C20 Society seeks Conservation Adviser

C20 Senior Conservation Adviser Henrietta Billings is moving on to a new job, after doing a terrific job over the past four years, so the C20 Society is recruiting for a new Conservation Adviser to join its high profile team based in Farringdon.

Knowledge and enthusiasm for post 1914 buildings is required, plus excellent communication and administrative skills. Knowledge of the planning system and listing criteria would be desirable. This is a campaigning role and involves contributing to the C20 Magazine, website and social media, as well as as dealing with the press. Salary £22-25,000 per year full time

Expressions of interest from those wanting to work in a part time capacity are also welcome.

FURTHER DETAILS: CONSERVATION ADVISER

The Twentieth Century Society, the national amenity society responsible for the study and protection of C20 century architecture and design, is seeking a Conservation Adviser to work from its office in Farringdon. The position involves the assessment and presentation to the Society’s casework committee of architectural proposals to alter post 1914 buildings. The Conservation Adviser will represent the Society at site visits and meetings with applicants, local authorities, Historic England, etc to discuss such schemes and will communicate the Society’s views in writing to local authorities and other relevant bodies. He/She will also compile listing applications and supervise volunteer helpers, including liaising with our  Regional Groups.

The person appointed will have broad knowledge of British architecture after 1914 and have an enthusiasm for its protection. The ability to comprehend architectural drawings is vital.  Knowledge of the decorative arts and crafts will be a bonus. Some knowledge of listed building and other planning legislation is highly desirable. Ability to work under pressure as part of a team and to be adaptable in the context of a small office is essential. The person appointed will need to be self motivated and work with minimal supervision to a high standard. Word processing skills are required. Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, are essential, and the person appointed will contribute to the Society’s blog/magazine etc as well as handling press enquires and interviews. Some travel will be required. Participation in the activities of the Society is actively encouraged.

The Society was founded in 1979 as The Thirties Society. It is a scholarly and campaigning organisation which defends work of quality regardless of its style. It has over 2000 members and organises a programme of walks, lectures, tours and conferences in Britain and abroad. It is governed by an elected committee of trustees and is a registered charity. All applications for listed building consent for demolition are referred to the Society by Local Authorities as part of the planning process. In respect of this work, the Society receives an annual grant from Historic England. We are also altered to threats to buildings by other means, and carry out proactive casework.

Duties:

The post will involve regular attendance at the office – though some travel will also be involved, for which expenses will be paid.

The Conservation Adviser will work on the advice and instruction of the casework committee, its convenor and the Director. The line manager is the Director.

Responsibilities:  The Conservation Adviser will be required to:

• Research and comment on statutory and other notifications concerning buildings of our period in respect of proposals for demolition, alteration or other threat.
• Make sure that notifications are responded to within the appropriate time limit.
• Prepare reports and presentations for the casework committee, which meets monthly.
• Attend meetings relating to the above, to negotiate conservation solutions.
• Make applications for buildings to be listed as recommended by the casework committee.
• Further the interests of the Society by raising awareness of and interest in 20^th century architecture and design (including by contributing to the Society’s magazine, blog and related outlets).
• Research and prepare reports as agreed with the casework committee.
• Prepare and distribute agendas for the monthly casework committee.
• Manage volunteer staff.
• Implement the decisions of the casework committee.
• Represent the Society on external bodies or committees when required.
• Carry out other duties as required.
• Attend monthly Casework Committee meetings, held on Monday evenings

The closing date for applications is 15th February 2016

We anticipate that interviews will be held in the following week. Please apply with CV and covering letter to coordinator@c20society.org.uk, with the subject line CONSERVATION ADVISER.

Download C20 Society Conservation Advisor advert