Exhibitions Manager (Maternity Cover)

12 Month Full Time (35 hrs/wk) contract to start late September 2021

Salary: £26,500 – 29,000 p.a. (depending upon experience) + 3% pension contribution and other benefits

Location: Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Perry Green, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire – 30 miles north of London, mid-way between London and Cambridge

This is an excellent opportunity to work in an important role in a leading arts organisation, within a friendly and team-focused culture, offering a remarkable setting in which to take the next step in your career.

The Henry Moore Foundation was founded by the artist in 1977 to encourage public appreciation of the visual arts. Today we support innovative sculpture projects, devise an imaginative programme of exhibitions and research worldwide, and preserve the legacy of Moore himself: one of the great sculptors of the 20th century, who did so much to bring the artform to a wider audience. 

As our Exhibitions Manager, you’ll work alongside the Head of Henry Moore Collections & Programmes and other exhibitions staff to deliver a rich, inclusive and diverse programme of national and international exhibitions, loans and associated publications based around the Foundation’s Henry Moore collections that inspires and informs diverse audiences globally.

We’re looking for someone with an arts degree (or equivalent) and at least 2 years’ experience in organising exhibitions in a gallery or museum, as well as strong skills in project management, working to deadlines, writing, editing, and numeracy. Experience in museum software systems and knowledge of gallery/museum sector standards and regulations is desirable. Our ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, flexible, problem-solver – who can also drive. We are happy to consider some homeworking in this role, but the majority of time will be worked on site.

If you are excited by this opportunity and, having read the job specification, you have the skills and experience to meet the requirements of the role, we would be pleased to receive an application from you. A recruitment pack and application form are available on our website, where further information can be found about the Henry Moore Foundation: http://www.henry-moore.org/working-with-the-foundation

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 10am Wednesday 4 August 2021

INTERVIEWS: Wednesday 11 August 2021 at Perry Green, East Hertfordshire or virtual.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

1. About the Foundation

The Henry Moore Foundation was established by one of the great sculptors of the twentieth century. Today it is the largest artist-endowed grant-giving foundation in Europe. At the Foundation, we would like as many people as possible to enjoy and appreciate sculpture and in particular the work of Britain’s greatest sculptor, Henry Moore. We want to inspire and inform people of all ages and backgrounds, whether they have an interest in the arts, are studying sculpture or visiting with their family for a day out. We want to extend our reach to worldwide audiences through international touring of our collection; and to support the development of sculpture through our grants programme. We have bold ambitions that require us to capitalise on our assets in order to achieve these aims.

The Foundation is overseen by a Board of Trustees, with day to day management being delegated to the Senior Management Team. We employ around 100 people across our two sites and are privileged to be supported by some 50 volunteers each year. 

All of our people are encouraged to uphold our core values: Generous & Inclusive; Respect & Value; Visionary & Creative.

2. Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Perry Green

Perry Green is the small hamlet near Much Hadham in rural East Hertfordshire, where Henry Moore made his home. Moore lived in Hoglands with his family for nearly half a century and created his extraordinary sculptures, prints and drawings in the various studios within the grounds. In 1977 Perry Green became the headquarters of the Henry Moore Foundation.

Visitors to Henry Moore Studios & Gardens can experience Moore’s home and studios and enjoy his monumental bronze sculptures sited in the natural environment as he preferred. We have 72 acres of beautiful countryside estate, from natural meadows and woodland to formal gardens, including the Sheep Field Barn Gallery, where visitors can appreciate Moore’s work. 

Perry Green is home to the Henry Moore collections consisting of over 12,000 objects, including monumental bronzes, wood and stone carvings, maquettes, drawings, graphics, tapestries and textiles. We organise a busy programme of national and international loans and exhibitions each year, introducing Henry Moore to thousands of people worldwide.

