At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the care and access of a diverse art collection in a dynamic museum environment.
- Company: Join the British Museum's Prints and Drawings Department, a hub of historic and contemporary art.
- Benefits: Enjoy free exhibition entry, 25 days' leave, and exclusive private views.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career development in a prestigious cultural institution.
- Why this job: Work closely with iconic artworks and contribute to their preservation and accessibility.
- Qualifications: Organised, practical, and passionate about collections care and public engagement.
The predicted salary is between 29642 - 29642 £ 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, organized 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.
Assistant Collection Manager: Care & Access in London employer: British Museum
Contact Detail:
British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Collection Manager: Care & Access in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum sector, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the British Museum's collections and current exhibitions. Show us that you're genuinely interested in the role and the institution. Bring your passion for art and collections care to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Assistant Collection Manager, you'll be engaging with curators and the public. Role-play common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence and clarity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about joining our team at the British Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Collection Manager: Care & Access in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Collections Care: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for collections care and access. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest in working with artworks, especially those on paper.
Be Organised and Clear: We love a well-structured application! Make sure your CV and cover letter are easy to read and clearly outline your skills and experiences. Use bullet points where necessary to keep things tidy and straightforward.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the Assistant Collection Manager role. Mention specific responsibilities from the job description and how your background aligns with them.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place and is considered promptly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Know Your Collection
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's Prints and Drawings collection, especially the key artists mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss specific works or artists during your interview will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your organisational abilities, particularly in handling artworks and documentation. Think about past experiences where you successfully managed collections or projects, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, this is a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the department's current projects or future exhibitions. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Given the dynamic environment of a museum, practice how you would handle busy situations. Share examples of times you've remained professional and composed in high-pressure scenarios, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.