The Design History Society, a subject-specialist association founded in 1977 to promote the field of the History of Design, is seeking an Administrator (part-time, 0.4, 2 days a week by arrangement with the post-holder and Chair of the Society) to support the work of the Trustees and the Editorial Board of the Journal of Design History in their work.

The Society organises an annual international conference, other events throughout the year and awards research grants and student essay prizes. It has use of office and meeting space at Alan Baxter Associates, 70, Cowcross Street, Farringdon. Quarterly meetings of the DHS Board of Trustees are held on Saturdays at the Farringdon office. It also publishes the Journal of Design History, the quarterly peer-reviewed journal established in 1989, in association with Oxford University Press.

The post requires a self-directed, well-organised person with relevant administrative experience who shares the commitment of the Trustees and the Editorial Board to the development of the Society’s work. He/she is responsible to the Chair of the Society. Alongside serving the membership of the Society through effective communication, the Administrator is responsible for the smooth running of the meetings of the Board of Trustees and Editorial Board. Some national and international travel on behalf of DHS will also be required.

The Design History Society is committed to Equality and Diversity to ensure that all applicants are treated on the basis of their merits and abilities and that unfair and unlawful discrimination is eliminated. We positively welcome applications from all sections of the community. The data collected through the application process will be held confidentially. We cannot employ anyone who does not have permission to live and work in the UK.

Person Specification

• A graduate with a degree in a subject relevant to art and design, with at least three years’ relevant administration experience, including dealing with internal and external enquiries, minute-taking, maintaining a website, financial administration and record keeping;
• Excellent communication, computer and organisational skills; Excellent inter-personal skills;
• An ability to work independently, as part of a small group of Trustees and Editorial Board members, with members of the Society and representatives of other organisations;
• An understanding of the field of Design History and a commitment to its development as an international subject.

The Administrator will be responsible for the following:

• supporting activities of the DHS including the Journal of Design History, events, publicity and information, awards and prizes, and recruitment;
• co-ordinating the DHS office and DHS documentation;
• working with DHS/EB to support core activities via the Chair of the DHS;
• maintaining the DHS website;
• co-ordination of day-to-day financial matters in support of the Treasurer;
• taking responsibility for the development and maintenance of current and past records of the DHS.