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
- Discounts at onsite catering, Museum shops and local Bloomsbury partners.
- Social and wellbeing perks including staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
- Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
- Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
- Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
- Eyecare vouchers for VDU tests and contributions toward glasses.
- Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- Support for carers through Employers for Carers.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme with a secure, inflation‑linked defined benefit.
- Interest‑free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.
All positions are subject to the British Museum’s recruitment and equality policies.
Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access (Prints and Drawings) employer: British Museum
The British Museum offers a unique and enriching work environment for the Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access role, where you will engage with an extraordinary collection of prints and drawings spanning centuries. With a strong commitment to employee development, the museum provides extensive benefits including generous annual leave, professional training opportunities, and a supportive culture that values diversity and wellbeing. Working in this iconic institution not only allows you to contribute to the preservation and accessibility of art but also to be part of a vibrant community dedicated to cultural education and engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access (Prints and Drawings)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the British Museum and its collections! Familiarise yourself with the Prints and Drawings Department, especially the artists and works mentioned in the job description. This will help you engage confidently during interviews and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend museum events, or join relevant groups. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical scenarios! Think about how you would handle artworks, manage documentation, or assist with exhibitions. Practising these scenarios can help you feel more confident and ready to impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the British Museum!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access (Prints and Drawings)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Art:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for prints and drawings shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about working with artworks from both historic and contemporary artists.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:Highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail in your application. We value candidates who understand the importance of accurate documentation and careful handling of works on paper.
Communicate Clearly:Since this role involves engaging with curators, researchers, and the public, make sure your application reflects your communication skills. We appreciate clear and professional language that shows you can connect with a variety of audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the British Museum’s Prints and Drawings Department.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Know Your Collection
Familiarise yourself with the Prints and Drawings collection, especially key artists like Michelangelo and contemporary figures like Andy Warhol. Being able to discuss specific works or exhibitions will show your genuine interest and knowledge during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed collections or similar projects in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain accurate documentation and your understanding of best practices in collections care, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Be ready to communicate clearly and confidently. Practice answering questions about your experience with public engagement and teamwork, as you'll need to interact with curators, researchers, and visitors regularly.
✨Show Your Passion for Art
Express your enthusiasm for both historic and contemporary art. Share why you’re motivated to work in a dynamic museum environment and how you can contribute to the care and access of the collection.
