Monday, May 5, 2014

University of Edinburgh Exhibitions Officer


Vacancy Ref: :029055Closing Date :07-May-2014
Contact Person :Neil LebeterContact Number :0131 651 1794
Contact Email :neil.lebeter@ed.ac.uk
Job Title: CRC Exhibitions Officer (Fixed -term, part-time post)

Location: Central Edinburgh

Salary: £20,972 to £24,289 per annum (pro rata for 21 hours per week)

The University of Edinburgh seeks a creative, dynamic and experienced individual to develop and deliver our collections-based temporary exhibitions programmes in the Main Library Exhibition Gallery and other associated display spaces. University Collections is a rich and stimulating environment which includes special collections, archives, art collections and musical instrument museums as well as many other museum-based teaching and research collections. Working with such a varied range of collections and projects, the job pivots on excellent organisational and communication skills and involves working with a wide range of academic and creative partners.

A keen eye for detail and flair for presentation within a busy exhibition timetable and installation schedules are essential. You will support and actively contribute to the University Collections Exhibitions Panel, therefore excellent administrative skills are important.

The post will also support the department’s volunteer and placement programme, so you will work closely with student volunteers and interns as required.

This is a part-time fixed-term post for 2.5 years.

Closing date: Wednesday 7 May 2014 at 5pm.
Further Particulars

1. Job Details

Job title: CRC Exhibitions Officer

School/Support Department: Library & University Collections

Unit: Museums

Line manager: Head of Museums


2. Job Purpose

To assist in the effective development and delivery of a temporary Exhibitions Programme for University Collections within the exhibition spaces of the University Main Library.



3. Main Responsibilities


1. To provide support for the temporary Exhibitions Programme by facilitating the work of the University Collections Exhibitions Panel; scheduling and administering Panel meetings; collating exhibition proposals documentation; assisting with developing exhibition ideas; overseeing University Collections exhibitions database. (Approx % of time 50%) 

2. To assist in the delivery of exhibitions by planning for and carrying out a variety of co-ordination duties relating to the practical installation, operation and de-installation phases of the Exhibitions Programme including working with curatorial, technical and other University staff and external contractors, as well as activity related to exhibitions publicity, contractual arrangements, travel and transportation itineraries, and events organisation/co-ordination; to collate and file exhibitions documentation; to assist with handling exhibitions-related enquiries. (Approx % of time 40%) 

3. To undertake duties during exhibitions by working with Main Library colleagues in CRC Reception, IS Helpdesk and ML Forum Reception to ensure the exhibition spaces are well presented for visitors including, restocking interpretive and promotional material as appropriate; handling routine enquiries; liaising with CRC curators and IS Facilities and IT colleagues as appropriate on routine exhibition maintenance tasks. (Approx % of time 8%)

4. To undertake any other administrative duties relating to exhibitions as directed by the Head of Museums or other senior curatorial staff as appropriate. (Approx % of time 2%)



4. Planning and Organising

The day-to-day activities of the postholder will be directed and supervised by the Head of Museums or senior CRC staff as appropriate. Day-to-day priorities will be influenced by the current stage of the exhibitions planning cycle or installation schedule. For example, in the exhibitions planning period, the postholder will work in close liaison with the Exhibitions Panel, while in the installation phase, the postholder will work co-ordinating curatorial, academic and technical colleagues and contractors.


5. Problem Solving

The postholder will deal capably with any routine issues which may arise, and address any organisational or co-ordination issues as they arise. Any unusual issues will be raised with the Museums Development Manager. The postholder will use his or her own initiative to source appropriate suppliers of exhibition-related materials and services, to allocated budgets and within exhibition lead-times. The postholder will refer to policies and procedures developed internally, as well as employ best practice and uphold appropriate professional curatorial standards.



6. Decision Making

Primarily, responsibility for decision-making within the exhibition spaces lies with senior CRC staff however the postholder is required to organise priorities as matters arise and deadlines are imposed. The postholder will work to the Head of Museums within existing procedures, but will be expected to use his or her own initiative to suggest improvements to these procedures in order to ensure best practice and maximization of resources and make planning decisions in the course of his or her daily work. 


