At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Curator in developing and promoting the Devonshire Collections through engaging activities.
- Company: Join the Chatsworth House Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving heritage and fostering community.
- Benefits: Enjoy free entry to events, competitive leave, wellness programmes, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working considered; vibrant learning environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on one of the UK's most significant art collections while growing your curatorial skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant subject and experience in museum or historic house environments.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 € per year.
An exceptional opportunity awaits someone keen to develop their curatorial career within our friendly Collections at Chatsworth, working on one of the most significant Collections in this country. In this role, you will support the Curator to achieve agreed curatorial objectives, offering your curatorial expertise across the collections to a diverse audience including colleagues, the Cavendish Family, and other cultural professionals. You will respond to collection-related enquiries and oversee and chaperone collection researchers and visitors as needed.
Guided by the Curator, you will actively develop and support the creation and delivery of a range of access activities. These will include publications, lectures, events, partnerships and more with the aim of raising the profile and maximising the reach of the Devonshire Collections. A specialism or demonstrable interest in prints, drawings and paintings may be advantageous.
A central aspect of this role involves the documentation and the creation of high-quality records on the Collections Management Database (Emu-col). In this role, you will play an instrumental part in the drive to create a step-change in the pace and quality of cataloguing and future shaping of the collections. This is a full-time 12-month fixed-term position due to a period of maternity leave within the curatorial team. Working Monday to Friday, however, flexibility is required to attend occasional out of hours events, meetings, exhibitions and courier duties (UK and overseas).
Qualifications:
- Degree in a relevant subject.
- Excellent knowledge and experience of documentation issues and collections care standards.
- Experience of working in a museum or historic house environment.
- Experience of Collection Management Systems and excellent IT skills.
- Object handling experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
You must be willing to undergo a Basic Disclosure and ideally have a full driving license.
Benefits:
- Working in the beautiful surroundings of Chatsworth House and the Derbyshire Estate.
- Excellent personal development and career opportunities.
- Free entry to the Chatsworth and Bolton Abbey Estates, in addition to the Chatsworth Country Fair and many other events.
- Membership of the Life Assurance Scheme.
- Competitive annual leave (and opportunity to buy more).
- Free on-site parking.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Wellness calendar of events.
- Subsidised sports massage.
- Discount in our retail, catering and hotel establishments.
- Annual staff and children's parties.
Our core values include "Being Inclusive" and we particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates who are currently under-represented. We also welcome applicants from the LGBTQ+ community. Requests for flexible working will always be considered.
Assistant Curator, Devonshire Collections (fixed-term) employer: The Devonshire Group
Chatsworth House Trust offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring curators to develop their careers in a supportive and vibrant environment. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, the Trust provides excellent personal development opportunities, competitive benefits, and a unique chance to work with one of the UK's most significant art collections amidst the stunning backdrop of the Derbyshire Estate. The inclusive work culture encourages diversity and flexibility, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Curator, Devonshire Collections (fixed-term)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the curatorial field, 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
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the Devonshire Collections shine through. Share your ideas on how you could contribute to their goals and make an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the collections and the history of Chatsworth. Be ready to discuss specific pieces that interest you and how they relate to your experience. This will show that you're genuinely invested in the role.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the team at Chatsworth and contributing to the amazing work being done.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Curator, Devonshire Collections (fixed-term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Curator role. Highlight your relevant experience in curatorial work, especially with prints, drawings, and paintings, to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the Devonshire Collections shine through! Share any personal projects or experiences that demonstrate your love for art and collections management. We want to see your genuine interest!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see how your skills match what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Chatsworth.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Devonshire Group
✨Know Your Collections
Before the interview, dive deep into the Devonshire Collections. Familiarise yourself with key pieces, their history, and significance. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Curatorial Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences related to curatorial work. Highlight any specific projects where you've contributed to documentation or collections management. Be ready to share how your skills can help enhance the quality of cataloguing at Chatsworth.
✨Engage with the Audience
Since this role involves interacting with a diverse audience, think about how you would communicate complex information in an accessible way. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged different groups in the past, whether through events, lectures, or publications.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and object handling experience. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage challenges in a museum or historic house environment, and be prepared to discuss how you approached those situations.
