Museum Assistant in City of Westminster

The role will be a key part of the department's team and will report to the Head of Museum. The Museum Assistant contributes to the development, documentation, and accessibility of the Museum of Freemasonry's collection knowledge. Working as part of the Collections Support Team, the postholder facilitates collection documentation, care, research, digitisation, and interpretation, helping transform the Museum's collections into knowledge that can be shared through exhibitions, digital resources, and research services. Working under the direction of the Head of Museum, the postholder contributes to the successful delivery of collections, research, interpretation, and public engagement programmes, while supporting the Museum's commitment to improving access to the Museum's Collection. The role combines collections management with public engagement, supporting the Museum's ambition to make its collections accessible, relevant, and engaging for members, researchers, and the wider public through both physical and digital experiences.

Collection Documentation

• Create, maintain and update digital and paper records for objects in the museum's collection.
• Accession and catalogue objects using the museum's collections management system.
• Maintain accurate, consistent, and informative collections records in accordance with Museum procedure and professional standards.
• Assist with collection audits, inventory checks, and location control.
• Contribute to collections documentation in accordance with SPECTRUM standards and the Museum's Accreditation requirements.
• Apply documentation procedures consistently and improve collections data quality.
• Assist with the administration and documentation of acquisitions and accordance with the Museum's approved Collections Development and Acquisitions Policies.

Digitisation and Photography

• Create digital photographs of collection objects.
• Upload and maintain digital images and associated metadata within the collections database.
• Carry out basic image editing tasks, including cropping and file management.
• Support departmental digitisation projects to improve access to the museum's collections.
• Support the development of digital content for the Museum's website, online collections, and interpretation.

Collections Care

• Support the implementation of collections care and preservation programmes.
• Label, pack and prepare objects for storage, display, and transport, and assist with the practical administration and delivery of loans. Follow best practice in object handling and collections storage.
• Monitor environmental conditions and collection storage areas.
• Support the safe movement of collection objects when required.
• Assist with the maintenance of permanent displays.
• Carry out regular Environmental Visual Inspections (EVA's)
• Assist with integrated environmental monitoring programmes.

Collections Knowledge

• Undertake research to improve collection documentation, interpretation, and understanding of the Museum's collection.
• Answer routine enquiries about the collection received by telephone, email or in person.
• Contribute content for object labels, online collections records and other interpretive materials where appropriate.
• Support access to the collections for researchers, volunteers and other users.
• Assist with public tours, object handling sessions, and other activities that improve access to the collections.
• Contribute to improving catalogue records and related collections information through ongoing research and documentation.

Interpretation and Public Engagement

• Assist with the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions and displays.
• Support the preparation and delivery of exhibitions and displays, including object selection, movement, and display preparation.
• Support colleagues in making the collections accessible and engaging to audiences.
• Create and contribute content for the museum's social media channels, including Facebook, X, Instagram and other relevant platforms.
• Support the promotion of collections, exhibitions, events and projects through social media and digital engagement activities.
• Assist with evaluating visitor engagement and gathering feedback to inform future exhibitions and programmes.

Project Delivery

• Contribute to departmental programmes and defined collections, interpretation, and digitisation projects.
• Assist with special projects and partnership initiative, monitoring progress against agreed work plans and report on project delivery.

Full time (35 hours per week with weekend and occasional evenings as required by the Museum's operational calendar) Monday to Friday

Experience and Requirements

• Experience working with museum collections in an accredited museum or similar heritage environment through employment, placement, or significant volunteering.
• Experience using, or ability to learn, museum collection management systems.
• Experience supporting exhibitions or public engagement activities.
• Experience creating digital content, photography, or interpretation for public audiences.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work accurately with collections information.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to record information accurately and undertake data entry tasks.
• Interest in museums, heritage and collections management.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for researching collections and improving knowledge of the Museum collections.
• Proficiency in using social media platforms, including Facebook, X and other relevant channels, for communication and audience engagement.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience working in a museum, archive library, or heritage environment.
• Understanding of museum loans and exhibition logistics.
• Knowledge of collection care principles, environmental monitoring, and pest management.
• Experience of working in a customer-focused environment.
• Awareness of museum documentation procedures and SPECTRUM standards.
• Awareness of acquisitions, inventory control, and object marking procedures.
• Experience undertaking research using primary and secondary sources.
• Experience creating content for websites, social media, or other digital platforms.
• Interest in interdisciplinary collections research and interpretation.

The Museum of Freemasonry was established in 1838 and holds a collection of books, objects and archives relating to freemasonry and other friendly and fraternal societies. Initially a resource for members of the United Grand Lodge of England, it opened to the public in the mid-1980s and registered as a charitable trust in 1997. It is a tri-domain collection, with items categorised in three dedicated areas: Library, Museum and Archives. The collection is located within the Grade II listed Freemasons' Hall, built 1927-1933 and holds full Arts Council England Accredited Status.

Our unique resources include archives relating to the social, economic and administrative development of freemasonry in England, Wales and overseas from the early 17th century. The archives team also care for the Museum's Print and Document Collections, films, records created by the Masonic charities, research papers of individuals and esoteric organisations.

Competitive salary (subject to experience) plus the following benefits package:

Benefits

• Private Medical cover
• Pension (3.5% employee & 9% employer contributions - increasing to 12%)
• Free Life Assurance
• Holiday (25 days increasing to 30 days)
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Gym membership (subsidised)
• Health and Wellbeing Benefits
• Flexible working