The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, UK
Salary Range: £67,757 – £78,376 per annum
Location: Cambridge, UK
Application Deadline: 12 December 2024
Interviews: Expected mid to late January 2025
About the Role
The Fitzwilliam Museum is seeking an exceptional individual to lead its Curatorial Department. As Head of Curatorial, you will oversee a team of 17 curators and contribute to the Museum’s vision through research, exhibitions, collections development, and innovative approaches to engagement. The role includes curating a significant area of the Museum’s collection, supporting its mission to make cultural heritage accessible and relevant in a global and contemporary context.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and inspire the interdisciplinary Curatorial Department in delivering world-class research, exhibitions, and collections development.
- Lead research in a specialist area, including the curation of displays, exhibitions, and collections documentation.
- Contribute to the Museum’s Research & Impact Strategy, EDI objectives, and Business Plan.
- Secure major research grants and lead collaborative projects with academic and other partners.
- Develop programming that connects communities with the Museum’s collections in innovative and inclusive ways.
Specialization Areas
The Museum welcomes applicants with expertise in one of the following:
- Islamic World Collections: Ceramics, manuscripts, textiles, and armour from regions such as Iran, Egypt, and Turkey from the 7th century CE onward.
- European Paintings and Drawings: Italian (13th–18th century), French (18th–20th century), and British paintings and drawings.
- Mediterranean & Western Asian Antiquities: Classical Greek, Roman, Mycenean, Minoan, and Etruscan materials, including palace reliefs from Nineveh and sculptures from Yemen.
Candidate Profile
- Substantial experience managing specialist teams in museums or related contexts.
- Recognized internationally for outstanding research that is original, significant, and rigorous.
- Proven track record in securing major research grants and developing impactful exhibitions and programming.
- A commitment to fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation in curatorial practices.
- Enthusiasm for embracing participatory approaches to research and audience engagement.
Benefits
- Academic Career Pathways: Eligibility for research leave after three years in post (one academic term in six).
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Attractive pension scheme.
- Employee benefits through the University of Cambridge.
