Special Collections Officer (0.8FTE)

Join Our Team as a Special Collections Officer at the Royal College of Art

Are you passionate about preserving and sharing rare and unique collections? The Royal College of Art – the No. 1 university for Art and Design – is seeking a Special Collections Officer to join our dedicated team.  Based in Kensington, working 28 hours per week, you will join a dynamic team that supports creativity and research at the highest level.

About Special Collections:

Home to over 40 extraordinary collections, Special Collections is a treasure trove of historically significant paintings, prints, archives, and publications, with a focus on 20th-century art and design. Highlights include the RCA Art Collection, the RCA Archive, and the Colour Reference Library. These resources inspire RCA students, staff, and a global research community.

What You’ll Do:

As Special Collections Officer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting researchers, ensuring smooth access to the collections, and managing day-to-day operations. Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering a friendly and professional enquiry and reading room service.
• Progressing digitisation projects, from scanning to cataloguing.
• Supporting exhibitions and artwork installations across the College.
• Assisting with collection moves, acquisitions, and digital preservation.

You’ll work closely with the Archives & Collections Manager, colleagues across the College, and external researchers, ensuring these incredible resources are accessible, preserved, and used to their fullest potential.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique, hands-on role where you’ll engage directly with diverse resources, from rare books to original artworks, and support a wide variety of users in a welcoming and inspiring environment.

If you’re organised, enthusiastic, and eager to contribute to the preservation and promotion of world-class collections, we’d love to hear from you.

Be part of the RCA’s rich legacy of art and design.

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm on Monday 3^rd February 2025

Interviews are likely to be held w/c 24^th  February 2025

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