At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UCL Art Collections and enhance access to diverse art for all audiences.
- Company: Join UCL, London's global university, renowned for its cultural and educational impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in art engagement and research at a prestigious institution.
- Qualifications: Experience in museum collections management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54931 - 64644 € per year.
Ref Number B25-00266
Professional Expertise: Libraries, museums, theatres and open science
Department: Vice-Provost (Faculties) (B25)
Location: London
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: £54,931-£64,644
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Type: Hybrid
Available for Secondment: No
Closing Date: 31-May-2026
About us: UCL is London’s global university. LCCOS – Library, Culture, Collections and Open Science – provides outstanding staff, services and resources to support the world‑class research, education and enterprise that is undertaken in UCL, and connects the world with UCL through innovative programming and engagement activities. LCCOS is acknowledged as an international leader in Open Science and Scholarship. The LCCOS family comprises 4 museums and allied object collections, 14 libraries, the UCL Student Centre, Special Collections facilities, multiple additional learning spaces, and a substantial off‑site storage facility. We also provide comprehensive services to healthcare staff through our partnerships with 6 NHS Trusts. The combined staff in UCL LCCOS totals around 450. UCL Museums and Cultural Programmes looks after UCL’s four museums – Grant Museum of Zoology, Pathology Museum, Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology and UCL Art Museum – and allied object collections. The UCL Museums and Cultural Programmes team uses UCL’s rich and diverse collections to support teaching, research and public engagement.
About the role: The Head of UCL Art Collections is responsible for the management of and access to UCL Art Collections and acts as the operational lead for the museum’s sites and facilities on the Bloomsbury campus of UCL. They are part of the leadership team within Museums & Cultural Programmes, leading on defining the strategy and priorities for the art collections and advocating for their use in research, teaching and wider public engagement within UCL and beyond. The Head is responsible for directing the activities of UCL Art Museum’s curatorial team and collaborates with colleagues in academic and professional departments across UCL, and with external partners in the university and cultural sectors. We will consider applications to work on a part‑time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible. This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 80% on site. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff.
About you: We are looking for candidates who in particular have the following experience and skills:
- Substantial experience of managing collections in a museum environment and making these accessible to a range of audiences
- Broad knowledge of art history and willingness to develop working knowledge and understanding of UCL Art Collections
- Experience of operational planning and delivery and managing resources and budgets
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi‑disciplinary team to develop and deliver agreed strategies and plans
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills with the ability to tailor content and build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including academic audiences.
Want to apply? Please provide:
- An up‑to‑date CV, including as a minimum detail of your current employment, salary and notice period, details of any former employment and your education history.
- A supporting statement, showing how your skills and experience meet each of the criteria marked ‘Application’ in the Person Specification found within the Job Description for this post. Your statement should be provided using the free text box under ‘Questionnaire’.
If you have any queries about the role or have any queries about the application process, please contact lccos-jobs@ucl.ac.uk, quoting the job title and reference number.
What we offer:
- 27 days annual leave + 6 closure days (Christmas and Easter) as well as statutory holidays
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Ability to buy 5 additional annual leave days
- Enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity leave
- Carer’s leave
Other benefits: We also offer some great benefits such as a defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE); cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan; on‑site gym etc. As part of the UCL community you can access free lunch hour lectures, exhibitions and museums and collections. On campus UCL has the Bloomsbury theatre hosting a range of performances and a series of bars, cafes and other facilities, which UCL staff can use.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department is working towards an Athena SWAN award. We are committed to advancing gender equality within our department.
Head of UCL Art Collections employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and innovation within the arts and cultural sector. With a commitment to employee growth through professional development opportunities and a supportive environment, staff enjoy a generous benefits package including 27 days of annual leave, hybrid working options, and access to a wealth of resources and facilities on the Bloomsbury campus. Join UCL to be part of a diverse community dedicated to making a meaningful impact in research, education, and public engagement.
Contact Detail:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of UCL Art Collections
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the art and museum sector, especially those connected to UCL. Attend events, join online forums, 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 for UCL Art Collections! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the team or during an interview, share your thoughts on their current exhibitions or initiatives. This shows you’re not just another applicant; you’re genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Head of UCL Art Collections. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you’d manage resources and budgets effectively. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for any new opportunities that pop up. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of UCL Art Collections
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your CV Wisely:Make sure your CV is up-to-date and highlights your relevant experience in managing collections and working in a museum environment. Tailor it to reflect the skills mentioned in the job description, like leadership and communication.
Nail the Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Address each criterion in the Person Specification directly, showing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for. Be specific and give examples!
Show Your Passion for Art Collections:Let us see your enthusiasm for art history and UCL Art Collections. Share any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making art accessible to diverse audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us smoothly. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we're here to help!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Collections
Familiarise yourself with UCL Art Collections before the interview. Understand their significance, key pieces, and how they contribute to research and public engagement. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how you can enhance their visibility.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of your leadership skills in managing collections or teams. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders, as this role requires strong relationship management and teamwork.
✨Operational Planning Insights
Be ready to discuss your experience with operational planning and resource management. Think about how you can apply these skills to improve the accessibility and engagement of the art collections at UCL.
✨Tailor Your Communication
Practice how you would communicate complex ideas to different audiences, especially academic ones. Being able to adapt your message is crucial for this role, so prepare to demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships through effective communication.
