Museum Manager (Learning, Curatorial & Collections) – David Livingstone Birthplace

Looking for a new challenge? Then why not come and join us at the David Livingstone Birthplace in the new role of Museum Manager.

Description

This new role will be responsible for the team that delivers the learning, engagement, collections and curatorial outputs at the David Livingstone Birthplace (DLB). The aim of the role is to inform, inspire and engage with audiences through the museum collections and the stories told at DLB; and to manage the Learning and Engagement, Curatorial and Collections Team. The collection and the learning offer are core to attracting visitors (and therefore income generation for the Trust) and for supporting the museum’s discussions around the role of Livingstone and the wider story and history of Scotland’s colonial legacy. The role will provide a cohesive and co-ordinated approach to these areas and ensure that resources are being used effectively and efficiently to deliver them.

You will also form part of the Senior Management Team at the revitalised DLB, along with the Operations Manager and Director, and you will be responsible for the successful delivery of David Livingstone Trust’s aims and objectives including becoming a sustainable business operation.

About You

We are seeking a leader who will build on the successful re-opening of the Birthplace site. We need someone who has commercial acumen, is a strong team player and can shape and manage their team and deliver on the many opportunities that the Trust has. You will be excited about the positive impact that the museums can have, from growing our audiences and communities (locally in South Lanarkshire, nationally and with the African Scottish diaspora). You will have an interest in supporting the re-contextualisation of Livingstone’s story and furthering Scotland’s discussions around colonialism and slavery. As Museum Manager you will manage the core assets of the David Livingstone Museum – learning, collections development and curatorial activities of the David Livingstone Museum. You will also support the organisation of exhibitions and events and develop our community heritage work – all aimed at growing our audience reach.

Background

The Birthplace reopened in July 2021 after a four-year refurbishment project. The historic buildings, the redesigned museum and its recontextualised narratives have been central to its successful reopening. The Museum was Highly Commended for its new Permanent Exhibition at the Museum & Heritage Awards in 2022. We are a small team with big ambitions – to make the David Livingstone Birthplace the ‘Best Small Museum in Scotland’. So, if you are keen to be part of this then come and join us.

Experience

We are open to applications from any interested candidates but experience in the areas below will help us to match your skills to the role.

• 5 years or more experience of managing a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience of having worked in the Museums and or Arts/Third Sector in a management role.
• To have some experience/knowledge of areas of responsibility, including learning and engagement development and delivery as well as interpretation, collections management and curatorial aspects.

Responsibilities

Management

An experienced staff manager is required, who is able to manage their team, resources and budget. It is essential that you are able to prioritise your own workload, as well as that of your team.

• Contribute to the strategic vision of the DLB, as part of the Senior Management Team – all aimed at driving up our quality and audience reach
• Help ensure a joined-up approach, with effective relationships across the museum, leading to close collaboration and team-working, including working with volunteers to ensure the co-ordinated and effective operation of the museum for our visitors.
• Take the initiative in supporting funding and income generation relevant to the mission and vision of the DLB and in accordance with the priorities of DLT’s fundraising activities.
• Manage and report on staffing, budgets and financial information as required.
• You will also bring the energy and dynamism to strengthen our commercial activities linked to your areas of responsibility including making the most of digital opportunities.
• Deputise for the Director, as required.

Learning & Engagement

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate formal and informal learning programmes and activities, linking to STEM, HASS, Sustainable Development Goals and relevant events and festivals
• Set targets, promote and grow the Schools Learning programme, linking it to the Curriculum for Excellence Experiences and Outcomes, Learning for Sustainability, STEM and HASS.
• Develop a DLB Outreach programme, to promote the activities and collections of the David Livingstone Trust.
• Be responsible for the development of the learning spaces throughout the site.
• Evaluate the learning programme regularly and adapt and develop accordingly.
• Be responsible for managing the Learning and Engagement budget.
• Work with the other Managers at the Birthplace, to develop a DLB events programme, specifically taking the lead on event content related to the story of David Livingstone.

Collections & Curatorial

• To lead on developing, communicating, and implementing a strategic vision for the collection, regarding resilience, transparency, accessibility, equitability, restitution, and digitisation.
• Ensure that key strategic goals are delivered and implemented in the day-to-day work of the team.
• Manage the roles responsible for the delivery of the curatorial and collections plan.
• Work to further de-colonisation of the collection and deliver associated activities that support this.
• To support the effective and appropriate management and monitoring of the collection.
• Uphold museum standards as required to maintain Accreditation status
• To plan, co-ordinate and deliver a digitisation strategy and action plan to increase access to the museum’s collection and support income generation.
• To support the development and interpretation of the collection.

Other

• To have an interest in Livingstone and a willingness to progress your understanding of the areas that his story encompasses.
• To support fundraising activities, including reporting back to funders on project grants.
• Assist with fostering and developing partnerships with relevant organisations in Scotland and sub-Saharan Africa (including but not limited to faith groups, African Diaspora groups, Youth Groups).
• The role would require some level of flexibility around working hours, as the site will have a variety of events and activities during the year. The role will, therefore, include weekend working and evenings.

Status

Fixed Term to August 2024

Salary

Salary: £35,000 pro rata. – £28,000 for 4 days

How to apply

Closing date is Friday 2 December 2022 at 12noon.

Interviews will be in person but an option for online will be available. We will provide interview questions prior to interview. References will be required for the successful candidate.

Terms And Conditions

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and welcome applications from those facing barriers to employment, people living with a disability, people from a BAME background and those who identify as LGBTQI+. There is a possibility that the contract may be extended but this is dependent on additional grant funding and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

We offer a generous holiday allowance and a contributory pension.

Applications for the role, in the form of a CV and cover letter), should be sent FAO Grant MacKenzie, Director at [email protected]. Any queries can be sent to the same e-mail address.

This role is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.