Assistant Curator, Sculpture

Leeds Museums & Galleries and the Henry Moore Institute

Directorate City Development
Service Area Leeds Museums & Galleries
Job Title Assistant Curator, Sculpture
Grade C3
Conditions Of service NJC Conditions apply
Responsible To Head of Collections & Programmes
Responsible For Project-funded staff, freelancers and volunteers

Job Purpose: 

To assist in the development, care, documentation, display and interpretation of the sculpture collection in order to facilitate access to the collection and assist with exhibitions, events and educational activities related to it.

To work within the longstanding and significant partnership between Leeds Museums & Galleries and the Henry Moore Institute:

The Henry Moore Institute was originally established as a centre for the study of sculpture in Leeds Art Gallery in 1982. It has since developed into one of the world’s most significant centres for the presentation, development and study of sculpture. The Institute’s work is centred on the outstanding sculpture collections that have been jointly developed for the City of Leeds.

In its own building since 1993, the Institute is a product of a unique partnership between Leeds City Council and the Henry Moore Foundation, bringing together specialists from both organisations to create a team, which is devoted to the development of new, diverse and specialist audiences for sculpture. Both the Institute and the Foundation bear the name of Henry Moore – one of the world’s most significant sculptors, who began his training at Leeds College of Art and who took much inspiration from the surrounding landscape. Henry Moore was committed to creating access to sculpture in the city of Leeds and beyond.

The sculpture collections are principally British from c.1875 to the present day, with a particular focus on 20^th and 21^st Century works and an emphasis on diversifying the collection through new acquisitions. 

The postholder will work as part of the teams of both the Henry Moore Institute and Leeds Art Gallery and desk space will be available at both sites to facilitate the role. It is important that the postholder becomes an integral part of the team in both the Henry Moore Institute and Leeds Art Gallery.

Responsibilities for Grade:

1. To assist in the care, maintenance and preservation of the collection both on display and in storage. 
2. To work in partnership with colleagues in both Leeds Museums & Galleries and the Henry Moore Institute to work on exhibitions and displays at both venues as directed, including attending programming meetings.
3. Ensure the best possible presentation of the collection focusing on the access needs of audiences while ensuring the safety of the collection.
4. Participate in setting up of exhibitions and displays including the hanging and placing of objects working with technicians, conservators and others as necessary.
5. To work with colleagues at the Henry Moore Institute to develop the study of sculpture through the collection.
6. Working with the Leeds Museums & Galleries’ Registrar & Collections Manager, adhere to all agreed Collections Management standards and procedures.
7. To input and maintain all necessary collection records, both electronic and manual. 
8. Respond to public, professional and academic enquiries and facilitating access to stored collections and records. 
9. To courier collection loans where required in line with the Leeds Museums & Galleries’ courier policy.
10. To assist learning and engagement staff with interpretation and learning projects, including school and other group visits.
11. To supervise and assist the work of technicians, freelancers and volunteers as appropriate.
12. To research and write accessible texts for exhibitions, catalogues, marketing, social media and other publications as appropriate.
13. Work with the Leeds Museums & Galleries’ Commercial team to maximise the commercial and merchandising opportunities offered by the collection. 
14. To assist in the preparation of grant applications.
15. Promote the positive image of both Leeds Museums & Galleries’ and the Henry Moore Institute at all times. Work with colleagues to advocate the value of the collection to key stakeholders, opinion formers, visitors and the people of Leeds through lectures (in-person and online), community work, gallery tours, displays, publications, loans and online means.
16. Participate in the briefing and training of staff, guides and volunteers.
17. Collaborate with colleagues in other gallery and museum services and participate in appropriate professional networks for self-development and to represent the Service.
18. To be aware of and adhere to Leeds City Council Health and Safety Policy being responsible for your own health and safety whilst at work and that of your colleagues and our customers.  Achieve recognised Health & Safety qualification specific to job need.  Carry out risk assessment and implement safe systems of work as required.
19. To promote and apply consistently the principles of Leeds City Council Equal Opportunities Policies both with colleagues and members of the public to ensure fair and equal access to services and opportunities.
20. To undertake any other duties as commensurate with the grade.

Qualifications:  Educated to degree level or professional vocational qualification within a relevant subject/area or equivalent experience

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION: Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements

Skills Required

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups at all appropriate levels. 
• Ability to prioritise and manage own workload to meet agreed targets and deadlines.
• Ability to develop excellent working relationships with colleagues at both Leeds Museums & Galleries and the Henry Moore Institute, partner organisations and other Leeds City Council departments.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to manage, motivate and develop teams and individuals, maintaining effective working relationships.
• Ability to monitor and control resources.
• Ability to use database applications for collections management.

Knowledge Required

• Knowledge of 20^th and 21^st Century sculpture.
• A clear understanding of audience issues, particularly in relation to museums and galleries and their collections.
• Knowledge of a range of digital applications including Microsoft Office and social media.
• Knowledge of the requirements of health & safety and equalities legislation.
• Knowledge of collections management issues.

Experience Required

• Experience of collections management.
• Experience of object handling in a museum or gallery environment.
• Experience of working in a museum or gallery, paid or voluntary.

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

• Willing to abide by Leeds City Council’s equal opportunities and health & safety policies in the duties of the post, and as an employee of the Council.
• Self-motivated with the ability to use own initiative.
• Desire and commitment to continuous professional development and a willingness to continue own training.
• Demonstrate an interest in the work of Leeds Museums & Galleries and the Henry Moore Institute.
• Flexible approach to working hours.