Job Description

Opportunity ID

584

Location

IWM London

Career Level

D

Salary

31,000 to 34,000 per annum

Hours

36 hours net per week

Department

Second World War and Mid 20th Century

Position type

Permanent

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. 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.


You will contribute to the effective stewardship of IWM's collections in line with best practice guidelines and be able to identify priorities for review, acquisition and disposal. You will need to work proactively, collaboratively and imaginatively to develop the collection as outlined in IWM's Collections Development Plan. This will involve actively engaging stakeholders, communities, people with lived experiences and academic experts, representing and collecting stories relating to the Churchill War Rooms and the Second World War and mid twentieth-century conflict. You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relevant practical, legal and ethical considerations pertaining to the care, development and interpretation of IWM's collections relating to this period. Your practical curatorial skills will be accompanied by an appreciation and knowledge of the material culture of this time period, and you will show a willingness to grow and develop this knowledge base further - with particular responsibility for doing so in relation to IWM's Churchill War Rooms.


You will line manage and mentor assistant curators, apprentices and volunteers as required, and undertake all mandatory training associated with this role.


Please note that while this role is based at IWM London you will be expected to travel as required.

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 of the Corporate Plan. delivering, and supporting the delivery of, content for galleries and exhibitions, as well as for Learning, Development, Press, Digital Engagement, Marketing, IWM Institute and Commercial activities. 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. representing IWM on external professional and academic boards and at conferences, workshops and seminars. providing media interviews and giving tours and presentations to stakeholders and VIP visitors.

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

August 11th 2025, 9:00 AM

August 11th 2025, 9:00 AM

Interview Details

Interviews for this post are planned for the week commencing 18th August


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.