At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage temporary and long loan programmes, supporting exhibitions and gallery development.
- Company: Join the Natural History Museum, a leader in collections management and public engagement.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, discounts, and training opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to planetary health.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exhibitions while working with fascinating natural history collections.
- Qualifications: Experience in collections management and a passion for natural history.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced museum Registrar to support the management of our temporary and long loans programmes and offer support to the wider public programme, including exhibition and gallery development projects. Working with the Registrars team, you’ll deliver a suite of temporary exhibition loans to national and international partners, as well as administer the renewal and return of collections on long term loan to and from the museum, with support from the Senior Registrar – Exhibitions and Display.
You’ll also assist on an ad‑hoc basis with the development and delivery of our temporary exhibitions programme, bringing in loans of star specimens from external collaborators, and support the delivery of the NHM150 Gallery Redevelopment projects – the delivery of six new galleries in six years ahead of the Museum’s 150th anniversary in 2031. This is a varied role suited to someone with a firm understanding of Registrar practice and collections management principles within a museum environment.
You are practical, organised and keen to utilise your skills to work closely with natural history. With a strong interest in collections care and access, you understand the importance of careful handling, accurate documentation and best practice when delivering temporary exhibition and long loan projects. You are a confident team‑player and clear communicator, comfortable engaging with a wide range of people and remaining calm and professional in busy environments. You’ll bring hands‑on experience of the management and delivery of temporary exhibition and long loans projects, and you are motivated by working with a collection that addresses the planetary emergency.
Benefits:
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
- Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
- We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in‑house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi.
- Hybrid working: We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this than seeing first‑hand the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events.
Registrar – Exhibitions and Display employer: National History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where passion for natural history meets professional growth. With generous benefits including 27.5 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for skill development, employees are supported in their career journeys while contributing to meaningful projects that address global challenges. The museum's commitment to hybrid working and a vibrant staff community further enhances the experience, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a difference in the world of exhibitions and collections management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registrar – Exhibitions and Display
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the museum and exhibitions world! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with temporary exhibitions and long loans. We want to see how your practical skills can benefit their projects, so be ready to share specific examples of your past work!
✨Be Prepared for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Research the museum’s current exhibitions and future plans, especially around the NHM150 Gallery Redevelopment. We love candidates who show genuine interest and understanding of our mission and collections.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are excited about working with natural history and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Registrar – Exhibitions and Display
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Registrar role. Highlight your experience with collections management and temporary exhibitions, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for natural history shine through in your application. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely excited about working with our collections and contributing to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us process your application smoothly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at National History Museum
✨Know Your Collections
Familiarise yourself with the museum's collections and recent exhibitions. Being able to discuss specific pieces or projects shows your genuine interest and understanding of the role, which is crucial for a Registrar.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your organisational skills, especially in managing loans and documentation. Discuss how you've handled similar tasks in the past, as this will highlight your practical experience and suitability for the role.
✨Engage with Team Dynamics
Be ready to talk about your experience working in teams, particularly in busy environments. Share instances where you’ve collaborated effectively with colleagues or external partners, as teamwork is key in this role.
✨Show Passion for Natural History
Express your enthusiasm for natural history and collections care during the interview. This passion can set you apart, so be prepared to discuss why you’re motivated to work in this field and how it aligns with the museum's mission.
