Curator (Art) - External Relations - 59866Z25 - Grade 7

Position Details

External Relations

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to December 2026

Closing date: 23rd November 2025

This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity which would need to be agreed by your current line manager.

Our offer to you

People are at the heart of what we are and do.

The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.

We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector‑leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential. With almost 5,000 professional services jobs in a wide range of functions in Edgbaston and in our campus in Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be able to develop your career at the University.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.

Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries.

The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site. On campus we have a state‑of‑the‑art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.

Find out more about the benefits of working for the University of Birmingham.

Background

University Collections (UC) is an accredited university museum made up of historic and contemporary collections – from the arts and sciences – that are housed in many locations across the University of Birmingham (UoB) campuses. The collections reflect a rich history of ideas, discovery, and creativity at the University of Birmingham that inspires audiences on a local and global stage. From ancient pottery to contemporary sculpture, via anatomical waxes, pacemakers and African textiles, the objects in the collections play an invaluable social, cultural and educational role. UC is organised into several discrete collections that cover a breadth of disciplines and reflect academic work at the University.

Collections include African Collection, Archaeology Collection, Campus Art Collection, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Collection, University Heritage Collection, Medical and Dental Collection, Physics Collection, Silver and Plate Collection. As custodians of the UC, our remit includes balancing the practical care and stewardship of the collections with making them accessible and supporting the University’s commitments to research, teaching and public engagement.

We believe that objects in the collections have the power to change perspectives, outlook and understanding. We are deeply committed to sharing this power as widely as possible, supporting staff, students and public to use collections to discover untold stories, and to write new ones.

UC is an outward facing university museum. As part of the Public and Cultural Engagement (PACE) division of External Relations (ER) we are positioned to support research and public engagement agendas through the most relevant mechanisms. Our current work on accessibility and community research is front‑of the line in our practice.

We provide a research support service, including a study centre, reading room, research enquiries and image request services. Our exhibitions and events are open daily and free to all.

University Collections forms a key part of the University’s portfolio of cultural resources. Other museums / archives include The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Winterbourne House & Gardens, Lapworth Museum of Geology and the Cadbury Research Library.

Role Summary

The Curator (Art) has responsibility for the campus art collection and a specialism in art but will dynamically work with all of the University Collections, as outlined above. The collection comprises a range of artworks on permanent or long‑term display in public spaces, and collections are based across 42 sites, five colleges and over three campuses.

The post holder has responsibility for researching and disseminating knowledge relating to the wider collections and will use the collections as a starting point to support the University’s public engagement activities, enabling access to objects through innovative displays, activities and exhibitions. Accessibility and interpretation are key in creating engagement opportunities that may include, but are not limited to artist residency programmes, interpretation trails, exhibition programmes and commissions.

The role requires strong and diplomatic collaboration across Professional Services and College staff and with external partners and stakeholders to create and maintain high‑quality, relevant displays of objects, interpretation and related public engagement opportunities.

Post responsibilities

• Subject specialist curatorial oversight of the University of Birmingham’s collection of historic, modern and contemporary art, including paintings, prints, photography, sculpture and installation art
• General oversight of the collections, providing curatorial support and expertise in response to enquiries, programmes of activity and in support of the wider care of the collections
• Enabling access to the UC for a wide range of diverse internal and external audiences through an exciting programme of exhibitions, events, teaching, interpretation and research
• Working collaboratively with the University Collections team to develop a cohesive approach to the care and display of collections, including the development of consistent presentation, labelling and interpretation

