We are hiring! Role profile for Education Curator
Job title: Education Curator
Reports to: Head of Research and Content Development
Job Summary
Constitution Hill Trust, operating as WeThePeopleSA, seeks a passionate and skilled Education Curator to manage, curate, and activate our digital and physical archives on the Constitution and its making. This pivotal role will ensure the archives serve as a dynamic resource that fosters storytelling, learning, and a deeper connection to South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
The Curator will assemble, catalogue, preserve, and manage historical collections while developing engaging educational projects, exhibitions, and materials. The role also involves working closely with diverse stakeholders to create impactful community engagement initiatives.
Aligned with our vision for the people of South Africa to know, own, and protect the Constitution, this position offers an opportunity to bridge historical preservation with educational outreach, making history a living and accessible resource for empowerment.
The ideal candidate is an innovative thinker with expertise in archival management, educational programming, public engagement, and a deep commitment to advancing the values enshrined in the Constitution.
Summary Key Responsibilities
1. Archive Management and Curation
2. Educational Programming
3. Public Engagement and Events
4. Resource Development
5. Research and Collaboration
1. Archive Management and Curation
• Management and organisation of both digital and physical archives.
• Create and import metadata into Access to Memory (AtoM).
• Conduct digital capture of physical records or other physical artefacts.
• Curate archival content to develop exhibitions, publications, storytelling materials, and educational resources.
• Utilise digital curation skills to ensure the archive is accessible, preserved, and engaging for diverse audiences.
• Conduct research to uncover untold stories, collect oral histories and interpret historical material for public use.
2. Educational Programming
• Develop and deliver high-quality, engaging educational content for Constitution Hill Trust outreach work for target audiences and collaborations.
• Create and implement interpretive materials, lesson plans, and activities that align with the Constitution-making and writing process.
• Develop and facilitate interactive tours, exhibitions, events, and workshops based on the archive’s content.
• Collaborate with educators, researchers, and cultural organisations to expand program offerings.
3. Public Engagement and Events
• Plan and execute events, exhibitions, and public programming to promote the archive and its educational value at Constitution Hill.
• Manage and grow a volunteer archive program to support archive and outreach initiatives.
• Promote the archive, educational programs and events through marketing and communication strategies.
4. Resource Development
• Assist in fundraising and proposal writing to support educational and archival initiatives.
• Create publications, online materials, and storytelling tools that extend the archive’s reach.
5. Research and Collaboration
• To ensure inclusive programming, collaborate with multiple interest groups, including other archives, educators, community organisations, and stakeholders.
• Research to develop interpretive materials for permanent collections and exhibitions.
• Partner with other archives, archiving institutions, schools, universities, cultural institutions and community organisations to promote constitutional literacy and civic education.
Skills and Attributes
• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities to effectively engage with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills to foster collaborations and partnerships.
• Proven capacity to work both collaboratively as part of a team and independently, even within the constraints of institutional processes and protocols.
• Experience managing archives (physical and digital), including assembling, cataloguing, preserving, and managing valuable collections of historical information and curation.
• Knowledge and experience with digital curation and preservation, as well as archival software and databases like AtoM, are desirable.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering educational and public programs.
• Strong research skills and knowledge of South African history, focusing on the South African Constitution.
• Proficiency in digital archiving and curation tools and platforms.
• Excellent project management, organisational, and communication skills.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for storytelling and public engagement.
• Experience in fundraising and proposal writing is highly desirable.
• A motivated, energetic, and creative approach balanced with resilience and a professional demeanour.
• Proven excellence in a meticulous and methodical approach to tasks, ensuring precision and accuracy in all aspects of work.
• Ability to navigate challenges and find innovative solutions while adhering to organisational goals and standards.
Why Join Constitution Hill Trust?
• Contribute to advancing constitutional literacy and promoting democratic values in South Africa.
• Work at the intersection of history, education, and community empowerment.
• Experience first-hand the archives of the writing of the South African Constitution.
• Be part of a dynamic team committed to preserving and sharing South Africa’s constitutional story.
• Constitution Hill Trust has a small staff, so applicants should also be willing to participate in practical, mundane activities when needed.
Educational Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree or Postgrad in Education, History, Museum Studies, Archival Studies, Curatorial Studies, Information and Knowledge Management, Archives and Records Management, Social or Political sciences or a related field
• MPhil degree in Digital Curation is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 4 years work-related experience
How to Apply:
Submit your CV, cover letter, and relevant work samples to [email protected]. Include names, email addresses, telephone numbers of three contactable referees, and copies of your degree certificates. Please note that applications will not be considered without the requested attachments.
Applications close on 24 January 2025.
