Digital Learning Lead

Zayed National Museum | متحف زايد الوطني; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural institution in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Digital Learning Manager to lead the delivery of innovative digital programs and content. This role involves managing engaging digital museum experiences, developing digital strategies, and fostering collaboration across various teams to enhance audience engagement and learning. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in cultural institutions, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and proven experience in managing digital projects that resonate with diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years experience in cultural institutions with 3 years in a managerial role.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering digital products and strategies.
• Experience working with diverse and underrepresented audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovative digital programs enhancing visitor engagement.
• Manage end-to-end delivery of digital content and experiences.
• Foster collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Digital literacy

Project management

Agile methodologies

Collaboration

Audience engagement

Education

Bachelor's in Education, History, Cultural Studies, or related field

Master's Degree (Preferred)

Tools

Digital project management software

Digital analytics tools

Job description

Overview

Zayed National Museum is located at the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi. The national museum of the United Arab Emirates celebrates the rich history, culture and stories of its people from ancient times to modern day. It tells the story of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose enduring example still guides the nation and its people today.

Through its exhibitions, research and public programmes, Zayed National Museum explores the origins of Sheikh Zayed’s values and their lasting influence on the country he founded. Renowned for his wisdom and humility, his life was defined by his deep devotion to his Islamic faith, determined leadership and unshakeable belief in the power of unity. The museum celebrates his timeless values and his unwavering commitment to openness, knowledge and education, all embedded within a deep understanding of Emirati culture and history.

As a cultural institution dedicated to knowledge and inclusive public engagement, Zayed National Museum builds on the long-standing role of the UAE as a global meeting place and a vibrant centre for the exchange of ideas. It aims to provide visitors with a welcoming, informative and unique experience that honours the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and his lifelong commitment to preserving the rich culture and heritage of the UAE and its people.

Job Purposes

• Lead the delivery of innovative technology-driven digital programmes, platforms, and content that incorporate interpretation, learning experiences and interactive technologies to engage diverse audiences online and in person, across UAE and beyond.
• The role ensures seamless development of content and delivery of engaging digital museum experiences by collaborating across teams to enhance visitor engagement and learning through innovative content and technologies via gallery displays, websites, apps, audio, site-specific activations, new and emerging technologies, and more.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Programme Delivery

• Working with the Digital Learning Section Head, contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the Digital Learning Strategy and 5-Year Plan and lead departmental initiatives, ensuring alignment with wider organisational goals and the Learning & Public Engagement business plan.
• Manage the end-to-end delivery of diverse digital programmes, content and experiences such as interactives, audio guides, online learning platforms, digital exhibitions, immersive technology and more, for onsite and online audiences, including schools, families, life-long learners, and underrepresented groups.
• Contribute and support the Digital Learning Section head in forming and updating digital policies and procedures, and strategise how the museum integrate digital trends to define the outcome that aligns with the museum’s mission and vision.

Innovation & Technology Integration

• Drive the adoption and effective use of emerging technologies (AI, AR, VR, XR) to create meaningful, accessible, and engaging digital experiences that connect audiences with museum content, history, and heritage.
• Stay abreast of digital trends and best practices within the cultural sector to ensure the museum remains at the forefront of digital interpretation and engagement, benchmarked against global standards.

Collaboration & Capacity Building

• Foster collaboration with educators, curators, designers, internal teams, and external partners to co-create and evaluate innovative digital content and experiences.
• Mentor and train staff across departments, promoting digital literacy, good digital practices, and a culture of ideation and inclusion.

Audience Engagement & Accessibility

• Maximise reach and impact by tailoring digital content and platforms to engage diverse audiences, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for People of Determination, the elderly, and un-served or underserved communities.
• Utilise digital analytics to inform strategy, increase audience engagement, and enhance retention.
• Develop and implement an evaluation-based approach in assessing impact of digital projects developed by the Digital Learning Section and ensure a continuous development-based approach based on data generated through formal and informal audience research.

Governance, Partnerships & Resource Management

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and safeguarding guidelines for digital learning initiatives.
• Cultivate partnerships with leading experts and technology providers, manage budgets, oversee procurement processes, and negotiate contracts to deliver high-quality, market-leading digital offerings.

Performance & Values Leadership

• Manage and develop the Digital Learning team, including recruitment, work assignment, performance management, and professional growth.
• Mentor digital learning staff to promote digital literacy, develop relevant knowledge and expertise, and represent the Digital Learning Section Head and core values of the department.

Sustainability & Compliance

• Oversee the implementation of robust policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with all relevant legislative, procedural, and EHS requirements.
• Champion continuous improvement and sustainability by identifying opportunities to enhance systems, processes, and practices in line with global standards, while ensuring timely, accurate reporting and cost-effective service delivery.

Required Experience and qualifications

• Bachelors in Education, History, Cultural Studies, Museum Studies, creative industries (e.g., broadcasting, gaming, digital design etc.), (Masters Preferred).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in cultural institution with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Proven experience in developing, planning, delivering, and evaluating digital products, programmes and strategies for a wide variety of audiences, using a wide variety of media.
• Proven experience using agile project methodologies and human-centred design and development frameworks (e.g. Design Thinking).
• Proven experience working with interpretive content for inclusive audiences within a cultural institution in a range of formats.
• Experience managing digital projects from concept to creation that inspire visitors to connect to history and cultural heritage.
• Experience managing budgets, tenders, and contracts and developing learning resources for online audiences.
• Experience working with underrepresented audiences, including People of Determination in digital environments.
• Experience working with museum professionals and the unique challenges and opportunities within cultural organisations.
• Background in museums, cultural institutions, creative industries such as broadcast, gaming, gamification, interactivity, digital design, or similar.