Main Duties

• Care and management of collections:
  • To actively research, curate, manage and develop the University Collections, working collaboratively with the University Collections team to identify opportunities to enhance the collection through research, displays, acquisitions and disposals.
  • To work closely with the Collections Manager to agree and action the labelling and digitisation of the UC for collections management, access and research purposes, ensuring that annual targets are set and met to raise awareness and enable greater use of the collections.
  • To work with colleagues across UoB collections to develop shared policies, procedures and practices to align and improve standards, access and engagement opportunities.
• Supporting research and teaching:
  • To support academics from UoB and other institutions in researching and displaying the UC, providing access and expert knowledge to support research, interpretation and engagement.
  • To use the UC to support teaching and learning across UoB disciplines.
• Presentation, displays and access:
  • To actively oversee collections displays on campus and elsewhere including the development and delivery of cohesive and consistent approaches to interpretation planning, presentation and object labelling across the function and wider institution, in collaboration with Professional Services, Colleges and Estates colleagues, ensuring high‑quality and well‑maintained displays.
  • To facilitate access to the UC, identifying opportunities for engagement through enhanced displays and supporting public programming.
  • To identify and deliver loans out and loans in to the UC in order to support their presentation and understanding, working collaboratively with external organisations and key partners.
  • To work with public engagement and communications and reputation colleagues to promote engagement with the UC through agreed communications and digital channels.
  • To undertake evaluation of collections displays and exhibitions as part of a continuous improvement programme and maintain detailed records to ensure that activities are delivered to the highest standards.
• Finance, income, and administration:
  • To manage a devolved budget related to curatorial activities, ensuring appropriate financial management processes are in place, and aligned with External Relations and UoB processes and procedures.
  • To work with the Head of University Collections and other colleagues to identify and apply to appropriate funding opportunities to support the development, care, management and display of the UC.
  • To oversee intellectual property and copyright across the UC art holdings, with responsibility for the development of corresponding policies and procedures relating to copyright of collections, digitisation and commercialisation.
• Other duties:
  • To manage institutional portrait commissions as required in liaison with the Vice Chancellor’s Office and other relevant departments.
  • To continue developing expert knowledge and professional practice in curating and caring for the collections, providing advice and guidance to colleagues across the function and wider University, as necessary.
  • To participate as an active and responsible member of the Public and Cultural Engagement team and contribute to the development of policies, strategies and practice that work to remove barriers to public engagement with the University in relation to the collections.
  • To monitor delivery and outputs against the University Strategic Framework and relevant Strategic Plans, including provision of updates and reports and update processes as appropriate.
  • To represent the UoB at agreed external events, ensuring that UoB’s research, public engagement and collections activities are promoted regionally, nationally and internationally to enhance the reputation of the University.
  • Be fully committed to openness and transparency.
• Promotes equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications) plus relevant practical experience – where no equivalent qualification is held significant practical relevant experience and expertise in a series of progressively more demanding roles will be required.
• In depth up to date specialist understanding and experience in a relevant technical specialism.
• A postgraduate degree in history of art (or curating/museum studies with demonstrable specialist interest/experience of working with public fine art collections).
• Significant experience in a curatorial role in a public sector/university museum or art gallery.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the history of art with a research specialism/specialist interest in art.
• Highly developed knowledge of museum and cultural services across university cultural collections and an understanding of how they contribute to both the University as a whole and the wider cultural sector.
• Understanding and awareness of up‑to‑date requirements of museum standards and best practice for collections care and access (ACE Accreditation scheme).
• Strong understanding of higher education environment and of the potential impact of cultural activity and its role in public engagement for universities.
• Experience of delivering curatorial activity and events to a broad range of stakeholders including but not limited to young people/students, staff, publics and partners.
• Experience of producing high quality printed materials and publications, including proof‑reading and copy‑editing and working with designers and printers.
• Experience of managing volunteer programmes including developing processes and procedures as well as directly training and supporting volunteers.
• Experience of managing budgets within broader financial system requirements of a medium or large‑scale institution, including accurate record keeping and precise reporting.
• In depth understanding and knowledge of intellectual property and copyright requirements and implications when working with fine art, museums and collections, and ability to respond to any changes in legislation including updating procedures and advising colleagues of legal requirements and industry best practice.
• Demonstrates energy, determination and resilience.
• Demonstrates the External Relations Values and Behaviours.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Evidence of excellent communication in a broad range of contexts for specialist and non‑specialist audiences, whether concise and accessible exhibition text, digital content, marketing copy or academically rigorous in‑depth written research outputs.
• Ability to understand and use subject specialist language when appropriate including procedural and legal documentation (such as artist contracts, loan and copyright agreements).
• Evidence of the ability to obtain, analyse and use complex data to inform effective decision‑making.
• Ability to think creatively about opportunities and threats, to face conflict and look for common ground on which to build.
• Experience of relationship management and effective partnership development and understanding of project timelines and parameters.
• Ability to influence senior decision makers and win support for proposals.
• Ability to engage and communicate effectively with a range of academic and professional services staff across UoB.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with a range of publics and community groups, students and volunteers.
• Ability to communicate and advocate to culture and industry professionals external to the University in the city, nationally and internationally.
• Ability to represent the University externally to academia, industry and other bodies, including potential donors, in the UK and internationally.
• Evidence of literacy and numeracy.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Role context

Roles at this level will require a broad understanding and practical experience of an administrative or professional field which will be used to plan the running and development of services and/or lead shorter term projects or contribute to larger projects. You will work with information which needs interpretation and analysis; you will use your judgement to identify the best solution to differing problems and issues, offering recommendations for managing more complex situations. You are likely to be responsible for managing a team of staff, being accountable for recruiting and developing them and for managing performance. You may also need to liaise and/or co‑ordinate activities across a number of different sections within the department or possibly with wider department or external bodies as appropriate.

Core competencies/transferable skills

Working at this level you will be able to develop and successfully demonstrate the core competencies/transferable skills outlined in each of the areas shown below. As appropriate for the level, our Birmingham Professionals will take ownership for getting things done. You will be expected to be flexible as required in supporting your department and wider University.

Planning and organising

• plan the running and development of service(s), overseeing resources and inputting into resource planning as appropriate;
• develop, agree and implement standards for delivery for own area;
• manage a team of staff and review, develop and motivate them;
• plan relevant training and development;
• provide professional advice, guidance and support to others within and outside their immediate work area;
• oversee resources and make recommendations about future resource requirements.

Problem solving and decision making

• review, develop and propose solutions for problems with (for example) staff, budgets, services and/or systems;
• deal effectively with unexpected issues, such as changing priorities;
• deal with sensitive people matters/issues;
• provide specialist advice and recommendations to support decision‑making of others.

Organisational understanding

• understand their own and closely‑related working areas and how they contribute to the success of the University;
• has an understanding of how the University operates; actively seeks to share this knowledge with others;
• developing empathy with the academic endeavour.

Relationships and communication

• influence decision makers and win support for proposals;
• develop excellent working relationships within and outside of own area and potentially with external stakeholders;
• co‑ordinate activities across a number of areas.

Informal enquiries to Clare Mullett, email: c.r.mullett@bham.ac.uk

View our staff values and behaviours here.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone.