Section Head of Collections

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi Emirate; On-site; AED 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Section Head of Collections to lead the management and strategic development of diverse collections. This role involves overseeing preservation, digitisation, and public engagement initiatives, ensuring compliance with international standards. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in collection management within cultural institutions, showcasing strong leadership and project management skills. Join this forward-thinking organization to make a significant impact on natural history collections and foster scientific discovery for a global audience.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in collection management and curation.
• Proven expertise in managing multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the care and preservation of museum collections.
• Lead strategic planning to enhance the quality and accessibility of collections.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Knowledge of digitisation

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor in Museum Studies

Masters in Natural History

PhD in a related field

Job description

The Section Head of Collections is responsible for leading the management, preservation, and strategic development of the collections at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD). This role ensures that collections—including physical, living, and digital assets—are cared for, developed, and made accessible to a global audience. Reporting to the Director of Science, the Section Head collaborates with curators, researchers, Museum Affairs and external stakeholders to position NHMAD as a global leader in natural history collections, fostering innovation, accessibility, and scientific discovery.

Key Responsibilities :

Collections Management & Preservation :

• Oversee the care, curation, registration, photography, digitisation, documentation, storage, movement and preservation of all museum collections, including library and archival collections and supports, ensuring they meet the highest global standards.
• Develop and implement strategies for the sustainable management of collections, including digitisation, trusted and innovative conservation practices.
• Collaborate with the Museum Affairs team to integrate collections management and care into facilities management, operational services, governance and standards and security protocols.
• Ensure compliance with local and international regulations, such as the Nagoya Protocol and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) agreements, as well as recognised international museum standards for collections management and care.
• Oversee collections development through fieldwork, donations, exchanges, purchase, and loan to build the collection within the national and international legal and ethical frameworks applicable to natural history collections.

Strategic Development & Vision :

• Lead the strategic planning and implementation of initiatives to enhance the scope, quality, and accessibility of NHMAD’s collections.
• Guide the development of new collection facilities, storage solutions, and the digitisation of collections to expand their global reach and scientific impact.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations to integrate collections into research, exhibitions, and public programming.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local and international institutions, museums, and universities to advance NHMAD’s collections and scientific contributions, working closely with the International and Institutional Affairs Unit.
• Act as an advocate for the museum’s collections, representing NHMAD at conferences and other professional forums.
• Work closely with internal teams, including curatorial, research, and public engagement, to align collection activities with museum-wide initiatives.
• Oversee the operations of units within the collections section, including Research Collections, Conservation and Installation, Library, Archives, and Digital Collections, and Living Botanical Collections.
• Provide strategic direction and support to unit heads, ensuring alignment with the museum's overall goals and collaboration between units to enhance collections care, research, and accessibility.
• Provide professional development opportunities for team members, promoting innovation and best practices in collection management.
• Manage staffing and resources to ensure effective operation and development of the collections.

Public Access & Engagement :

• Ensure collections are accessible to diverse audiences through exhibitions, publications, and online platforms.
• Collaborate with the Public Engagement team to integrate collections into educational programs and public outreach initiatives.
• Develop resources and tools to support researchers, educators, and the public in accessing and using the museum’s collections.

Budget & Resource Management :

• Develop and manage budgets for the collection’s section initiatives, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Identify funding opportunities and collaborate with relevant teams to secure support for collections related projects.

Project Management :

• Oversee complex projects, such as collection movements, digitisation initiatives, and the development of new facilities, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Monitor project performance, addressing challenges, and implementing solutions to achieve desired outcomes.

Evaluation & Reporting :

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of collections activities, ensuring alignment with NHMAD’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management, highlighting achievements, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

Experience & Qualifications :

Education :

• Bachelor and Masters in Museum Studies, Natural History, Conservation, or a related field is essential. PhD in a related field is highly desirable.

Experience :

• 10+ years of experience in collection management, registration, curation, or conservation, preferably within a natural history museum or cultural institution.
• Proven expertise in managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects.
• Strong understanding of international best practices in collection management, care, digitisation, and regulatory compliance.

Skills :

• Strategic leadership and project management abilities, with experience in planning and executing large-scale initiatives.
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies in collection management, including digitisation and genomic applications.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic or additional languages is an advantage.