Exhibitions and Programme Manager

South West Heritage Trust; Taunton; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly experienced Exhibitions and Programme Manager to lead its ambitious exhibitions programme. This role offers the chance to curate and deliver ten temporary exhibitions each year across multiple sites, contributing to lifelong learning and telling important heritage stories. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders. If you have a strong background in visual arts and project management, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the heritage sector.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in directing and curating exhibitions.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Align exhibitions with Audience Engagement strategy.
• Direct, curate, and deliver impactful exhibitions.

Skills

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Curating Exhibitions

Budget Management

Education

Degree in Fine Arts or Visual Arts

Job description

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Job Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced and creative Exhibitions and Programme Manager with a fine and visual arts background to drive and deliver the South West Heritage Trust’s ambitious exhibitions programme and coordinate a wide programme of impactful events. The Trust delivers ten temporary exhibitions each year across three sites which contribute to lifelong learning, tell important heritage stories about the South West and its place in the world, and bring great art to Somerset. An extensive engagement programme is offered across the Trust sites in Somerset and Devon.

Key Responsibilities

1. Align the Trust’s exhibitions and events programme with broader Audience Engagement strategy and Business Delivery Plan.
2. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
3. Direct, curate, and deliver exhibitions.
4. Coordinate complex engagement programmes.
5. Manage project budgets and timelines.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be an established professional with a proven track record in directing, curating and delivering exhibitions and coordinating complex engagement programmes. They will thrive in a fast moving, dynamic environment with competing priorities. They will have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to negotiate, influence and build relationships with colleagues and partners. Established experience in project management and managing complex budgets and a demonstrable knowledge of the visual arts are essential.

About the Trust

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

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 and an application form, please use the link below. CVs are not accepted as applications.