Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access (Prints and Drawings)
Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access (Prints and Drawings)

Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access (Prints and Drawings)

Full-Time 29642 - 29642 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
THE BRITISH MUSEUM

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the care and access of a diverse collection of prints and drawings at the British Museum.
  • Company: Join the iconic British Museum and be part of a vibrant cultural institution.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free exhibition entry, generous leave, discounts, and wellness perks.
  • Other info: Dynamic museum environment with opportunities for professional growth and community support.
  • Why this job: Work with historic and contemporary artworks while making them accessible to the public.
  • Qualifications: Organised, practical, and passionate about collections care and teamwork.

The predicted salary is between 29642 - 29642 £ per year.

Full-time, 41 hours per week On-site in Bloomsbury, London Fixed term (until 31 December 2028) £29,642 per annum Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 26 May 2026

About the Role

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

Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access (Prints and Drawings) employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM

The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Bloomsbury, London, where you can engage with a world-renowned collection of art and history. As an Assistant Collection Manager, you'll benefit from generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that values diversity and employee wellbeing. With unique perks such as free exhibition access and discounts at local partners, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the care and accessibility of significant artworks while fostering your career in collections management.
THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Contact Detail:

THE BRITISH MUSEUM Recruiting Team

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! Connect with professionals in the museum sector through social media or local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable it is to have someone vouch for you or give you insider tips about the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for practical scenarios! Think about how you would handle artworks, document them, or manage a busy study room. Practising these scenarios can help you feel more confident and ready to impress during any assessments.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access (Prints and Drawings)

Collections Care
Documentation Skills
Art Handling
Customer Service
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Exhibition Preparation
Condition Monitoring
Packing and Installation
Public Engagement
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with collections care and access. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for working with artworks!

Show Off Your Communication Skills: As a confident team player, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to engage with curators, researchers, and the public. Use your application to share examples of how you’ve effectively communicated in busy environments – we love a clear communicator!

Highlight Your Organisational Skills: Being organised is key in this role, so make sure to mention any relevant experience you have in managing collections or handling artworks. We’re looking for someone who can keep everything in order while maintaining best practices.

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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at THE 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 projects in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain accurate documentation and your understanding of best practices in collections care. This will reassure them that you can handle the responsibilities of the role.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Be ready to ask insightful questions about the department's current projects or future exhibitions. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the museum's mission and engaging with curators and researchers.

✨Stay Calm Under Pressure

Since the role involves busy environments, practice staying composed while discussing your experiences. Share instances where you successfully managed stressful situations, demonstrating your ability to remain professional and effective in a dynamic setting.

Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access (Prints and Drawings)
THE BRITISH MUSEUM

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