Job Description

Opportunity ID

634

Location

IWM Duxford

Salary

34,000

Hours

36 hours net per week

Department

Narrative and Content

Position type

Fixed Term

Length of employment

18 months

Job Summary

Join Imperial War Museums (IWM) as a Curator on the Digital Futures 2 project and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the world's most significant collections of Second World War visual media. This post is central to IWM's ambitious Digital Futures Strategy, which aims to digitise all relevant film and photographic collections relating to the Second World War by 2036, in time for the conflict's centenary.


You'll be part of the Second World War and mid-twentieth century conflict curatorial team, one of four Narrative Teams responsible for developing and interpreting IWM's collections. Your work will help make our extensive film archive--comprising over 40,000 reels--accessible to the widest possible audiences.

What You Will Be Doing

Selecting and prioritising Second World War film collections for digitisation, guided by thematic priorities from IWM's public and research programmes. Cataloguing and documenting film material using original sources such as AFPU shot sheets and your own research. Collaborating with internal teams including Fundraising & Development, Visual Resources, Collections Systems, and Movement & Storage. Contributing to public engagement by producing articles, videos, and talks to promote newly digitised content. Supporting access and interpretation of collections for exhibitions, learning programmes, digital platforms, and academic research. Line managing Assistant Curators, apprentices, and volunteers as needed. Representing IWM at professional events, conferences, and in media interviews.

Who We Are Looking For

Degree or equivalent experience in History, Film, Curation, Archiving, or related field Strong knowledge of 20th-century history and WWII visual media Hands-on experience with film archiving and cataloguing moving image collections Understanding of IWM's remit and museum sector frameworks Skilled in interpreting collections for diverse audiences and clear communication Proficient in collections systems (e.g. Axiell), Microsoft Office, and project support

Apply Now

Be part of a transformative decade for IWM and help bring the stories of the Second World War to life for future generations. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact through curation, digitisation, and storytelling, we'd love to hear from you.

For a full list of duties and the person specification which your application will be marked against, please view the .


The expectation is that the successful candidate will start work by the end of January 2026

Application closing date

November 24th 2025, 9:00 AM

Interview Details

Interviews for this post are planned for the week commencing 8 December 2025


Benefits
The benefits listed below are discretionary and IWM reserves the right, with due notice, to vary or withdraw them at any time. All such benefits apply during the course of your employment only.

Annual Leave:

You'll have 25 days of annual leave, with public holidays on top. After 3 years, this increases to 27 days and after 5 years, you'll get 30 days

Company Group Pension Plan:

Our commitment to your financial well-being includes competitive employer contributions to your pension starting at 7% to a maximum of 12%.

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Benefits:

Celebrate life's milestones with confidence, knowing that our policies support growing families.

IWM4me:

Tailor your benefits to your unique needs through IWM4me. Access health, protection, and lifestyle benefits at corporate rates, ensuring your holistic well-being.

Free Sanitary Products:

We prioritise your comfort by providing free sanitary products across all our sites.

Retail Discounts:

25% off IWM Cafes, 20% discount in on-site shops, Benefits hub offering retail discounts to several high street shops (via our EAP provider) and MyActive discounts for health and wellbeing based retail discounts (via IWM4me)

Free Entry to IWM Air Shows:

Witness the thrill of vintage aircraft at our air shows.

Free Entry to Partner Museums & Galleries:

Immerse yourself in art, history, and culture through our reciprocal arrangements with other institutions.

In-House Training Programmes:

Fuel your intellectual curiosity and professional growth through our comprehensive training initiatives.

Season Ticket Loan Scheme:

Simplify your daily commute with our interest-free loan program.

Cycle 2 Work & Cycle Hire

:

Promote well-being and environmental consciousness by cycling to work.

Eye Tests:

Money back up to 80 for an eye test and a new pair of glasses.

Employee Assistance Programme:

Access confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.

Benenden Healthcare & Dental Insurance:

Prioritise your health with access to quality healthcare services (subject to terms and conditions).

Civil Service Sports Club Membership:

Opportunity to join and enjoy additional discounts and perks as part of a vibrant community.

Staff Events and Networks:

Join fellow colleagues in social gatherings and events, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences.

...and more!


Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Apply now and become part of IWM!

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This role is subject to:



A basic check, which shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.


Equal Opportunities and Flexible Working
IWM is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunities.




We miss out when people feel IWM isn't for them, and are committed to removing and reducing barriers to make IWM open to everyone.




Our Access and Inclusion strategy has been developed to promote openness, equal opportunities to access, inclusivity and encourage diversity in everything that we do, from employment practices, the services we provide to our visitors to the facilities we make available to public.




At IWM we seek to address the need for greater diversity within our workforce as well as the wider museum and heritage sector. In all our practices we embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity and we welcome applications from suitable candidates of all backgrounds.



We value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. Some roles lend themselves to flexible options more than others, so if this is important to you please raise this with your recruitment contact, as we are open to discussing agile working opportunities during the hiring process.