Job: Exhibitions Assistant, Victoria and Albert Museum

Exhibitions Assistant, Victoria and Albert Museum
Deadline: 19 March, 2013

Purpose of the Job
To assist with the preparation and implementation of V&A temporary exhibitions, including UK and international tours. To provide support to the Exhibition Co-ordinators, the Senior Exhibitions Co-ordinators and other managers in the team.

Main Duties
Work closely with and assist the Exhibitions Co-ordinators on temporary exhibitions at the V&A and touring exhibitions. Deputise when required for Exhibitions Co-ordinators and take sole responsibility for occasional smaller projects as necessary.
Develop, compile, check, update and circulate object Lists, liaising with the Exhibition Curator/Exhibitions Co-ordinator as required.
Assist Exhibitions Co-ordinators with correspondence and negotiation for incoming loans from private and institutional lenders.
Correspond as required with UK and international borrowers of V&A touring exhibitions. Assist with practical arrangements for exhibition tours including packing, transportation, installation and courier schedules. Assist with the process of seeking venues for V&A exhibitions.
Assist Exhibitions Co-ordinators with raising purchase orders and invoices and with tracking payments; seek best value for money and work within the parameters of the budget.
Liaise with Exhibition Designers as necessary, ensuring that all project team members have the relevant and correct information needed.
Liaise with appointed transport agents on all transport/packing arrangements as necessary. Assist with drawing up detailed transport schedules.
Make indemnity / insurance arrangements for incoming or outgoing objects.
Assist with the editing and proof-reading of texts, including label copy, information panels, press releases, gallery guides, etc.
Assist with arrangements for conservation of V&A objects, and external loan objects as necessary; liaise with Collections, Conservation, and Technical Services; prepare and monitor schedules to ensure programmes are completed on time and objects are handled, tracked and moved safely; agree, schedule and requisition condition reporting procedures and documentation with Conservation Liaison Officer.
Assist with arrangements for photography of V&A objects, and external loan objects as necessary; liaise with curatorial collections, the photography studio and the art handling department; prepare and monitor schedules to ensure programmes are completed on time and objects are handled, tracked and moved safely.
Assist Exhibitions Co-ordinators, Curators and Publishers to research and collate object and contextual images, using digital hardware and software as necessary.
Assist with the installation and dismantling of temporary exhibitions at the V&A and as a courier at venues in the UK or overseas; supervise security, contractors and object handlers; record movement and location of objects.
Promote equality and diversity in all aspects of your work by developing and maintaining positive working relationships, ensuring that colleagues are treated fairly and with respect/dignity and actively contributing to developments that support the museum’s strategy for widening access, inclusion and diversity.
Carry out other ad-hoc duties as required by Exhibition Co-ordinators, Senior Exhibitions Co-ordinators, and other managers in the department.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

A degree in History of Art, History or other relevant essay-based subject.
Proven experience of working in a museum environment appropriate to the role.
Strong evidence of a commitment to, and enthusiasm for, organising exhibitions in a museum environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to deal diplomatically with a wide range of people at varying levels inside and outside the Museum and from different cultures and backgrounds.
Experience of project-based work with delivery to a specific deadline and budget whilst observing best practice and procedures, combined with an understanding of the principles and skills necessary for good project management.
A self-motivator who can work equally well individually and as part of a team.
A broad understanding of collections management issues and a demonstrable ability in the handling of museum objects.
Proven ability to write in clear English and proof-read; numeracy skills.
Excellent organisational and administrative skills and ability to multi-task.
Proven ability to pay attention to detail whilst working on more than one project at the same time.
A flexible and positive approach to all aspects of the job and the ability to remain calm and deal courteously with people whilst working under pressure. A high level of initiative and common sense in problem solving and dealing with difficult situations.
An interest in working with UK and overseas partners and a willingness to travel.
Proficiency in the use of word processing and database packages such as Word, Filemaker Pro, Excel, Microsoft Project and Photoshop.

Desirable Requirements

Direct experience of working on a temporary exhibition project.
Awareness of and active interest in the V&A’s regional and international profile.
Experience of working with fine art transport agents and exhibition designers.
Experience or understanding of copyright issues.
A foreign language.

To apply
To apply online, please go to the V&A’s website at www.vam.ac.uk/jobs

Closing Date for applications: midnight Tuesday 19 March 2013
Interview Dates: Wednesday 10, Thursday 11 and Friday 12 April 2013

Further information: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/jobs/apply/