3. Henry Moore Institute, Leeds

The Institute is firmly rooted in Leeds, where we work in partnership with Leeds Art Gallery to manage the sculpture collection and archive of Leeds Museums and Galleries. The Institute is a world-recognised centre for the study of sculpture, where we aim to make a significant impact on the future of art history, placing sculpture right at the centre. We achieve this through an exhibitions and research programme that consistently re-thinks how we understand sculpture today, continuing Moore’s legacy by making sculpture a necessary and relevant part of contemporary culture. The Exhibitions Manager may occasionally liaise with colleagues at the Institute.

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4. Principal Aims of the Role

The Exhibition Manager works closely with the Head of Henry Moore Collections & Programmes, Registrar and Senior Technician to deliver a rich, inclusive and diverse programme of national and international exhibitions, loans and associated publications based around the Foundation’s Henry Moore collections, to inspire and inform diverse audiences globally. They also support the delivery of the annual exhibition in the Sheep Field Barn Gallery at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens (HMS&G).

5. Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Head of Exhibitions & Programmes to ensure the successful delivery of the Foundation’s programmes of Henry Moore exhibitions and loans.
• Plan and develop timelines and manage the delivery of exhibition projects, ensuring that documentation is always up-to-date and accessible, communicating project updates to relevant colleagues and sharing information promptly and accurately with the wider exhibition team.
• Be the key point of contact for specific projects, liaising with curators, designers, lenders and technical staff at HMS&G and host venues.
• Manage and monitor design and interpretation processes with colleagues at HMS&G and host venues.
• Coordinate and monitor the production of interpretation materials (labels, wall texts, graphics) for the annual exhibition at HMS&G.
• Create and maintain exhibition records on The Museum System (TMS) and generate the necessary reports.
• Prepare and monitor specific exhibition project budgets on behalf of the Head of Exhibitions & Programmes.
• Negotiate with borrowers and prepare agreements pertaining to new long- and short-term loans.
• Provide editorial support for exhibition catalogues.
• Write and edit exhibition interpretation, including wall texts, captions and labels.
• Work with colleagues in the Henry Moore Archive on image requests for exhibitions, publicity and publications.
• Complete provenance research for export licenses and due diligence checks.
• Courier loans in the UK and abroad when required.
• Any other duties that may reasonably be required.

6. Person Specification 

The following experience, skills, attributes and values are essential [E], or desirable [D], to fulfil this role. These criteria will be used to shortlist potential candidates so, when completing your application form, please give examples of these skills and experiences:

• A degree or equivalent level of study in an arts-related or museum subject [E]
• An active and informed interest in the visual arts [E]
• At least 2 years’ experience of organising exhibitions in a museum or gallery environment [E]
• Excellent project management skills to manage various and concurrent complex projects [E]
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills, able to deliver to deadlines [E]
• Excellent written communication and editing skills within an exhibition/gallery context [E]
• Good numeracy skills to the level of managing budgets and contributing to financial forecasting [D]
• Good knowledge  of sector standards and regulations, including Known Consignor regulations, Immunity from Seizure legislation, British Government Indemnity and commercial insurance [E]
• A problem solver who is calm under pressure [E]
• Highly motivated, able to work independently and with minimal supervision [E]
• Competent in use of collections/project management systems – ideally TMS or similar – and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams) [D]
• Ability to work flexible hours and willingness to travel [E]
• Full UK driving licence (for cars) [E]

Additionally, we expect all employees at HMS&G to share and work to our core values:  

• Generous & Inclusive: work together, share across teams, nurture relationships and enable others
• Respect & Value: be ethical, respect differences, listen to others and acknowledge effort
• Visionary & Creative: forward thinking, enthusiastic, keep learning, inspire and engage others

7. Line Management 

The Exhibitions Manager reports to the Head of Henry Moore Collections & Programmes. The post-holder does not manage any direct reports.

