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Curator, Second World War and Mid Twentieth-Century Conflict, Imperial War Museum

  •  London
  •  Â£30k-40k
  •  Full time
  •  Closes August 11, 2025
  •  Carolina Schmidt
  •  careers@iwm.org.uk
  • #Museums

Description

Job Summary

The Second World War and mid twentieth-century conflict team is one of four curatorial teams, known as the Narrative Teams, whose key role is to develop and interpret IWM’s collections. Curators in the team provide time period-relevant content for our public programme and associated outputs.

Job Description

They document, research and communicate collections material relating to the causes and consequences of war as well as its course and conduct, and facilitate and support access to our collection for our audiences and colleagues across IWM and the wider heritage sector.

As a curator in the team, you will contribute to the development and use of Second World War collections, with particular responsibility for material, displays, and stakeholder engagement relating to the Churchill War Rooms. You will provide curatorial expertise in response to internal and external enquiries concerning Winston Churchill, the Cabinet War Rooms, and broader topics connected to the Second World War and its context.

In line with IWM's strategic objectives, you will develop an in-depth understanding of IWM's collection and will promote its potential for display and interpretation at all IWM branches, with a particular focus on the Churchill War Rooms. You will respond to opportunities to use IWM's collections in all areas of the IWM public offer in order to further understanding of the conflict and the associated time period. You will apply and develop your knowledge and skills for the benefit of our audiences and put forward imaginative ideas for, and contribute to the delivery of, exhibitions, events, publications, digital content (including podcasts, online articles and YouTube videos) and other elements of the public programme. You will contribute to a working culture that is responsive, collaborative and committed, and an environment that welcomes curiosity and creativity.

Job Requirements

Your duties will include:

  • developing and applying to all areas of activity a cohesive understanding of the material culture of the Second World War and mid twentieth-century period.
  • working practically and creatively to deliver interpretation and storytelling relating to the Churchill War Rooms, the Second World War and mid twentieth-century conflict for IWM's core and developmental audiences.
  • actively contribute to the implementation of IWM's Collections Development Plan.
  • working collaboratively and proactively with Narrative Teams, Collections and Curatorial and other departments across IWM.
  • working with Collections Management and Collections Care to ensure the effective stewardship and care of the collection, and to target priorities for review, acquisition and disposal.
  • supporting the Senior Curators, Head of Second World War and mid twentieth-century conflict and Principal Curator of Narrative in identifying strategic priorities, working towards the development and delivery

Job Responsibilities

  • supporting and developing relevant academic research projects and meaningful partnerships that enrich our understanding of IWM's collection.
  • facilitating and supporting access to our collection, and providing knowledge and skills to the public and to colleagues across IWM, including through public enquiries.
  • working at all times as a team member, consulting with colleagues and sharing knowledge and information.
  • encouraging, supporting the development of, and line managing Assistant Curators, apprentices and volunteers, as required.
  • applying excellent two-way communication skills in working with audiences and stakeholders, both internal and external.
  • engaging with stewardship and interpretation priorities in line with broader strategies in relation to the IWM collections.

For a full list of duties and the person specification (which your application will be marked against) please view the Job Description on the IWM Jobs website.

Useful Links

How to Apply

Please apply via the IWM Jobs website | https://www.iwm.org.uk/jobs

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