The Icon Photographic Materials Group (PhMG) is seeking four volunteers to join our committee and our work in promoting the field of photographic conservation in the UK and beyond. Our vacant roles include Events Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Researcher and Communications Officer.
We welcome applicants from all over the world - our committee currently spans the UK, Europe and Los Angeles.
The committee typically meets online once per month for an hour, with an estimated volunteer time commitment of around 2-4 hours per month.
Volunteering with the group is a great way to become more deeply involved in the field of photograph conservation, build strong professional connections, and directly influence the growth of the specialism in the UK and internationally. You will learn transferable skills such as communication, event management, teamwork and leadership. You will have full support from your fellow committee members and Icon staff to ensure you get the most out of your time in the group.
The full descriptions for each role are outlined below.
To apply, please send an expression of interest, maximum 400 words, to [email protected], outlining the role/s that you would like to be considered for.
Please check out the Photographic Materials Group page on the Icon website to learn more about our work and the current committee https://www.icon.org.uk/groups-and-networks/photographic-materials.html.
If you have any questions before applying, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to the current Chair, Jordan Megyery, at [email protected].
Events Assistant
Overview: This role involves working with the Events Coordinator to plan and run the group’s events.
Specific responsibilities:
- Planning and administration for group events, including liaising with the Icon head office team
- Working with the Social Media Co-ordinator to promote and document group events as well as respond to event-related communications
- Assisting in the running of events, in person and/or online
- Assisting with keeping event costs within budget and tracking expenses
Beneficial CPD outcomes:
- Networking within the field of conservation, specifically photographic specialism
- Transferable experience volunteering within a heritage organisation
- Attend events created by the group
- Skills in teamwork and event management
Requirements:
- Knowledge and interest in the conservation of cultural heritage
- Ability to liaise with external vendors, such as venues, catering services etc
- Strong organisational skills
- Ability to work well in a team
Administrative Assistant
Overview: This role involves working with the group’s secretary to maintain the group's general admin.
Specific responsibilities:
- Plan and schedule regular meetings for the committee
- Keep records/minutes from all committee meetings and follow up with action points
Beneficial CPD outcomes:
- Networking within the field of conservation, specifically photographic specialism
- Transferable experience volunteering within a heritage organisation
- Exposure to all different projects carried out by the group
Requirements:
- Knowledge and interest in the conservation of cultural heritage
- Experience using communication software (Zoom, Teams)
- Strong writing skills
- Strong organisational skills
- Ability to work well in a team
Researcher (advocacy & outreach)
Overview: This role involves working with the Chair to develop an understanding of the profession to enable effective advocacy and outreach by the group.
Specific responsibilities:
- Implement surveys to deepen understanding of our members and needs in our profession
- Working with the Social Media Co-ordinator and Events Assistant to promote and highlight the diversity of material knowledge and scientific expertise within the profession
Beneficial CPD Outcomes:
- Networking within the field of conservation, specifically photographic specialism
- Transferable experience volunteering within a heritage organisation
- Skills in research and data analysis
Requirements:
- Knowledge and interest in the conservation of cultural heritage – particular interest and knowledge of photographic specialism would be advantageous
- Demonstrable previous experience in research and/or outreach
- Strong organisational skills
- Ability to work well in a team
Communications Officer
Overview: This role involves the development and implementation of the group’s digital communications strategy and working with the Social Media Co-ordinator to create new content and deliver effective communications.
Specific responsibilities:
- Planning and co-ordinating group communications
- Overseeing social media channel activities and working with the Social Media Co-ordinator
- Sourcing content for the blog and social media channels along with the Social Media Co-ordinator
- Updating the groups ‘Resources’ page on the Icon website
Beneficial CPD outcomes:
- Networking within the field of conservation, specifically photographic specialism
- Transferable experience volunteering within a heritage organisation
- Exposure to all different projects carried out by the group
Requirements:
- Knowledge and interest in the conservation of cultural heritage
- Strong writing and storytelling skills
- Good understanding and experience of using social media channels or willingness to learn
- Ability to work well in a team
We look forward to hearing from you!