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- Tasks: Lead the management and development of Wales’s national archaeology collections.
- Company: Join Amgueddfa Cymru, a vibrant institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing cultural heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by broadening access to archaeological resources and engaging diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in collections management and a passion for archaeology are essential.
- Other info: This role involves working across multiple venues and managing a dedicated team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a senior role within Amgueddfa Cymru’s archaeology team, which consists of curators, collections care and access staff, PAS Cymru and Treasure staff. The team is part of the History and Collection Development Department which works across all Amgueddfa Cymru sites.
It will be based at National Museum Cardiff, but with a requirement to work at other Amgueddfa Cymru venues which store or display archaeological material. It will be responsible for the management of Wales’s national archaeology collections, ensuring they are both accessible and used in a range of diverse ways in the present, and inclusively /meaningfully documented and preserved for the future.
The role will require the development of new approaches to ensure that the collections continue to function as an important tool through which Amgueddfa Cymru delivers its strategic objectives. It will also require you to maintain and implement detailed collection management procedures necessary for the long-term care of the collections, whether in store, on display or on loan to others.
Care for the users of our collections is as central to this role as care for the collections themselves, and the postholder will be committed to broadening the range of people using these resources.
To help in the delivery of your objectives you will manage a small team of archaeologists focused on collections care, documentation, and access, and work as part of a cross-departmental group ensuring best practice in collections care across disciplines.
Key Responsibilities
- To maintain a strategic overview of all Amgueddfa Cymru’s archaeology and numismatic collections, ensuring that information relating to the scale, scope, storage locations and display parameters are available to support delivery of Amgueddfa Cymru’s event, exhibition and capital projects.
- To lead on the management of, and access to those collections, ensuring that this work is carried out in accordance with the ethical standards and legal frameworks defined in its policies and procedures.
- To maintain external relationships and documentation relating to loans from the archaeology collections to other museums, ensuring that all lender conditions are satisfied.
- To ensure documentation (e.g., condition reports and photography) relating to archaeological material on display is maintained.
- To manage the internal process for assessing requests to take samples from items in the collections.
- To contribute to the work of Amgueddfa Cymru’s Collections Management Group to develop and maintain best practice across all our collection areas.
- To represent Amgueddfa Cymru on external forums relating to the management of archaeology collections.
- To develop and maintain volunteer and other community programmes that support the management of the archaeology collections.
- To ensure that our archaeology study spaces are welcoming and useful to all our visitors.
- To work with teams across Amgueddfa Cymru in the delivery of shared goals (e.g., curators, conservators, photographers, registrars and the buildings teams).
- To line manage a small group within the Archaeology Team.
- To deputise for the Head of Archaeology as necessary.
- To seek external funding opportunities in pursuance of the above responsibilities.
Date of proposed interview: 27 January 2026
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Principal Curator of Collection Development (Archaeology), National Museum Cardiff employer: Museum
Contact Detail:
Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Curator of Collection Development (Archaeology), National Museum Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current archaeological collections at the National Museum Cardiff. Understanding the existing materials and their significance will help you articulate how you can enhance accessibility and engagement during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of archaeology and museum curation. Attend relevant events or workshops to connect with others who may provide insights or even referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on best practices in collection management and public engagement strategies. Being knowledgeable about innovative approaches will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to lead projects effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and projects. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully engaged diverse user groups or improved collection accessibility, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Curator of Collection Development (Archaeology), National Museum Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Curator of Collection Development. Understand the key responsibilities, such as managing national archaeology collections and engaging with user groups, to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in collection management, public engagement, and team leadership. Provide specific examples of projects you've developed or contributed to that align with the role's objectives.
Showcase Your Vision: Articulate your vision for the future of the collections in your motivation letter. Discuss innovative approaches you would implement to enhance accessibility and user engagement, demonstrating your commitment to the role.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for clarity and grammatical accuracy. Ensure that your passion for archaeology and commitment to inclusivity shine through in your writing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Museum
✨Show Your Passion for Archaeology
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for archaeology and its importance in understanding our history. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with archaeological collections or projects in the past, demonstrating your commitment to the field.
✨Highlight Your Management Experience
Since this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and previous management experiences. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams, particularly in the context of collections care or public engagement.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
The role requires developing new approaches to ensure collections are accessible and meaningful. Be ready to discuss your ideas on strategic objectives and how you would implement them within the museum context, showcasing your innovative thinking.
✨Engage with User-Centric Approaches
Emphasise your commitment to broadening the range of people using the collections. Discuss any previous projects where you've successfully engaged diverse user groups, and how you plan to continue this work in the role.
