Deputy Curator and Operations Manager

LGBT Jobs; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal College of Music in London is seeking an outstanding Deputy Curator to shape the future of the RCM Museum and its internationally significant collections. You will oversee day-to-day Museum operations and lead a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires substantial museum management experience, knowledge of collections care and accreditation standards, and a passion for music heritage. This is a permanent, full-time post starting December 2026.

Qualifications

• Significant management experience within a museum or comparable cultural organisation.
• Strong knowledge of collections care and accreditation standards.
• A passion for music and musical heritage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the Museum, manage a multidisciplinary team, and lead the development of public engagement, collections management, digital access and audience growth initiatives.
• Play a key role in strategic planning, accreditation, reporting, budgeting, funding applications and the delivery of the Museum Forward Plan.

Job description

Location: South Kensington, London SW7 2BS, UK

Job Type: Permanent, Full-time

Pay: Grade 9, £57,588 - £65,969 per annum. Appointments will normally be made to the first point of the grade.

Highlighted points for this job

Deputy Curator role at The Royal College of Music

Permanent, full-time position available from December 2026

Significant management experience in a museum required

Founded in 1882, The Royal College of Music (RCM) is a world leading music conservatoire with a prestigious history and contemporary outlook. Our excellence was recognised by the 2026 QS World University Rankings, in which we were ranked as the No. 1 institution in the UK and Europe, and second globally, for both Music and Performing Arts. The College has held global first and second positions in Performing Arts for five successive years, while Music is a new subject introduced to the rankings in 2024.

The Royal College of Music is seeking an outstanding Deputy Curator to help shape the future of the RCM Museum and its internationally significant collections.

Working closely with the Curator, you will oversee the day-to-day operation of the Museum, manage a multidisciplinary team, and lead the development of public engagement, collections management, digital access and audience growth initiatives. You will play a key role in strategic planning, accreditation, reporting, budgeting, funding applications and the delivery of the Museum Forward Plan.

You will bring significant management experience within a museum or comparable cultural organisation, strong knowledge of collections care and accreditation standards, and a proven track record of delivering projects and managing budgets. A passion for music and musical heritage is essential.

This is a rare opportunity to join a world-renowned conservatoire, helping to preserve, develop and promote one of Europe's most important collections of musical heritage while expanding access for diverse audiences both onsite and online.

This post is offered on a permanent, full-time basis and is available from December 2026.

Job reference number: 108-26
Closing date: 9am Friday 30 October 2026
Interview date: