Head of Interpretation and Collections

Location: Dudley, West MidlandsPay rate: c£48,000 per annumContact: Permanent, Full-timeFull-time: 37.5 hours per week

Closing date: 25th February 2024

Black Country Living Museum is looking for a new Head of Interpretation and Collections. This exciting role will provide inspirational leadership to our Interpretation and Collections Care teams and support them in the development of inclusive, creative and audience-focused Interpretation and Collections care.

Our collections and stories are at the core of everything we do. You will be instrumental in creating an unforgettable visitor experience by delivering audience-focused Interpretation and increased access to our designated collection.

What are the duties?

• Lead cross-departmental teams to deliver inclusive and participatory interpretation interventions that support collections access.
• Develop sustainable solutions for collections care, storage, digitisation, conservation, monitoring, and assessment.
• Develop a strategic approach to the Museum's collecting policy to inform acquisitions, disposals, site developments, public programmes, staff training and increasing the sum of knowledge of the Black Country.
• Deliver high-quality, inclusive and historically accurate research and content for interpretation projects and programmes including living interpretation, performance, publications, exhibitions, formal and informal learning, online content, and events.

What are we looking for?

• Experience in delivering Interpretation and Collections care in a physical environment.
• Substantial experience in developing interpretative content for target audiences, utilising creative and inclusive approaches to storytelling.
• A collaborative work ethic and ability to influence and negotiate with people.
• Experience in successfully managing and developing external relationships and partnership-working.
• Strong people management experience and ability to get the best from a team.
• A creative and pragmatic thinker.

Who are we?

We are an award-winning open-air museum. Throughout our 46-year history, our aim has always been clear: Inspiring your discovery of the Black Country. We ensure that the revolutionary story of the Black Country's industrial landscape - the first ever of its kind in the UK - is celebrated by generations.

What can you expect?

Unique Working environment: The Museum hosts seasonal, themed, and high-profile events, as well as being regularly used for TV and Film locations.

• Opportunity to learn new skills.
• Competitive rewards & benefits.
• Supportive & inclusive work culture.
• Positive attitude to work-life balance.

What are you waiting for? Begin your Black Country Journey now and apply using your most up-to-date CV.

BCLM is an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment that celebrates the richness of the human experience. We are dedicated to eliminating bias and discrimination at every stage and encourage applicants to get in touch should they require reasonable adjustments during the interview process. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups and believe in providing equal opportunities for all qualified candidates.

Benefits:

Access to BCLM's 26 Acre Site - Generous Annual Leave Allowance - Contributory Pension Scheme - 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme - Retail Discounts via BCLM Online Rewards Portal - Discounted Membership with Sandwell Leisure Trust - Complimentary Entry Passes to BCLM - Staff Discount Scheme - Free On-site Parking - Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Pay - Payment of Professional Subscriptions - Free Flu Jabs

You may have experience in the following: Alternative job titles for the Head of Interpretation and Collections may include Director of Interpretive Programs, Collections Manager, Curatorial Director, Chief Curator, Interpretation and Collections Coordinator, Museum Programs and Collections Head.

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