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Assume a leadership role at the British Museum, influencing the future of the institution by guiding research initiatives and enhancing archive and library services.
Overview
Salary
£77816
Location
Bloomsbury, UK - Hybrid
Expires
Expires at anytime
Join the British Museum, a pioneer in cultural and historical preservation since 1753, featuring renowned collections ranging from the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies. In the role of Head of Research, Archives and Libraries, you will helm the Museum’s Collection Directorate, driving its research vision and boosting the global visibility of its collections.
Role Summary
- Guide and develop teams in charge of research leadership, archive, and library services.
- Define and execute the strategic vision of these sectors, with emphasis on impactful outcomes and major research projects.
- Contribute to the national and international research landscape through advocacy and strategic insight.
- Manage relationships with external organizations, particularly BM_ARC in Reading.
Role Requirements
- Relevant experience in shaping research at a high level within a major institution.
- Track record of strategic development in a research-focused environment.
- Proven success in securing said research funding and overseeing high-profile, externally funded projects.
- Solid understanding of the issues affecting museums, archives, and libraries, along with a recognized reputation in a relevant research field.
- Ability to build and manage motivated teams, influencing stakeholders in academia, government, and media.
Application Process Details
- The Museum encourages applicants to email bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org for support or inquiries regarding the application process.
- Adherence to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening is mandatory.
The British Museum is seeking a visionary leader to join its Collection Directorate as the Head of Research, Archives and Libraries. This role is critical in shaping and delivering the Museum’s research vision, ensuring the collections are among the most researched, accessible, and visible in the world. As a key member of the Museum, you will have the opportunity to influence the future of the institution by driving research initiatives, improving archive and library services, and fostering meaningful partnerships both internally and externally.
The role involves leading and developing high-performing teams responsible for research leadership, archive, and library services. You will set and execute the strategic vision for these areas, ensuring impactful outcomes and the development of major research projects and funding bids. A significant part of the role is to contribute to the national and international research landscape through advocacy and strategic insight, as well as managing relationships with external organizations such as BM_ARC in Reading.
Candidates should have a reputation for shaping research at a senior level within a major institution, with experience in developing and implementing strategies in a research-focused environment. Proven success in securing research funding and delivering high-profile, externally funded projects is essential. An understanding of sector-wide issues affecting museums, archives, and libraries, along with a strong reputation in a relevant research field, is required. The ability to build and develop motivated, purpose-driven teams and influence stakeholders across academia, government, and media is also important.
About the British Museum: Founded in 1753, the Museum’s collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. It is a leading visitor attraction with world-famous exhibits such as the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings from the past 600 years, including works by Dürer, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt.
Benefits include a generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years), 2.5 privilege days, bank holidays, membership of the civil service pension scheme, free entry to other museums and exhibitions, participation in Museum activities, interest-free travel, bicycle and rental deposit loans, professional development opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme, and discounts on food and gift shop purchases.
The Museum is committed to equality and diversity, promoting an inclusive working environment. The role is expected to be on-site approximately two days a week, with flexible working arrangements available. Applicants are encouraged to contact [email removed - click apply for more details] for additional support needs or questions about the application process. The Museum adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening.
