Public Engagement Section Head Major Science Institution

BLR WORLD; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural institution in Abu Dhabi seeks a Public Engagement Section Head to lead innovative programs and exhibitions. You will oversee educational initiatives and ensure engagement strategies are inclusive and diverse. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of leadership experience in public engagement and is proficient in digital technologies. A Bachelor's degree is required, with a Master's preferred. This role offers a chance to shape visitor experiences in a vibrant cultural setting.

Qualifications

• 7 years of leadership experience in public engagement or educational programming.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of exhibitions aligned with the museum's mission.
• Oversee the development of educational programs and publications.
• Integrate digital technologies into public engagement initiatives.
• Develop strategies to engage diverse audiences and ensure inclusivity.
• Mentor the Public Engagement team to promote collaboration and innovation.
• Manage budgets for public engagement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Communication and presentation skills

Digital technologies proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Education, Cultural Studies, or a related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Role Purpose:

The Public Engagement Section Head is responsible for leading the development and implementation of engaging programs exhibitions and digital experiences at the Museum. This role oversees the creation of innovative visitor-focused initiatives that connect diverse audiences with the museums collections exhibitions and educational offerings. The Public Engagement Section Head works closely with the Director of Visitor Experience and other museum departments to ensure alignment with Museums mission and strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Exhibition Development & Oversight:

• Lead the planning and delivery of permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions ensuring content is engaging inclusive and aligned with the museums mission.
• Collaborate with curators designers and educators to create exhibitions that effectively communicate scientific narratives and inspire visitors.
• Ensure exhibitions incorporate innovative storytelling interactive technologies and accessibility features to cater to diverse audiences.

Programs & Publications:

• Oversee the development and delivery of educational programs and publications including workshops lectures and printed materials to enhance visitor engagement and learning.
• Collaborate with the Education Team to ensure programs align with audience needs and reflect the museums scientific and cultural priorities.
• Manage the production of highquality publications including exhibition guides research outputs and educational materials.

Digital Experiences:

• Lead the integration of digital technologies into public engagement initiatives including AR/VR interactive displays and online learning platforms.
• Oversee the development of digital content that enhances visitor engagement both onsite and online.
• Ensure digital initiatives are aligned with global best practices in museum engagement and are accessible to all audiences.

Visitor Engagement & Inclusion:

• Develop and implement strategies to engage diverse audiences ensuring programs and exhibitions are inclusive and culturally relevant.
• Collaborate with the Accessibility and Inclusion Unit to ensure all initiatives meet accessibility standards and reflect the Museums commitment to diversity.
• Gather and analyze visitor feedback to inform future engagement initiatives and improve audience satisfaction.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and mentor the Public Engagement team fostering a culture of collaboration creativity and innovation.
• Provide professional development opportunities to team members ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to deliver highquality engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate with other museum sections to ensure alignment and effective collaboration on crossdepartmental projects.

Budget & Resource Management:

• Develop and manage budgets for public engagement initiatives ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Identify funding opportunities and collaborate with relevant teams to secure support for public engagement projects.

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement:

• Implement evaluation processes to measure the impact and effectiveness of public engagement initiatives.
• Use data and feedback to refine programs exhibitions and digital experiences ensuring continuous improvement and innovation.

Experience & Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Museum Studies Education Cultural Studies or a related field.
• A Masters degree is preferred.

Experience:

• 7 years of leadership experience in public engagement exhibition development or educational programming preferably within a museum or cultural institution.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering largescale engagement projects.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management abilities with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in digital technologies and platforms used in public engagement and exhibitions.
• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic or additional languages is an advantage.