Full time - 40 hours, 5 days per week
Permanent
Role Purpose:
The National Portrait Gallery is at one of the most exciting moments in its history, having just reopened the building and rehung the collection following the Inspiring People campaign, and has recently appointed a new Director. The museum is now seeking a visionary Chief Curator to lead the curatorial team, to work closely with the Director and senior colleagues to grow and care for the collection, to contribute to an exciting and engaging exhibitions programme that resonates both locally and internationally along with the gallery's wider programmes and activities and opportunities provided by its programme of exhibitions, events and learning.
The Chief Curator is a key member of the Executive Group and the senior management team, with responsibility for the overall development and leadership of the Curatorial department, including the work of the specialist curators and the Heinz Archive and Library. This also includes budget management, the development and delivery of the annual departmental plan, and working with the Development team to identify fundraising opportunities.
Key Accountabilities:
* Lead on growing and developing the Collection, as well as its management and use, working closely with the Curatorial Committee of trustees and taking into account the unique remit and structure of the National Portrait Gallery.
* Work closely with the Director and the Director of Partnerships and Programmes on an exciting and strategic programme of exhibitions and collaborate with both internal and external curators to deliver the exhibitions.
* Be an expert source of advice and information to the Director and Trustees on all curatorial matters and issues relating to the Collection including contributing to and attending meetings of the Board of Trustees and advising on all publicity relevant to the Collection.
* Develop and embed appropriate policies for the Collection including leading and supervising the activities of specialist curators and providing overall policy direction to the Heinz Archive and Library.
* Develop opportunities to expand the Collection through acquisition; this will involve leading on collections development research and negotiation with lenders, offerers, statutory bodies and funding bodies and supporters.
* Develop opportunities for the commissioning of new portraits, taking into account potential sitters, artists and funders.
* Lead the research, compilation and presentation of written information including cataloguing the Collection and contributing to the development of publications and improving educational and research facilities for actual and virtual visitors.
* Work closely with the senior members of the Gallery to ensure the best use of the Collection in the development and delivery of opportunities to share our Collection widely to diverse audiences as well as generate income through the Gallery’s communications, retail, design and digital programmes activities.
* Contribute to and participate in Gallery events and representing the Gallery nationally and internationally.
* Lead the efforts to care for and conserve the Gallery’s Collections, including management of the Collection, storage, conservation, and loans and developing a comprehensive, long-range Collection plan.
Strategic Leadership
* Representing Archive & Library, Collections Services, and Curatorial on the Executive, Directors and Senior Management teams, contributing to the Gallery’s management and strategic planning processes, working closely with senior colleagues and Trustees to deliver the Ten Year Plan, to support the Gallery’s future objectives and sustainability.
* Developing and annual departmental plan, with appropriate financial indicators and KPIs, which aligns the work of the department to the Ten Year Plan and ensures its successful implementation, sustainability and progression.
* Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Gallery ensuring that the department contribute fully to and underpin the Gallery’s wider programme and activities and capitalises on opportunities.
* Continually being aware of and managing risks related to the work of the department and the Gallery’s reputational risks.
* Being an ambassador for the Gallery by being a source of knowledge and expertise as well as developing good working relationships with a range of external bodies and developing strategic partnerships that result in a significantly increased profile for the Gallery as well as present opportunities to increase funding and generate income.
* Producing financial and non-financial reports as required including for the Trustee Board Ensuring the effective management of contracts and relations with external providers so that they make a demonstrable contribution to supporting the needs of the business and provide value for money.
* Working with colleagues to develop ways to build customer and visitor numbers, engage diverse audiences and offer visitors, other consumers and business clients a unique experience that also provide opportunities for income generation and business growth.
* Proactively support the Communications and Digital teams to share the Collection, promote the Gallery's broad range of activity and maintain the Gallery's reputation. They will lead, develop and encourage the curatorial team to be active in this area.
* Along with the Director, the Chief Curator is a key spokesperson for the Gallery and will be expected to provide an expert, trusted voice and be interviewed across a wide range media on a regular basis.
People and Financial Management
* Leading, motivating and developing the Curatorial and Collections department in line with the Gallery’s employment policies and acting as a role model in developing a culture of high-quality exhibitions, international and national programmes and Learning and Engagement activity.
* Ensuring continuous improvement and collaboration so that all work activities are delivered to the highest standard and the team meet their own objectives as well as contribute to the achievement of others.
* Leading the effective management of the Curatorial and Collections budget so that the delivery of all activity is achieved within agreed budget tolerances and demonstrates value for money.
* Leading the departmental budget planning and preparation to control and monitor expenditure in all sections.
* Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Gallery ensuring that the department contributes fully to and underpins the Gallery's wider programmes and activities and opportunities provided by its programme of exhibitions, events and learning.
* Liaising closely with the Director of Development and the Development team to support income generation opportunities and particularly acquisition campaigns.
* Ensure clear decision making, consultation and communication for all departmental activity
The above list is indicative but not exhaustive. As such, in addition to the key accountabilities and responsibilities listed the post holder may be required to perform other duties commensurate with the scope and/or level of the role
To read the full job description, please follow the link: Chief Curator - Candidate Brief
Key Experience, Skills and Criteria:
* Extensive experience of working in a museum or gallery environment at a senior level.
* Experience of developing, managing and caring for a collection.
* Specialist knowledge of portraiture, and a broad view of the whole field, both historical and contemporary.
* Strong track record of conceiving and curating successful exhibitions.
* Good knowledge of British history and culture.
* Experience of undertaking research and writing for specialist and general publications.
* Experience of reviewing, drafting, and embedding policies relating to acquisitions, conservation, exhibitions and displays.
* Knowledge & experience in the incorporation of digital as a tool for curation and interpretation
* Demonstrable previous experience of leading and developing a team.
* Experience of managing budgets and delivering value for money.
* Experience in injecting equity, diversity and inclusion into curatorial conduct and interpretation
* Strong relationships with artists, galleries and other museum professionals and a track record of developing effective partnerships
* Master’s degree in art history or related field, PhD or equivalent preferred.
* Experience of delivering tours, talks & lectures to the media, for a wide range of audiences of from academic experts and leisure learners.
We offer a competitive benefits package, including:
* Generous pension scheme
* 27 days annual leave allowance, in addition to bank holidays
* Interest free season ticket and bicycle loans
* Rental deposit scheme
* Membership of the Civil Service Sports & Leisure club
* Access to independent, low cost healthcare schemes
* Employee assistance programme
* Free entry to many UK museums, galleries and exhibitions
* Staff discounts on purchases in online shop
* Professional & personal development opportunities
Closing date for returned applications is 9:00am on the 6th of January, 2025.
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