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- Tasks: Lead the Global Arts, Cultures & Design team and shape future museum strategies.
- Company: Join National Museums Scotland, a leading museum group with diverse global collections.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension contributions, and free access to museums worldwide.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cultural heritage and engage communities through innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree and senior-level experience in museum or collection management.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and international engagement.
The predicted salary is between 76093 - 86275 £ per year.
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: This senior leadership role at National Museums Scotland offers an incredible opportunity to shape the future of the Global Arts, Cultures and Design department, managing the understanding, development, organisation, and public access to the collections. 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 include:
- 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.
Keeper, Global Arts, Cultures & Design in Old Town employer: National Museums Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Museums Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Keeper, Global Arts, Cultures & Design in Old Town
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum and cultural sectors, especially those connected to National Museums Scotland. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the organisation, make sure to express your enthusiasm for global arts and cultures. Share your ideas on how to enhance public engagement and accessibility – it’ll show you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re ready to lead!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the museum’s collections and current projects. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands and values what they do.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, keep an eye on our careers portal for any updates or new opportunities that might pop up. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Keeper, Global Arts, Cultures & Design in Old Town
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for global arts and cultures shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our values of creativity and inclusivity.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in collection management and community engagement. We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire, so showcase your leadership skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and skills outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers portal! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museums Scotland
✨Know Your Collections
Dive deep into the collections at National Museums Scotland. Familiarise yourself with key pieces, their histories, and how they relate to global arts and cultures. This will not only show your passion but also your commitment to engaging communities with heritage.
✨Embrace the Values
Make sure you embody the values of being Creative, Inclusive, Collaborative, and Forward-thinking. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities, especially in leadership roles. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Be ready to discuss innovative strategies for enhancing public access to collections and driving digital programmes. Think about how you can contribute to the museum's objectives and be prepared to share your vision for the future of the department.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your multi-disciplinary leadership experience and how it has prepared you for this role. Be specific about how you've motivated teams and contributed to significant projects in previous positions, as this is crucial for a senior role like Keeper.