Head Of Exhibitions, Research And Public Programmes

Biotopia – Naturkundemuseum Bayern

Work with us to reinvent the natural history museum for the biological century in Munich.

At a time when, on the one hand, we are facing unprecedented environmental challenges, and on the other hand we are experiencing revolutionary developments in the life sciences, it is more important than ever to invite the public into a new kind of conversation about the future of life on our planet.

Nurturing human curiosity, inspiring cross-species empathy, and stimulating personal agency in response to key environmental challenges, BIOTOPIA will be a new kind of museum and forum where visitors are invited to “explore life”.

Situated in the exceptional setting of Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, adjacent to the 200 hectare Schlosspark and Munich’s botanical gardens, Biotopia: Naturkundemuseum Bayern is being developed through a major investment of €95 million from the Free State of Bavaria and additional private support, at the heart of a Bavaria-wide network of natural history museums and other key institutions focussed on environment and life sciences.

BIOTOPIA is currently seeking to identify an outstanding creative leader as BIOTOPIA’s Head of Exhibitions, Research and Public Programmes.

ROLE SUMMARY

• As Head of the largest planned department in the museum, and reporting directly to the Founding Director, the Head of Exhibitions, Research and Public Programmes (HERPP) will have the opportunity to work closely with the Founding Director and senior executive team on shaping the vision for a new kind of museum from the ground up, and building/developing a high performing team to support exhibitions, research and public programmes.
• The HERPP will work closely with the internal team and external designers and contractors on leading the development of Biotopia’s permanent exhibition and on planning of dynamic temporary exhibitions and public programmes to attract and engage diverse audiences with key issues relating to life sciences, environment, and health, bringing together biology, art and design in new combinations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for developing and managing the Department of Exhibitions, Research and Public Programmes
• Responsible for strategic planning of Biotopia exhibitions and public programmes
• Responsible for financial management of exhibitions, research and public programmes budget
• Responsible for evaluation, audience engagement

KEY CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated ability to lead the development of innovative and high profile exhibitions and public programmes
• Strong strategic planning skills
• Experience in managing significant budgets, and managing external contracts
• Comfortable working with leading scientists artists, and designers across disciplines to develop exhibitions and experiences to engage diverse audiences.
• Strong track record working in museums or in an exhibitions setting.
• Excellent people and project management skills
• Passion for Biotopia’s mission, and deeper knowledge of at least one of Biotopia’s key areas of thematic focus (biological sciences, environment,
• Strong international experience and network in the field
• Flexibility and ability to work in a start-up environment
• Dynamism and the ability to influence at senior level

REPORTING AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

• The Head of Exhibitions, Research and Public Programmes is a senior role in Biotopia, and will engage closely with the Director, senior team, Advisory Board.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Masters degree or PhD equivalent in a relevant subject

LANGUAGES

• Biotopia is a bilingual project working in both English and German languages, a good working knowledge of both languages is advantageous but not essential.

SALARY

• Salary commensurate with experience, based on the TV-L (collective wage agreement) scale. With appropriate background, employment on the civil servant “Beamter” scale can be offered.

START DATE

• The position is available for start-date on or after January 1, 2018

DURATION

• 5 year contract initially

FURTHER DETAILS

• To download the Vision Brochure of Biotopia see http://www.biotopia.net/images/download/161102_Biotopia_Vision_Doc_engl.pdf
• For further details on the position or to arrange an informal phonecall please contact Dr. Ulrike Rehwagen, Head of Project Delivery, rehwagen@biotopia.net, +49 (0)89 2180-72190

APPLICATION PROCESS

• To apply, please send a letter of interest accompanied by your CV and references to Dr. Ulrike Rehwagen, Head of Project Delivery, rehwagen@biotopia.net, by November 15, 2017

Your place of work is situated in a central location in Munich and is well connected to public transport. We offer you an interesting and responsible occupation with good training opportunities and development potentialities. Severely disabled applicants with essentially equal qualification will be given preference. We welcome applications by women.