Lead Curator

Summary Curators at the National Trust play a pivotal role. They develop our research agendas, understand audiences, create high quality, dynamic presentation, interpretation and programming. They are pivotal to our future. On this note, we are looking for a new Lead Curator to join the London & South East region . This is a pan-regional role allowing full scope of the region and a wide remit to influence change. The role of Lead Curator suits an individual who enjoys influencing and working collaboratively with operational colleagues, who are ultimately responsible for the delivery of interpretation and Programming. In addition, if you are genuinely committed to engaging with a wide scope of audience; this role could be for you. Your work base location is flexible and can be based at any regional central offices across the region (High Wycombe, Kent, Surrey, Central London). We are offering a salary range from 48,680 to 51,787 depending on skills and experience. We also offer an impressive benefits package including up to five volunteering days, contributory pension and flexible working. What it’s like to work here The role of the Curator in the Trust has huge variety. You will help shape ground-breaking external partnerships, research frameworks and urban work. You will work with property teams looking after some of the country’s most fascinating vernacular buildings, designed and wild landscapes. You will ensure that everything we do balances our need to conserve our heritage, with our need to continue to develop our emotional engagement with visitors, whilst retaining the “Spirit of Place” that makes each property unique. What you’ll be doing As Lead Curator, you’ll play a leadership role in London & SE region, influencing other senior leaders and supporting the team of curators to deliver our curatorial ambition. You’ll be a senior curator, supporting some of the region’s most significant and complex properties and gardens, but also skilled at building relationships and leading change. You’ll work with other Lead Curators to develop organisation-wide approaches to professional development, research and knowledge management. As well as supporting a diverse portfolio, as Curator you’ll need to build strong and influential relationships with specialists and operational teams. You’ll be a skilled communicator and able to enthuse and inspire others. You’ll ensure that everything we do balances our need to conserve our heritage, with our need to continue to enhance our emotional engagement with visitors, whilst retaining  the essence that makes each property unique. Who we’re looking for In order to be successful in this role you’ll need to have, but not limited to: Superb leadership skills, with the ability to develop strong and influential relationships. Appetite for working with operational colleagues who are responsible for the delivery of interpretation and programming. Significant knowledge across three of the following areas; history, art history, landscape, archaeology, architectural history, gardens, parks Extensive experience in academic research, with evidence of publications and presenting at conferences Extensive knowledge of current best practice in relation to care and management of buildings, landscapes, and collections care Successful track record of leading high quality and creative interpretation, presentation and programming Please ensure you attach a CV and Cover Letter in order to be considered. The package Benefits Benefits include flexible working whenever possible plus free parking at most locations. You’ll be entitled to discounts in high street stores and cinemas, National Trust shops and NT cafes, and have free entry to NT properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18). Your health and wellbeing is important to us and is supported through generous annual leave and the option to buy additional days (minimum contract length applies), a cycle to work scheme, subsidised health cash plan and confidential access to a free support service 24 hours a day should you need it. Your future financial health is helped by an employer matched – up to 10% of basic salary – contributory pension scheme and you can further your career with training and development tailored to you. All of this and the opportunity to give something back to your community with up to 5 days of paid volunteering per year !