8. Basic Terms and Conditions 

• This is a maternity cover contract for a fixed term of 12 months working full time (35 hrs across 5 days per week).
• The selected candidate will be required to provide a passport and proof of address or other evidence to show that they are eligible to work in the UK.
• The salary offered for this position is in the range of £26,500 – 29,000 p.a. on HMF pay band D depending upon experience.
• The normal working week is worked as 5 x (7-hour) days from 9.30am to 5.30pm including one hour (unpaid) for breaks. 
• Out-of-hours attendance and travel will be required; time off in lieu will be given for these hours. Time off in lieu must be taken within reasonable time and cannot be allowed to accrue over one month. No payment will be made in lieu of un-used ‘time off in lieu’.
• 23 days paid leave per annum plus the bank holidays in England plus three additional days at the discretion of management (usually offered between Christmas and New Year). The leave year runs from 1 January to 31 December. 
• Probationary period of 4 months.
• Notice period of one calendar month or one week during the probationary period.
• New employees are auto-enrolled into a defined contribution workplace pension scheme with NEST (the National Employment Savings Trust). Employer contributions are 3% (paid by tax efficient salary sacrifice). Employees are required to pay a contribution of 5% (you can pay more if you wish). All employees are advised to make contributions into a pension scheme. You may opt out if you chose to do so. Further details will be given to appointed candidates.
• The place of work is the Henry Moore Foundation, Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Perry Green, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, SG10 6EE.
• The selected candidate will be required to undertake a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check – formerly known as a CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) check – before employment will be confirmed; employment will not be unreasonably withheld, but if the DBS check discloses any findings that are relevant to the employment and which were not declared on the job application form or at the time of an offer of employment, then this may result in the withdrawal of an offer of employment.

9. Staff Benefits

• We want everyone to be the very best that they can be and we will work closely with you to agree some clear performance goals which provide you with continual development. We support you on your development at work and your career goals.
• If appropriate for the job role, a proportion of homeworking may be considered, subject to our Homeworking Policy (currently under review).
• Enhanced benefits for maternity, paternity and adoption pay (after completion of one year’s service). 
• Time off for family emergencies (unpaid) and compassionate leave (paid) is awarded in the unfortunate event of the death of a direct family member.
• Free access to our 24-hour confidential personal assistance and counselling scheme offering a wide range of support services e.g. managing money, retirement, returning to work after a break, bereavement, advice with caring for relatives, divorce, abuse, etc.
• Company sick pay (includes SSP) on the completion of 6 months’ service.
• Vouchers for a free eye sight test for DSE (Display Screen Equipment) users.
• Free admission vouchers for family and friends to use during our open season to Henry Moore Studios & Gardens.
• Interest-free loan of up to £1000 to assist with the purchase of annual travel tickets, a car, bicycle, personal computer/laptop or to purchase a work of art. 
• 10% Discount in the HMF book/gift shops and café, and at The Hoops Inn pub in Perry Green (excluding drinks).
• Accommodation may be available on site at a modest rent; this is not part of the remuneration package.

10. Practicalities of Working at Perry Green

The Foundation’s offices are set in a beautiful rural location but this means that it is necessary to have your own transport to get to work. The local bus service is extremely infrequent and the nearest bus stop is 1.5 miles away. (See our Interest free loan to assist with transport costs). There are no shops in Perry Green so employees bring their own lunch to work.

11. Application Process

If you are interested in this position and, having read the job specification, you have the credentials to meet the requirements of the role, we would be pleased to receive an application from you. Please apply using the application form supplied. When completing the form it would be helpful if you could address the requirements of the person specification and tell us about any gaps in your employment history. Thank you.  

Further information about the Henry Moore Foundation is available at our website: http://www.henry-moore.org

Please return your completed application form (no CVs please) to Terry Millson at recruitment@henry-moore.org by 10am Wednesday 4 August 2021.

Interviews will take place for shortlisted candidates in Perry Green on Wednesday 11 August 2021 at Perry Green, East Hertfordshire. (Our preference would be to meet shortlisted candidates in person, but we would be happy to arrange a virtual interview if a selected candidate is on holiday or unable to travel to Perry Green on this date).

Thank you for your interest in the Foundation. 

Human Resources Department, Henry Moore Foundation