Job Description
The University of Reading is offering an exciting opportunity for a passionate and community-focused professional to join the Nation of Refuge project as a Community Partnerships Curator.
Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
, this collaborative initiative brings together researchers, cultural organisations, and local communities to create a major public exhibition exploring migration, belonging, and lived experiences of displacement.
Working closely with the Museum of English Rural Life and Reading Museum, the successful candidate will help shape a meaningful and inclusive exhibition planned for 2029.
Role Overview
This position is ideal for someone committed to ethical storytelling, public engagement, and community collaboration. The role focuses on developing strong relationships with refugee, asylum seeker, and migrant communities across Reading while ensuring that their experiences and perspectives remain central to the project.
The Community Partnerships Curator will lead creative engagement activities, facilitate trauma-aware workshops, and support collaborative exhibition development grounded in co-production and inclusion.
This is a flexible, multi-site role offering the opportunity to create lasting social impact through arts, heritage, and research.
Main Responsibilities
Key duties include:
- Building trusted relationships with community groups and local partners
Designing and facilitating inclusive workshops and storytelling sessions
Supporting volunteer participation and community collaboration initiatives
Translating academic research into accessible public content and exhibition material
Coordinating with academic researchers, museum teams, and external organisations
Managing multiple project activities while ensuring ethical and community-centred practice
Contributing to creative interpretation and exhibition development processes
Candidate Profile
The University welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and particularly encourages applications from individuals with lived experience of migration, displacement, or marginalisation.
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Excellent interpersonal and partnership-building skills
Experience delivering participatory and community-led workshops
Strong communication and facilitation abilities
High-quality editorial and interpretive writing skills
Experience managing collaborative projects involving multiple stakeholders
Understanding of inclusive curatorial practice and public engagement approaches
Visa Sponsorship & Employment Guidance
This position may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker Route, subject to immigration requirements and eligibility criteria.
Helpful official resources include:
- UK Skilled Worker Visa Guidance
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Working in the UK – GOV.UK
Arts Council England
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The University of Reading is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive working environment. It actively supports initiatives including the Athena SWAN Charter, the Race Equality Charter, and LGBT+ equality programmes.
Applications for flexible working arrangements, including job-share and part-time options, are welcomed and will be considered in line with operational needs.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026 (23:59 BST)
Interview Date: 25 June 2026