Curator of Social History in Glasgow

Curator of Social History in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Glasgow Life

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Research and document social history, develop engaging public programming and displays.
  • Company: Glasgow Life, a unique charity dedicated to improving lives in Glasgow.
  • Benefits: 30 days holiday, pension scheme, mental health support, and discounts on local services.
  • Other info: Flexible work environment with strong commitment to diversity and career development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by showcasing diverse histories and engaging with the community.
  • Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in museum collections and community advocacy.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We believe everyone deserves a great Glasgow life and that starts with the people who work here. Glasgow Life is a charity like no other. Our vision is to improve the lives of everyone in our city. To help us achieve that, we are looking for a Curator (Social History) to join our Museums and Collections team.

What you need to know

  • Contract type: Permanent
  • Location: Hybrid. You will spend part of your week at home, and part of your week in one of our offices.

What you’ll do

As a Curator (Social History), you will be part of an established team, reporting to the Senior Curator. You will play an essential role in researching and documenting the Social History collection and developing content for public programming. You will develop and manage the delivery of displays, publications, and other collections related projects. Glasgow Life Museums has a substantial collection relating to the history of Glasgow and the surrounding region that reflects the daily lives of the city’s inhabitants and Glasgow’s political and civic history. It offers opportunities to highlight themes of colonialism, disability, and LGBTQ+ histories, which have shaped the lives of Glaswegians. The successful candidate will contribute to our legacies of slavery and empire initiatives and help foreground the diverse experiences of Glasgow’s communities.

Who you are

  • A degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area
  • Experience of using museum collections for research, learning and public engagement
  • Experience in working with and advocating for communities as part of displays, exhibitions, and public programmes

What we offer

At Glasgow Life, our work changes lives. As a charity, we bring communities together and support wellbeing through sport, culture, heritage, and learning. We support you to live a great life. Inside and outside of work. Some of our benefits include:

  • Holiday: When you join, you’ll get 30 days’ holiday. Plus 6.5 public holidays if you’re full-time. This increases to 35 days after 5 years of service.
  • Pension: Join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – a Defined Benefit scheme that provides you with a secure pension for later life.
  • Support: Sometimes we all need support and a listening ear. Our free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme can support your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
  • Discounts: As a colleague, you can enjoy discounts on the things you love, from Glasgow Club memberships to our museum shops and our online store. We are also part of the cycle-to-work scheme, helping you stay active.
  • Flexibility and development: We are proud of our flexible and inclusive work policies, which help you balance work and life. We also offer support for learning, development and career progression.

Diversity and Fair Work at Glasgow Life

We’re working to build a team that reflects the rich diversity of Glasgow’s communities — where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to be their full, authentic selves at work. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident and Carer Positive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We’re also committed to Fair Work First principles, including effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect for all our staff. We’re working hard to address underrepresentation in our workforce. We especially welcome applications from people with disabilities and from ethnic minority communities.

Curator of Social History in Glasgow employer: Glasgow Life

At Glasgow Life, we are dedicated to improving the lives of everyone in our city, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about social history and community engagement. Our hybrid work model promotes flexibility, while our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in generous holiday allowances, a supportive pension scheme, and access to mental health resources. We foster a diverse and inclusive work culture that values every individual, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a charity that truly makes a difference.

Glasgow Life

Contact Details:

Glasgow Life Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Curator of Social History in Glasgow

Get Involved Locally

Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Glasgow Life.

Tap into Professional Networks

Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Glasgow Life.

Showcase Your Commitment

When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Glasgow Life.

Utilise Online Platforms

We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Glasgow Life. Apply directly through us to stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Curator of Social History in Glasgow

Research Skills
Documentation Skills
Content Development
Public Engagement
Community Advocacy
Exhibition Design
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Glasgow Life. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.

Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Curator of Social History, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.

Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at Glasgow Life

Show Your Passion for Social Change

When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Glasgow Life. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.

Highlight Project Experience

We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.

Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices

Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!