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Publishing Researcher

We are one of the world’s leading authorities on conflict and its impact on people’s lives – from 1914 through to the present day and beyond. Our collections are filled with personal stories and experiences, inspiring powerful and often conflicting emotions. We aim to share these stories with as many audiences as possible across the world in a way that engages and challenges them, increasing understanding of why we go to war and the effect that conflict has on people’s lives. In other words, we expect our stories to change the way people think about war.

 

We rely on our staff to help us achieve this aspiration. You should be able to demonstrate the skills and competencies set out below, but equally we are looking for people who believe in what we do and who we are, and can treat every colleague, customer or visitor with respect, courtesy and honesty.  We expect our staff to work flexibly and with enthusiasm. These are the qualities that make IWM such an extraordinary place to work.

 

Purpose of the job

  • The Department of Publishing and Brand Licensing is responsible for managing IWM’s publishing and brand licensing programmes. It produces its own publications in-house and works with external partners to produce a wide range of books and products.
  • The main focus of the work of the Publishing Researcher is supporting the Publishing Programme.
  • You will be expected to work independently as well as across different teams in order to contribute to and deliver the priorities of IWM – using your knowledge, skills, talent and potential to the best of your ability.
  • You will focus at all times on delivering excellent customer service, ensure value for money at all times while being  professional, courteous and demonstrating the behaviours and attributes
  • expected of all IWM employees.  You will also adhere to all corporate standards, and use corporate systems as directed to ensure consistency of service, brand and operational standards.

 

Key duties

  • You will be expected to work across departments effectively, working with individuals, partners and, where appropriate, volunteers. You will be expected to identify and implement learning and development needs for both yourself and your team, including volunteers, if appropriate.
  • You will be expected to comply with corporate standards, and use corporate systems, processes and procedures– and undertake any necessary training as directed.
  • You must be aware of and abide by IWM’s information security, data protection and health and safety policies regarding the handling of all sensitive and personal data.

 

In addition, your duties will include:

 

Research & Product Development

 

  • Researching material in the IWM collections or ideas based on IWM's terms of reference suitable for use in commercial books
  • Working closely with the Publishing team to assist with image research and ordering
  • Identifying the copyright status of material and researching and clearing copyrights as necessary
  • Liaising with Collections staff and historians to identify commercially exploitable material
  • Generating ideas for commercial publications based on the collections, exhibitions or anniversaries
  • Building up good relationships and regularly liaising with other departments in the Museum to capitalise on research,
  • knowledge and digitisation programmes
  • Attending meetings with the Publishing and Brand Licensing teams and with third parties to discuss research needs
  • Ensuring that products bearing the IWM name are checked for historical accuracy and that the IWM name and logo are used appropriately 
  • Assisting with the production of publishing proposals and AIs, sample page spreads, synopses or mood boards and assisting with the presentation of material and proposals to third parties
  • Liaising with publishers, authors and IWM departments to discuss research needs and ensure that production moves forward on schedule
  • Placing orders for material from the collections and organising new photography
  • Assisting with the production of in-house publications such as guidebooks and exhibition books as necessary
  • Occasionally seeking material in other organisations or held by private individuals, and  making initial approaches to them. Clearing copyright as appropriate.
  • Keeping abreast of industry and product trends in the wider market
  • Editing, proof-checking and copy writing
  • Gathering information and drafting text as necessary for internal and external purposes
  • including books, guidebooks, sales and marketing material and copy for the website and intranet
  • Editing and proof-checking material so that it is literate and accurate and conforms to IWM house style and tone of voice. Material may include book blurbs and AIs, image captions, marketing and promotional print.

 

Finance and administration

  • Raising purchase orders and invoices and keeping accurate records
  • Producing reports and spreadsheets as required
  • General support for the department which might include office administration, co-ordinating meetings and taking minutes, organising the IWM’s representation at trade fairs, researching mailing lists, gathering data from publishers and licensees and maintaining schedules.

 

This job description is not all encompassing.  Over time the emphasis of the job may change without changing the general character of the job.  Your duties may be reviewed from time to time and revised and updated in consultation with you to reflect appropriate changes. You may be asked, on occasion, to support other aspects of the commercial division’s work. Occasional evening and weekend work is expected.

Publishing Researcher

Imperial War Museums, London
Part-time
Publisher
Other Publishing
Salary description: 
£21,000 pro rata plus 20.9% employer pension contribution

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