Assistant Registrar

Assistant Registrar

Full-Time 28520 - 32952 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage exciting loan projects for the V&A's world-renowned collection.
  • Company: Join the V&A, the leading museum of art and design.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, flexible working, and discounts at V&A shops.
  • Why this job: Make art accessible globally while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in exhibitions or collections management is essential.
  • Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive workplace culture.

The predicted salary is between 28520 - 32952 £ per year.

Salary £28,520 - £32,952

Location: Cromwell Road, London

This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in 15 days at 23:59 BST.

The Role

We are looking for two enthusiastic Assistant Registrars to join the Loans Section at the V&A. One role is being offered on a permanent basis, whilst the other role is being offered on a fixed term basis until 31 March 2028. This is a varied role where you will project manage a caseload of V&A short‑term loan projects to single and multi‑venue exhibitions throughout the world, including occasional very large‑scale loans of multiple objects to one exhibition. You will have responsibility for the V&A objects in transit and while at borrowing venues, ensuring risks are promptly identified and mitigated, and that the Museum’s collections management standards are thoroughly applied.

Ideally, you will have a Registrar, Exhibitions or Collections background with direct experience coordinating outgoing and/or incoming loans. Knowledge of the UK Government Indemnity Scheme, fine art insurance, museum object transport and outstanding negotiation skills are key for this role. You will demonstrate ability to prioritise a high workload and successful delivery to tight deadlines. A confident, articulate and persuasive communicator, you will develop close working relationships with colleagues across the Museum and external stakeholders.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the V&A's dynamic Loans team and contribute to making the V&A’s outstanding collection widely accessible, both in the UK and internationally.

Please note in your ‘supporting statement’ if you have a preference for the permanent or fixed‑term role, or whether you would like to be considered for both roles. Closing date for applications is 03 May 2026, with interviews expected to be on 12 and 13 May 2026.

The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.8 million objects, books and archives that span over 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum holds many of the UK’s national collections and houses some of the greatest resources for the study of architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture, painting, jewellery, glass, ceramics, book arts, Asian art and design, theatre and performance.

Our Mission Is To Be Recognised As The World’s Leading Museum Of Art, Design And Performance, And To Enrich People’s Lives By Promoting Research, Knowledge And Enjoyment Of The Designed World To The Widest Possible Audience. We Strive To Make The V&A Matter To More People And In That Context We Work To The Following Six Strategic Objectives:

  • To create a world class visitor and learning experience across all V&A sites and collections.
  • Focus and deepen the relevance of our collections to the UK creative and knowledge economy.
  • Expand the V&A's international reach, reputation and impact.
  • To operate with financial and organisational initiative and efficiency.
  • Showcase the best of digital design and deliver an outstanding digital experience.
  • Diversify and increase private and commercial funding sources.

The Benefits

  • Generous pension scheme
  • 29 days plus bank holidays
  • Flexible working
  • Tickets to V&A exhibitions
  • Subsidised staff canteen
  • 25% discount in V&A shops
  • Give as you earn scheme
  • Bicycle loan
  • Interest‑free season ticket
  • Interest‑free rental deposit loan
  • Free safety checks and small repairs to your bike with Doctor Bike
  • Wide range of training and professional development opportunities
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Staff diversity networks

ED&I at The V&A

The Disability Confident Employer scheme offers guaranteed interviews – Interviewing applicants with a disability who successfully evidence the essential criteria on a person specification and consider them on their abilities; Providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Making reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process so disabled job applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate that they can do the job. Supporting employees and adjustments during employment.

Assistant Registrar employer: V&A Museum of Childhood

The V&A is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of London. With generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, flexible working options, and extensive professional development opportunities, employees are empowered to grow and thrive. Joining the dynamic Loans team at the V&A not only allows you to contribute to the accessibility of world-class art and design but also provides a unique chance to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders in a globally renowned institution.
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Contact Detail:

V&A Museum of Childhood Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Registrar

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the V&A and its mission! Research their collections and recent exhibitions. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend industry events, or join relevant groups. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you articulate your experience and demonstrate your negotiation skills. Remember, confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the V&A team. Don’t forget to mention your preference for the role in your supporting statement!

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Registrar

Project Management
Collections Management
Negotiation Skills
Knowledge of UK Government Indemnity Scheme
Fine Art Insurance
Museum Object Transport
Risk Identification and Mitigation
Communication Skills
Ability to Prioritise Workload
Deadline Management
Relationship Building
Attention to Detail
Enthusiasm for Art and Design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight your relevant experience in managing loans and exhibitions. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!

Show Off Your Communication Skills: As a confident communicator, it’s important to demonstrate this in your application. Use clear and persuasive language to convey your ideas and experiences, as this will reflect your ability to build relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Highlight Your Project Management Experience: Since this role involves project management of loan projects, be sure to mention any relevant experience you have in this area. We’re looking for examples that show how you’ve successfully managed multiple tasks and met tight deadlines.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining the V&A team!

How to prepare for a job interview at V&A Museum of Childhood

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the UK Government Indemnity Scheme and fine art insurance. Familiarise yourself with the V&A's collections and their significance, as well as any recent exhibitions. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the museum.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experience coordinating loans or exhibitions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed risks and ensured compliance with collections management standards. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Assistant Registrar role.

✨Communicate Confidently

As a confident and articulate communicator, practice how you'll present your ideas clearly and persuasively. Think about how you can build rapport with colleagues and external stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your delivery.

✨Prioritise and Plan

Given the high workload and tight deadlines, think about how you manage multiple projects simultaneously. Prepare to discuss your time management strategies and how you prioritise tasks. This will reassure the interviewers that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Assistant Registrar
V&A Museum of Childhood
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