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- Tasks: Lead a talented team to create world-class exhibitions and galleries at the Science Museum.
- Company: Join the Science Museum Group, inspiring 3.3 million visitors with stories of human ingenuity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, health insurance, and discounts at our shops and cafes.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organization that values diversity and promotes innovation and excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in museums or heritage, with expertise in museology and science culture.
- Other info: Flexible work across five museums in the UK; apply even if you don't meet all criteria!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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Head of Collections and Principal Curator, Greater London
Client:
Science Museum Group
Location:
Greater London, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
EU work permit required:
Yes
Job Reference:
822ce24c876f
Job Views:
6
Posted:
01.03.2025
Expiry Date:
15.04.2025
Job Description:
Are you a leader in the museums, heritage or academic sector? Are you able to lead a talented Collections team in creating world-class content for an ambitious public programme of exhibitions and galleries?
About us
At the Science Museum, the home of human ingenuity, we are dedicated to inspiring our 3.3 million visitors with stories that reveal wonder and ignite curiosity around our unique Collections.
We are looking for a Head of Collections & Principal Curator to join us on a permanent basis based at the Science Museum in London. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership to our curatorial, research, library and archive teams.
About the role
The Head of Collections and Principal Curator will promote curatorial and research excellence for our ambitious public programme, including delivering on the vision for the content of new permanent galleries (including a future Space gallery). They will also provide strategic direction on collections development and review, high-profile acquisitions, and the development of a group-wide Research Strategy across the 5 museums in our Science Museum Group. They will inspire and lead the team to work closely with the Executive team, and other key department leads, including in Exhibitions, Digital, Design, Communications and others, to ensure the seamless delivery of outstanding world-class galleries, temporary exhibitions, digitisation, publications, and research.
About you
As a Head of Collections and Principal Curator, you will be a highly collaborative individual, with a proven track record of delivery in a museum or heritage context. You will be a recognised authority and expert in museology, the history and current practice of science and its material culture, or science and technology studies. You will be expected to maintain a strong international reputation for scholarship, representing the museum and its collections nationally and internationally. As a people manager, you will be able to drive high standards at the helm of a busy and diverse team, with experience of building, growing, inspiring, and leading a multidisciplinary talented team, to create a strong team culture encompassing excellence, innovation, openness, a positive can-do attitude, ambition and promoting a culture of support and wellbeing.
This position is mainly based at the Science Museum in London but requires some flexibility for work to be carried out across our five museums in the UK and our collections site in Wiltshire.
Don’t feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn’t match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.
Applying
View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under ‘Attachments’ on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click ‘Apply Online’ to submit an application.
What we offer
- Meaningful work: We’re a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
- Career growth: We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance: We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
- Health & Dental Insurance: Extra peace of mind, from day one.
- All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.
- Enhanced contributory pension: To support you in saving for the future.
- Interest-free loans: When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
- Great discounts: Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group’s five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures .
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Head of Collections and Principal Curator, Greater London employer: TN United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
TN United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Collections and Principal Curator, Greater London
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your leadership experience in the museum or heritage sector. Highlight specific projects where you successfully led a team to deliver high-quality exhibitions or research initiatives.
✨Tip Number 2
Emphasize your collaborative skills and ability to work with diverse teams. Provide examples of how you've partnered with different departments, such as Digital or Communications, to achieve common goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your expertise in museology and science communication. Share any relevant publications or presentations that highlight your authority in the field and your commitment to advancing knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for inspiring others and promoting a positive team culture. Discuss how you've fostered an environment of support and wellbeing within your previous teams, which aligns with our values at the Science Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Collections and Principal Curator, Greater London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Collections and Principal Curator position. Understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and the vision of the Science Museum Group to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your leadership experience in museums or heritage contexts. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, developed exhibitions, or contributed to curatorial excellence.
Showcase Your Vision: Articulate your vision for the role in your application. Discuss how you would approach collections development, high-profile acquisitions, and collaboration with other departments to enhance the museum's offerings.
Personalize Your Application: Make sure to personalize your cover letter by addressing it to the hiring team at the Science Museum Group. Mention why you are passionate about their mission and how your values align with their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
How to prepare for a job interview at TN United Kingdom
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Head of Collections and Principal Curator, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience in museums or heritage contexts. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully led teams, managed projects, and inspired others to achieve excellence.
✨Demonstrate Your Curatorial Expertise
You should be ready to discuss your knowledge of museology and your experience with collections development. Prepare to share insights on how you would approach curatorial excellence and the strategic direction for exhibitions and galleries, particularly in relation to the Science Museum's vision.
✨Emphasize Collaboration Skills
This role requires a highly collaborative approach. Be sure to provide examples of how you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams, including digital, design, and communications departments, to deliver outstanding exhibitions and research initiatives.
✨Express Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Science Museum Group values diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you have promoted a culture of support and wellbeing in your previous roles, and how you plan to continue fostering an inclusive environment within the team and the wider organization.
