At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging narratives and experiences for millions of visitors at a world-class museum.
- Company: Join the Natural History Museum, a leading science research centre with a mission to inspire.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension scheme, discounts, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with hybrid working options and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape how audiences connect with nature and science through innovative exhibitions.
- Qualifications: Experience in exhibition development and strong storytelling skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We are a world‑class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website. Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. We employ 1,100 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world.
Diversity and Inclusion
Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment. We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About The Role
The Natural History Museum is transforming how visitors experience science, nature and the story of our planet through an ambitious programme of new galleries, public spaces and exhibitions as part of the NHM150 programme. We’re looking for a Senior Interpretation Developer to play a leading role in shaping these experiences; developing compelling narratives, interpretation and visitor journeys that connect audiences with the Museum’s collections, research and mission. Working closely with Exhibition and Gallery Leads, scientists, curators, designers and audience researchers, you will help create intellectually rigorous and emotionally engaging exhibitions and gallery experiences. From early‑stage research and concept development through to final delivery, you’ll shape how stories are told across a range of interpretive formats, including text, interactives and audio‑visual experiences. You’ll combine strong storytelling skills with audience insight and a deep understanding of interpretive practice to create experiences that are accessible, inspiring and impactful for diverse audiences. Alongside this, you’ll collaborate across the Museum to select objects and specimens for display, develop briefs for interactive exhibits, and support fundraising, stakeholder engagement and exhibition promotion. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to major, high‑profile projects that will shape how millions of visitors engage with the natural world and the Museum’s collections for years to come.
About You
Are you an experienced interpretation or exhibition professional who enjoys turning complex ideas into engaging visitor experiences? If you’re passionate about storytelling, audience engagement and creating meaningful cultural experiences, this could be the role for you. You bring experience developing and delivering interpretation for exhibitions, galleries or similar public experiences, with the ability to combine rigorous research with creative and audience‑focused thinking. You are confident shaping narratives, developing interpretation plans and working across multiple formats, from text and object interpretation to interactive and audio‑visual content. You are a strong collaborator who enjoys working with subject specialists, designers and stakeholders across disciplines to bring ideas to life. You communicate clearly and persuasively, whether writing exhibition content, presenting concepts or influencing project discussions. If you thrive in fast‑paced project environments, enjoy balancing creativity with delivery, and can manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high standard of work, you will excel in this role. An interest in natural science, science communication or museum practice would be advantageous, but most importantly, you are motivated by creating exceptional experiences that inspire audiences and deepen understanding of the natural world.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
What We Offer
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
- Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
- We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in‑house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi.
Hybrid Working
We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this than seeing first‑hand the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events. We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with a minimum of three days on site in South Kensington per week. The precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
Senior Interpretation Developer in London employer: Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and inclusion while fostering a sense of belonging among its 1,100 staff. With generous benefits such as 27.5 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and extensive training opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in South Kensington, the Museum provides a unique environment where passionate individuals can contribute to impactful projects that inspire millions to engage with the natural world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Interpretation Developer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at the Museum. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get an interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the Museum's mission and how your skills can contribute to creating engaging visitor experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role. Think about how you can turn complex ideas into engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you're genuinely interested and keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Interpretation Developer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for storytelling and audience engagement shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to inspire millions about the natural world.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in developing interpretation for exhibitions or similar public experiences. We’re looking for specific examples that showcase your ability to turn complex ideas into engaging narratives.
Be Clear and Persuasive:Your written application should reflect your strong communication skills. Whether it’s your exhibition content or project discussions, clarity is key. We want to see how you can convey ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Museum.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Museum's mission and values. Understand how they connect with their diverse audience and think about how your experience as an interpretation developer can enhance visitor engagement. Tailor your responses to show that you’re aligned with their vision of inspiring millions to care about the natural world.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Prepare examples of how you've turned complex ideas into engaging narratives in past projects. Be ready to discuss specific interpretive formats you've worked with, such as text, interactives, or audio-visual content. This will demonstrate your ability to create compelling experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Highlight your collaborative spirit by discussing how you've worked with various stakeholders, including scientists, designers, and curators. Share examples of how clear communication has helped you influence project discussions and shape successful exhibitions. This will show that you can thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
✨Passion for Natural Science
Express your genuine interest in natural science and museum practice. Share any relevant experiences or projects that reflect your passion for creating meaningful cultural experiences. This enthusiasm will resonate with the interviewers and reinforce your commitment to the Museum's mission.
