Exhibitions and Programme Manager

South West Heritage Trust; Taunton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The South West Heritage Trust in Taunton is seeking an experienced Exhibitions and Programme Manager to lead the delivery of engaging exhibitions and manage the public programme. This role is vital in aligning the exhibitions with the Trust’s strategic objectives and involves collaboration with multiple teams and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, proven experience in exhibitions, and excellent interpersonal abilities. The Trust is committed to building a diverse organization, welcoming applications from all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in developing and delivering exhibitions.
• Experience managing projects and budgets.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of exhibitions aligned with the Trust's strategy.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
• Ensure effective management of public programmes.

Skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Budget management

Curatorial practice knowledge

Job description

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and creative Exhibitions and Programme Manager to lead the delivery of the South West Heritage Trust’s wide-ranging exhibitions and support the management of the public programme, playing a key role in delivering the Trust’s 5-Year Strategy. Each year, we deliver an ambitious programme of temporary exhibitions and public engagement activities across our sites in Somerset and Devon that spark curiosity, encourage lifelong learning, connect audiences with the compelling stories of the South West, and bring outstanding art to Somerset.

The role is central to ensuring the exhibitions and events programme aligns with the Trust’s strategic priorities, Audience Engagement Strategy and Business Delivery Plan and involves wide-ranging collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be an established professional with excellent project management skills and a proven track record in developing and delivering exhibitions and supporting public programmes. They will thrive in a fast moving, dynamic environment with competing priorities. They will have strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to negotiate, influence and build relationships with colleagues and partners. Demonstrable experience in managing projects and budgets and a knowledge of curatorial practice are essential.

The South West Heritage Trust is an independent charity which provides heritage services across Somerset and Devon. We run two Archive and Local Studies services and three museums, including the Museum of Somerset, and look after Somerset’s historic environment, including over 400 acres of historic landscapes.

We are committed to building an organisation as diverse as the communities we serve. Your application for this role will be welcomed whatever your background and regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnership.

For further information or if you experience any difficulties with the recruitment process, please contact Ann Bradford HR and Governance Manager via email [e-mail] .

For further information and to access the application form, please follow the link below to our recruitment portal. Please note CVs are not accepted as applications.