Deputy Curator and Operations Manager

ABO; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal College of Music in London seeks an exceptional Deputy Curator to shape the future of the RCM Museum and its internationally significant collections. You will oversee daily operations, lead a multidisciplinary team, and drive public engagement, collections management, digital access and audience growth.

This role contributes to strategic planning, accreditation, reporting, budgeting and funding applications, and supports delivery of the Museum Forward Plan.

Qualifications

• Extensive management experience in a museum or cultural organisation.
• Strong knowledge of collections care and accreditation standards.
• Proven ability to lead projects and manage budgets.
• Passion for music and musical heritage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of the Museum.
• Manage a multidisciplinary team.
• Lead development of public engagement, collections management, digital access and audience growth.
• Contribute to strategic planning, accreditation, reporting, budgeting and funding applications.

Skills

Museum management

Collections care

Accreditation standards

Public engagement

Digital access

Budget management

Job description

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:

• Stage 1: Friday 20 November 2026 (online)
• Stage 2: Wednesday 25 - Friday 27 November (in person)

For full details of this position please read the Applicant Information Pack, available to download from the RCM website: www.rcm.ac.uk/jobs

The RCM is committed to nurturing diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.

Contact details

[e-mail]

Related information

• Download 108 26 Deputy Curator Operations Manager Aip

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