Community Partnerships Curator(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

The University of Reading is inviting applications for an inspiring and community-focused professional to join the UKRI-funded Nation of Refuge initiative as a Community Partnerships Curator.

This unique opportunity places community voices at the heart of a major future exhibition developed collaboratively with the Museum of English Rural Life and Reading Museum. The role is ideal for someone passionate about inclusive storytelling, cultural participation, and socially engaged curatorial practice.

About the Project

The Nation of Refuge programme explores themes of migration, belonging, displacement, and identity through research, creative engagement, and public history. Working closely with academics, museum professionals, and local communities, the successful candidate will help shape a significant exhibition planned for 2029.

The role centres on collaboration with refugee, asylum seeker, and migrant communities across Reading, ensuring that lived experiences remain central to the storytelling and interpretation process.

Key Responsibilities

As Community Partnerships Curator, you will:

• Develop meaningful relationships with diverse community groups and local partners
  Design and facilitate inclusive, trauma-aware workshops and creative engagement activities
  Support collaborative exhibition development rooted in co-production principles
  Translate academic research into accessible and engaging public content
  Coordinate across academic, museum, and community stakeholders
  Assist with volunteer support, interpretation, and participatory storytelling initiatives
  Contribute to ethical and community-led curatorial practices across multiple sites

Ideal Candidate Profile

The University is looking for an empathetic and highly organised individual with experience in community engagement and collaborative cultural projects.

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
  Experience facilitating participatory workshops and creative public engagement activities
  Strong writing and interpretation skills for public audiences
  The ability to manage projects involving multiple organisations and stakeholders
  Knowledge of inclusive and community-centred curatorial approaches
  Confidence working sensitively with communities affected by displacement or marginalisation

Applications are especially welcomed from individuals with personal or lived experience connected to migration, displacement, or underrepresented communities.

Sponsorship and UK Work Eligibility

This role may qualify for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker Route, depending on eligibility requirements and immigration criteria.

Helpful official guidance and career resources include:

• UK Skilled Worker Visa Information
  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
  Working and Living in the UK
  Arts Council England – Community Engagement Resources
  UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion in both recruitment and workplace culture. It supports initiatives such as the Athena SWAN Charter, Race Equality Charter, and LGBT+ inclusion programmes.

Flexible working arrangements, including part-time and job-share opportunities, may be considered in line with operational requirements.

Important Dates

Closing Date for Applications: 1 June 2026 (23:59 BST)
Interview Date: 25 June 2026