About Company
Nestled in the heart of the Karoo, The Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein is more than just a place to stay – it’s a living piece of South African history. Established in 1899, this iconic Victorian hotel, along with the entire village of Matjiesfontein, holds National Heritage Site status. Our mission is to preserve and share the rich tapestry of stories, artefacts, and memories that define this unique destination. From its role during the Anglo-Boer War as a military base and hospital to its prominence as a Victorian health spa and modern-day tourist attraction, Matjiesfontein offers an unparalleled glimpse into the past. We are dedicated to ensuring the integrity of our historical collections, buildings, and narratives, providing an authentic and educational experience for all our visitors. Join our team and become a custodian of this extraordinary heritage.
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Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Remote Museum Curator to oversee the comprehensive management, preservation, and interpretation of The Lord Milner Hotel’s extensive historical collections and the wider Matjiesfontein village heritage remotely. This unique role requires a blend of curatorial expertise, digital proficiency, and a passion for historical preservation, all while operating from a remote work environment. You will be instrumental in shaping the narrative and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our heritage assets through strategic planning, policy development, and innovative digital initiatives. While the position is remote, you will collaborate closely with on-site teams, manage digital archives, develop virtual exhibitions, and implement best practices for collection care, conservation, and accessibility. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to inspire a deeper appreciation for our historical legacy across various platforms. This role offers the flexibility of remote work coupled with the profound responsibility of stewarding a national treasure. You will be expected to occasionally travel to Matjiesfontein for site visits, assessments, and key project implementations, ensuring a hands-on understanding of the physical collections and property, but the primary mode of operation will be remote. Your work will directly contribute to making our heritage accessible and engaging for a global audience.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive collections management policy, including acquisition, documentation, storage, and conservation strategies.
- Oversee the cataloguing, inventory, and digitisation of all historical artefacts, documents, and photographic collections, establishing a robust digital archive.
- Conduct in-depth research to enhance the understanding and interpretation of the hotel and village's history, artefacts, and narratives.
- Design and curate engaging virtual exhibitions, online content, and digital learning resources that bring Matjiesfontein's history to life for a diverse audience.
- Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to promote the historical significance of Matjiesfontein and its collections through digital channels.
- Develop and manage budgets related to collections, conservation, and curatorial projects.
- Provide expert guidance on environmental control and risk management for physical collections, working with on-site staff for implementation.
- Formulate and review exhibition and interpretation strategies, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and visitor engagement.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with academic institutions, heritage bodies, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with national heritage legislation and ethical guidelines for museum practices.
Required Skills
- Master's degree in Museum Studies, Heritage Management, History, Archival Science, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of curatorial experience, preferably with historical buildings or cultural heritage sites.
- Demonstrated experience with digital collections management systems and digitisation projects.
- Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a remote environment.
- Proficiency in project management and budget oversight.
- Deep understanding of conservation principles and preventative conservation practices.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a remote setting.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in a relevant field.
- Experience with South African heritage legislation and context.
- Proficiency in graphic design or multimedia tools for exhibition development.
- Previous experience working remotely in a cultural heritage context.
- Fluency in Afrikaans.
Perks & Benefits
- Flexible remote work environment.
- Opportunity to steward a significant National Heritage Site.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Contribution to a unique and historically rich organisation.
- Occasional travel opportunities to the beautiful Matjiesfontein.
- Access to a wealth of historical resources and archives.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their comprehensive CV, a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and interest in this remote role, and a portfolio of past curatorial or digital heritage projects. Please ensure your application highlights your experience with remote work and digital collections management. Click on the link below to apply for the job.
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