Assistant Curator

The National Portrait Gallery is seeking an Assistant Curator, International Programmes to support the Chief Curator in adapting a major upcoming exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery for international tour and developing new proposals for international touring exhibitions drawn from the NPG’s collection.

This role will involve substantial curatorial research, content development and coordination.

• Role Purpose
• Working closely with the Chief Curator, the International Team, the Curatorial Team, and colleagues across the Gallery, you will support in the research, development and planning of new ideas for touring exhibitions.
• Support the Chief Curator in the development, research and delivery of a major upcoming exhibitionfor international tour.
• Prepare and maintain research, object, lender and interpretive documentation, support internal and external communications, and help ensure that information about exhibitions is accurate, timely and well organised.
• Prepare proposals and presentations, take part in meetings and lead tours to support the effective promotion of the Gallery’s international touring exhibitions.
• Be willing to travel internationally when required to act as a courier, oversee installations and take part in opening events.
• Assist with the adaptation of the major upcomingexhibition for tour, including changes to content, structure and narrative for touring venues.
• Work closely with the International Team and the Curatorial team in the development of new proposals for international touring exhibitions from the collection.
• Contribute recommendations to exhibitions through research and specialist knowledge.
• Assist with arranging loans, preparation of objects lists and presentations.
• Keep accurate records of project documents.
• Contribute to interpretation, publications and digital content.
• Contribute to marketing and partner engagement activity, including meetings with potential international partners and on-site tours where required.
• Key Experience, Skills and Criteria
• Proven experience in exhibition-making in a museum, gallery or comparable cultural environment.
• A postgraduate qualification in the humanities or equivalent experience.
• Expertise and deep knowledge of British art, history and portraiture.

A keen interest in modern and contemporary art is desirable, and a curiosity to develop new models of exhibition-making is encouraged.

• Excellent research, writing and organisational skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and to convey key information clearly, accurately and succinctly.
• Exceptional attention to detail, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to work flexibly and meticulously under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a range of colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Deliver and contribute to events, talks and tours, sometimes out of hours.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Excellent IT skills, with a high level of competence in Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook (including electronic diary).
• Undertake any other duties and responsibilities, which are commensurate with the level of this role, as required.
• A flexible strong commitment to equality, diversity and the mission of the National Portrait Gallery.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including

• 29 days annual leave allowance, in addition to bank holidays
• Interest free season ticket and bicycle loans
• Employee assistance programme
• Free entry to many UK museums, galleries and exhibitions
• Staff discounts on purchases in online shop
• Professional & personal development opportunities

Closing datefor returned applications is1 September 2026.

First round interviews will take place on the week beginning14 September 2026 in person.

Please indicate on the notes section of your application form, if you will be unable to make these dates.

The Gallery was founded in 1856 with the aim of collecting portraits of ‘the most eminent persons in British history’.

The original Trustees agreed ‘to look at the celebrity of the person represented rather than the merit of the artist’ but also took the view that achievement would sometimes be tempered by human fallibility accepting that ‘great faults and errors’ should not exclude individuals from inclusion.

The role remains the same today - telling the story of the nation through the people who shape it - although we have broadened our understanding of achievement to reflect the diversity and dynamism of contemporary culture.

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