Job Description
We're looking for a Senior National Curator to join our National Curator Team.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead the National Trust's ambitions for Decorative Art collections. You will be an established subject specialist and able to lead a wider range of related specialisms.
What it's like to work here
You'll join an agile team of National Curators, report to the Head of Curatorship and Houses, and line manage a small team. You will work closely with colleagues across the National Trust, including curators at properties and in regional/country roles, and collaborate with many other teams especially Collections Management, Conservation, Experiences, Fundraising, Communications and Research.
Your contractual location will be our Head Office in Swindon. However, there is flexibility on where you are based. You will be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.
What you'll be doing
In this role, you'll be the National Trust's lead for Decorative Art collections, responsible for shaping ambitions for their contribution to the Trust's strategic goals of 'ending unequal access' as well as 'inspiring millions'.
As a Senior National Curator, you'll use your deep expertise to help shape curatorship throughout the organisation. You'll be an experienced curator, innovative and creative in your approach, and able to inspire and lead others to evolve and enhance our practise.
You'll champion research and apply new knowledge in the development of interpretation and engagement, be it on-site, off-site, or through digital channels. You'll be committed to increasing physical and intellectual access at properties, working increasingly in collaborative ways, and sensitive to promoting broad, engaging, and inclusive histories.
You'll manage your time, and your line reports, to support a flexible and responsive national curator team who assist colleagues and projects across the National Trust achieve sustainable standards of access, conservation and presentation. You'll be skilled in making assessments of significance and support pragmatic and balanced decision making.
Who we're looking for
- Expertise in Decorative Art collections, with a strong track record in visitor engagement, participation, interpretation, programming and display.
- Significant experience across collections management, research, conservation and care.
- Strong project and resource management skills, leading research that shapes and delivers projects and shares outcomes through publications and sector conferences.
- Have an effective network, with the ability to connect the National Trust to priority audiences, external specialists, funders, contractors and collaborators.
- Experienced in developing and delivering policy, guidance and training, to shape efficient organisational approaches and procedures.
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject (e.g., History of Art & Design, Architecture, Museums Studies, Archaeology) or equivalent experience.
- Strong knowledge of documentation and professional standards, including Museum Accreditation, plus understanding of conservation theory, digital media and significance frameworks.
- Outstanding consulting, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust, change practice, and represent the organisation internally and externally.
The package
The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
