Keeper, Global Arts, Cultures & Design

Full Time Salary: £76,093 – 86,275
Hours: 35 hours per week | Monday – Friday with some evenings and weekends.
Location: National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh | travel to other sites | hybrid potential

National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in Europe with one of the largest and most diverse collections in the world. As an organisation our values are Creative, Inclusive, Collaborative and Forward-thinking. We are looking for someone who embodies these values to lead our Global Arts, Cultures & Design team.

About the Keeper role

Overseeing a diverse collection spanning material from prehistory to the present day from Asia, Africa, the Americas, Oceania, and Europe, you will lead a dedicated team of curators and researchers in redefining the modern museum’s relationship with its global heritage. You will drive strategic innovation and ensure these world-class collections are accessible through cutting‑edge digital programmes and national outreach. Crucially, you will represent the organisation on the international stage, engaging in vital dialogues including those that address the histories and legacies of colonialism. For a visionary professional committed to inclusive curatorship and global cultural exchange, this position provides the platform to lead transformative change within one of the UK’s most prestigious heritage organisations.

This role would suit someone who:

• Has a background in collection management, research, or both.
• Has a passion for engaging communities with heritage.
• Has multi‑disciplinary leadership experience.

As a Keeper at National Museums Scotland you will:

• Provide leadership for the department, setting objectives as well as developing and distinguishing strategic and innovative thinking to fit with National Museums Scotland’s objectives.
• Contribute at a senior level in the overall development and delivery of National Museums Scotland’s policy and strategy.
• Take a proactive role in seeking funding opportunities to support projects.
• Be responsible for the management and development of colleagues within the department ensuring that they are motivated and contribute fully to National Museums Scotland’s objectives.
• Maximise accessibility and the public understanding of the collections.

Skills and experience we’re looking for in our Keeper:

• A relevant postgraduate degree or equivalent.
• Proven experience at contributing at a senior level in a museum or other relevant environment.
• Established profile in area relevant to National Museums Scotland’s collections.
• Experience of significant involvement in the interpretation of collections for a wide variety of audiences and programmes.
• Previous track record of publication and dissemination of research.

Benefits of joining us as our Keeper:

• Annually alongside your salary, National Museums Scotland contributes 28.97% of this towards you being a member of the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
• A generous annual leave of 28.5 days – rising to 33.5 after 5 years, plus an additional 8 paid days public holidays.
• Free access to national (and international) museums and exhibitions.
• A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7.
• Access to all the above and more from day one of employment.

Please be sure to view relevant attachments for this role (available on our Careers Portal: careers.nms.ac.uk) for full details of the position. The closing date for this role is 30 April 2026. The selection event is expected to be on 2 or 3 June 2026 in Edinburgh.