Staff vacancies:
Come and work in the beautiful historic setting of the manor that once belonged to Jane Austen’s brother!
Curator
Chawton House wishes to appoint its first Curator. The Curator will be responsible for the extraordinary early women writers library collection, and the remaining library, artworks and furniture of the Knight family that were so familiar to Jane Austen. The Curator will also review the non-library collections of furniture, art, ephemera and decorative arts, as well as leading all collections work required to secure Museum Accreditation. Working as part of a small but dedicated staff team, the Curator will also have the support of a small, skilled team of collections volunteers.
Chawton House is an historic house and estate once owned by Jane Austen’s brother Edward Knight and frequented by his sister who lived close by in a cottage he owned. It is home to two significant collections: one of women’s writing (1600 – c.1830) and one of the conjoined remainders of the property and libraries of the Knight family from Chawton House and Godmersham Park. The early women writers collection includes first editions of works by Jane Austen, Maria Edgeworth, Frances Burney, Mary Wollstonecraft, Aphra Benn, Amelia Opie and Madame de Stael. The collections include a large quantity of printed material and rare books, but also art works, decorative arts, furniture and ephemera. Having operated as an academic library until 2016, Chawton House is now open to the public seven days a week, has a lively events and exhibition programme and is seeking Museum Accreditation. This post is named in memory of a volunteer and benefactor of Chawton House.
This role is an exciting opportunity for someone with good collections management experience to bring to life a remarkable but previously hidden collection. Chawton House is looking for applicants that are familiar with the subject matter, have experience of the care and conservation of books, and have led a collections review or larger collections management projects. A good communicator, applicants should have experience of Museum Accreditation and working with interns and/or volunteers.
The post requires some evening or weekend working, but is not suitable for regular working from home (as it includes conducting regular onsite collections checks).
To download a full job description click here: Curator job description PDF [108 KB]
Please apply with a CV and covering letter to:
Katie Childs, Chief Executive, katie.childs@chawtonhouse.org
For an informal discussion about the role, please do call Chawton House to arrange a phonecall with Katie on 01420 541010.
Deadline for applications: 23:59, 14th October 2019
Interviews will take place on Thursday 24th October at Chawton House.
Duty Manager – Casual Cover
We are looking to build a bank of Duty Managers to manage and maintain Chawton House’s Venue Hire functions during out-of-hours events and to provide ad hoc duty cover for staff absence during visitor opening hours.
This position will cover for the regular team at times of absence and leave, as well as provide additional support to the Chawton House team during private hire and public events, large group visits and on other occasions as necessary.
Download Job Description: Duty Manager – Casual Cover – Job Description
Experience is desirable but not compulsory, full training will be provided.
To apply please send a CV and a short note about yourself to Louisa Carpenter, Visitor Experience Manager: louisa.carpenter@chawtonhouse.org
Cook – Casual Cover, The Old Kitchen Tearoom
We are looking for additional support preparing and serving food in the Old Kitchen Tearoom and for in-house catering at Chawton House. They will work alongside other members of the catering team to maintain a well-ordered, clean and safe kitchen environment which meets Food Safety standards and prepare delicious food to a high standard of quality.
This position will cover for the regular catering team at times of absence and leave, as well as provide additional support to the Chawton House team during private hire and public events, large group visits and on other occasions as necessary.
Download Job Description: Cook – Casual Cover – Job Description
Experience is desirable but not compulsory, full training will be provided.
To apply please send a CV and a short note about yourself to Louisa Carpenter, Visitor Experience Manager: louisa.carpenter@chawtonhouse.org
We also always welcome help from volunteers.