Are you passionate about helping people and organisations build and preserve open knowledge to share and use freely? Have you got experience organising online events, workshops or training sessions?
The Science Museum Group is all about inspiring futures. Due to our ambitious growth and development plans, our Digital Department has launched a major digitisation programme and new initiatives to engage wider audiences with the stories in our collection. In collaboration with Wikimedia UK, a formal 18-month partnership proposal has been developed that includes a suite of activities for internal staff and external volunteers, and would see SMG contribute to and improve content on Wikipedia. To bridge the gap between SMG and Wikimedia UK, we are now looking for a Wikimedian in Residence to join our team on a part-time basis (21 hours pw) for 18 months.
Working closely with the Collections and Digital teams, the Wikimedian will be responsible for facilitating and developing a sustainable relationship between the Science Museum Group, Wikimedia UK and the Wikimedia community through a range of activities, both internal and public-facing. This post will play a critical role in growing online audiences and enhance their experience of our online collection and stories. As our Wikimedian, you’ll identify areas of Wikipedia that could be enriched with resources and knowledge from the SMG Collection, focusing on Wikimedia’s content gaps and underrepresented content. You’ll also design and deliver Wikimedia-related events such as ‘editathons’ for members of the public, researchers and SMG staff, to foster stronger networks and share group-wide knowledge, expertise and research interests.
Joining us, you’ll have good experience and knowledge of using and editing articles on Wikipedia. You’ll be familiar with both the ethos and aims of Wikipedia and its sister organisations, as well as with the Museum sector. Experience of organising and running events, workshops or training sessions is beneficial, along with an understanding of issues related to copyright and intellectual property, preferably including in the cultural heritage context. Primarily though, you’ll be comfortable working with a variety of different stakeholders, and you’ll have a diplomatic and relationship-building approach.
You will be offered excellent benefits including 25 days annual leave including 8 bank holidays (pro-rata to part-time colleagues), a contributory pension scheme, BUPA medical and dental care, an annual season ticket loan and numerous staff discounts whilst developing your career in a world-class museum group.
Does this appeal to you? If so, click here to view the Vacancy Information Pack which provides you with details of the role and the application process.