Museum/gallery exhibition officer

Museum or gallery exhibition officer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Key duties of the job include:

• identifying and negotiating the acquisition of items for loan or purchase
• preparing and distributing publicity materials and displays
• managing staff and budgets
• generating income via fundraising activities
• writing plans and reports
• liaising with schools, voluntary or local history groups and community organisations
• working with contractors, consultants conservators, archivists, technicians and curators
• undertaking relevant research
• helping to develop museum activities and to increase access.

Typical employers of exhibition officers

• public sector organisations
• local authorities
• museums
• galleries
• archaeological units
• universities
• private collectors
• independent museums and galleries.

Opportunities for self-employment or contract work exist, although this option is normally only suitable for individuals who can demonstrate a substantial amount of experience.

Jobs are advertised in local authority vacancy lists, newspapers and specialist publications including Museums Journal, Museums Association Bulletin, the Times Educational Supplement, Leisure Management and Opportunities. Directories such as the Museums and Galleries Yearbook may provide helpful contact information for speculative enquiries.

Qualifications and training required

The minimum academic qualification is usually a 2.1, although most museum staff take a postgraduate qualification in museum studies. It is possible to study for a qualification while working, though most do so beforehand. It will naturally help if your degree is related to the type of area you wish to work in. Relevant work experience is essential.

Key skills for exhibition officers

• team working skills
• organisational skills
• communication skills
• interpersonal skills.