Section Head of Collections Major Science Institution

BLR WORLD; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative museum organization in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Section Head of Collections to manage and enhance the care, strategic development, and accessibility of museum collections. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in collection management within a cultural institution, with strong leadership and project management skills. Responsibilities include overseeing the preservation of diverse assets and collaborating with stakeholders to position the museum as a leader in natural history. This role offers the opportunity to work on exciting projects that engage diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in collection management, preferably in natural history museums.
• Proven expertise in managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of international best practices in collection management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee care and preservation of all museum collections.
• Lead strategic planning to enhance collections quality and accessibility.
• Establish partnerships to advance museum collections and contributions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Knowledge of emerging technologies

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor and Masters in Museum Studies

PhD in a related field

Job description

About the role

The Section Head of Collections is responsible for leading the management, preservation and strategic development of the collections at the Museum. 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 the Museum 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 ensure 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 the Museum’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.

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Establish and maintain partnerships with local and international institutions, museums and universities to advance the Museum’s collections and scientific contributions, working closely with the International and Institutional Affairs Unit.
• Act as an advocate for the museum’s collections, representing the Museum 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.

Team Leadership & Development

• Oversee the operations of units within the collections section, including Research, Collections, Conservation, 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 collections 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 the Museum’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.