Director of Collection & Research, National Galleries of Scotland

About the role 

This is an exciting leadership opportunity. The post-holder will inspire talented colleagues to do their best work and will ensure effective collaboration within the Directorate but also across the organisation, leading by example. The role will play a key part in driving the profile of the organisation’s curatorial and research activity with a particular focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, and work with colleagues to ensure an inspiring learning & education offering. 

By adopting a collaborative and coaching approach, the post-holder will ensure the support of colleagues’ personal growth that will result in the ongoing development of the organisation’s admirable curatorial and research work. 

The post-holder is responsible for leading our dynamic public offer across our sites and beyond, and oversees the development of publications as part of the National Galleries of Scotland imprint. The role owns the delivery of the strategic leadership for the development, research and use of the NGS collection across all venues, national and international partnerships and online, and will champion our collection and the knowledge and creativity around it, internally and externally. 

With responsibility at Leadership Team level for all aspects of curatorial activity and our artistic programme, the post-holder will ensure that activity is directly contributing to the aims, strategy, and brand of NGS and by working closely with stakeholders, ensuring that activity is aligned with our approach to audiences and audience development. 

The difference you’ll make 

As the Director of Collection & Research you will: 

• Report directly to the Director-General and work collaboratively as a key member of NGS Leadership Team. 
• Provide leadership to ensure that the NGS collection is cared for, developed, researched and used to maximise its benefit for the public in Scotland, internationally and online. 
• Work closely with the Director of Conservation & Collections Management to ensure that the NGS collection is cared for, developed and managed to the highest standards. 
• Work with relevant directors, heads and curators to co-ordinate policies and strategies for adding to and developing the collection with a particular focus on EDI. 
• Nurture an ambitious research programme across NGS, ensuring the effective management of research facilities including library and archive, identifying opportunities for external partnerships and funding. 
• Provide strategic leadership to the overall planning of displays and exhibitions across NGS, working with key stakeholders and colleagues across NGS to ensure that programmes are managed effectively and that artistic, audience and financial targets are met. 
• Develop good communication and collaboration across all areas of collection-related expertise and maximise opportunities to extend knowledge and research across NGS and with external partners. 
• Develop and implement an ambitious national and international partnership strategy for NGS with appropriate national and international partners. 
• Lead NGS Publishing Board in delivering world-class titles on art and culture. 
• Foster a culture of collaboration and interaction across curatorial teams and with other NGS Directorates and departments, motivating colleagues and acting as a role model for new approaches. 
• Devise and implement a programme of investment in curatorial development and training and ensure that attention is paid to the overall balance of skills and expertise in this area at NGS. 
• Inspire a culture of engagement, trust and empowerment. 

Who we are looking for 

To succeed in this role, you’ll need the following range of knowledge, skills, and experience: 

You will: 

• Have experience of leadership at a senior level in an art gallery, museum or similar cultural or heritage organisation. 
• Have a background in curatorship or academic research in an area relevant to NGS and its collections or exhibition programmes; this should be at a national or international level with a demonstrable track record of publication and/or exhibition curatorship. 
• Have an affinity with and an ability to promote the full range of the NGS collection including historical, modern and contemporary art is essential. 
• Have the gravitas to be a credible ambassador for the NGS collection and research programmes. 

You will be: 

• A strong leader with the ability to inspire and coach across teams of talented professionals operating in a complex environment. 
• Passionate and enthusiastic for art (historical, modern and contemporary) and the ability to communicate this to inspire colleagues and the public. 
• A team builder and people person with the ability to galvanise colleagues across NGS towards a shared vision. 
• Ability to champion their own area while respecting and forming excellent working relationships with other disciplines across the NGS. 

In addition to these key areas, there are more generic skills associated with a Directorship at NGS: 

• Highly organised with proven financial and general management skills including experience of planning and budgeting. 
• A collaborative approach to team working; the ability to work across NGS and develop effective working relationships internally and with partnership organisations. 
• Excellent communications skills. 
• Ability to influence and network across a range of institutions and individuals (in this country and abroad) and to engage with artists, collectors, donors and other stakeholders across government and the public and private sectors. 
• Clear thinking and solutions focused – able to manage competing demands, make effective decisions and to come up with creative solutions. 

What’s on offer for you 

Our colleagues will tell you great things about working here. We aim to ensure the National Galleries of Scotland is a great place to work, where our people thrive in a culture where we are trusted, empowered, and engaged to achieve our true potential. We offer a range of benefits to promote healthy working lifestyles for all our colleagues. Details specific to this role are: 

Hours 
37 hours per week excluding a one-hour unpaid lunch break each day. From the 01 October 2024, hours will be 35 hours per week. 

Holidays 
When you first join, you’ll get 36.5 days holidays per year (including public and privilege holidays). After 5 years your annual leave will increase to 41.5 days. 

Where you’ll be based 
You will be based at the Modern Two, 73 Belford Road Edinburgh, EH4 3DS. Free parking is available at this site. 

Pension 
We are a Civil Service Pension employer. You get to choose if you want a defined benefit or stakeholder pension. The benefits of joining the scheme include generous employer contributions to your future pension, life assurance, and options to increase your pension. If you join the alpha Civil Service pension scheme our contribution will be 28.97% for this role. 

Other benefits 
Family friendly working policies, free or discounted entry to various visitor attractions, staff discount at our shops and cafés, Cycle to Work Scheme, wellbeing support and services including our Employee Assistance Programme. 

For more information, please see the job profile or visit our website.

Job profile

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday, 14 June 2024.