7. Key Contacts/Relationships 

Colleagues in the Centre for Research Collections (CRC) and University Collections

University of Edinburgh staff especially: IS division, IS Helpdesk, CRC Reception, ML Forum Reception, Estates and Buildings, University Security, Communication and Marketing, and Edinburgh First

Volunteers and interns

Other museums, galleries and collections, especially the Talbot Rice Gallery 

General public, organised groups as visitors to the exhibition spaces

External contractors, exhibition specialists, conservators, suppliers



8. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed for the Job


Experience

Essential

Experience within the museums and galleries sector

Experience of staff supervision 

Experience working in a project management environment

Experience in event planning

Customer service experience with good interpersonal skills


Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Essential

Knowledge of object and/or art handling practices

Proven experience and knowledge of Microsoft Office packages

Awareness of good Health and Safety practice

Excellent communication and organisational skills


Personal Attributes 

Essential


Self-motivated, dedicated, with ability to work both independently and in a team and collaborate effectively hands-on with a wide range of people

Strong attention to detail and flair for presentation while maintaining a broad perspective

Ability to work under pressure, with frequent changes and interruptions, and to meet inflexible deadlines 


9. Dimensions 

The postholder will provide guidance on basic duties to museums / exhibition volunteers and interns if appropriate. The postholder will be responsible for two exhibition spaces in the Main University Library – the Display Wall of the Centre for Research Collections (CRC), and small but high profile area in the entrance to the CRC which will showcase a range of material from University Collections; and the Ground Floor Exhibition Gallery, a controlled space with the capacity for both cased material and material on open display. 

The CRC’s Exhibition Gallery mounts 3 primary exhibitions per year. Display Wall exhibitions will, where practical, reflect and/or complement displays in the ground floor Exhibition Room. The Exhibitions Programme is planned on a 3 year cycle, at Exhibition Planning meetings, with some flexibility dependent on curatorship and University semester dates. Exhibitions are expected to be of the highest standard allowed by resources, and at minimum: based on professional scholarly research; follow a design brief including concepts, visuals, and graphics that have benefited from the input of professional curators/subject specialists; strive to meet current relevant standards (Museum Accreditation Scheme, PD:5454 2000, conservation etc).

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Application Procedure

All applicants should apply online by clicking the apply link at the bottom of this page. The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments.

We anticipate interviews will be held in the week commencing 26 May 2014.You will be notified by email whether you have been shortlisted for interview or not.

The closing date is 5pm on Wednesday 7 May 2014.
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Eligibility to Work

In accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 the University of Edinburgh, as an employer, has a legal responsibility to prevent illegal working and therefore must check that all employees are entitled to work in the United Kingdom (UK).

To do so, the University of Edinburgh requires to see original documents evidencing right to work in the UK before commencement of employment and this is normally carried out at interview. Details will be provided in any letter of invitation to interview.

For further information on eligibility to work please visit our eligibility to work website

In the circumstances where the vacancy does not meet the UKBA advertising, salary and/or qualification level criteria for sponsorship the successful applicant must have the existing right to work in the UK.

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Conditions of Employment 
Pension Scheme

For employees on University Grades 1-5 or equivalent there are two pension schemes available: University of Edinburgh Staff Benefits Scheme (SBS) or the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST).

This role is grade UE05 and therefore the post holder will automatically become a member of the NEST scheme if their monthly earnings are deemed to be ‘qualifying earnings’ (equivalent to the HMRC monthly threshold above which their earnings are taxable). If the post holder’s earnings are not deemed as “qualifying earnings” and therefore will not automatically become a member they can opt in to the NEST scheme. 

The post holder can choose to join SBS and by doing so they will not become a member of the NEST scheme.

Further information on the different employer/employee contribution levels required for each scheme and different levels of benefits that the post holder may receive may be found at on our Pensions website


Salary

The role is grade UE05 and attracts an annual salary of £12,583 to £14,573 for 21 hours, part-time each week (full-time equivalent annual salary £20,972 to £24,289). Salary is paid monthly by direct transfer to your Bank or Building Society account, normally on the 28th of the month. Salaries for part-time staff are calculated on the full-time scales, pro-rata to the Standard Working Week. 

https://www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.display_form

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