Head of Public Engagement and Programming

GARDENS, LIBRARIES, AND MUSEUMS (GLAM); Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

Are you passionate about creating transformative cultural experiences? Do you have the vision and leadership skills to shape the future of public engagement in one of the most exciting museums in the UK?

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative individual to join our leadership team as the Head of Public Engagement and Programming.

About the role

The Pitt Rivers Museum is one of the most innovative and stimulating University museums in the UK. Our mission is to become a welcoming space to all where stories are shared by many voices. Working collaboratively and creatively with staff, volunteers, and communities we are working to transform how our iconic collections are engaged with, both online and in the museum. In an increasingly disconnected world, we want to inspire empathy and deepen cross-cultural understanding. This pivotal role will develop and drive the Museum's public engagement strategy, ensuring our programmes are inclusive, relevant, and inspiring for diverse audiences.

Already operating at a senior level, you will bring a strong track record of programming and engagement across a cultural organisation with a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges that this entails. We are looking for candidates with excellent leadership and management skills and the ability to work collaboratively across the museum with a highly talented team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of the Pitt Rivers Museum’s public engagement and programming strategy ensuring alignment with our mission to inspire curiosity, learning, and connection through diverse cultural narratives.
• Programme Development & Delivery: Oversee the planning, development and delivery of a compelling programme of engagement for diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Audience Engagement: Champion audience development and accessibility initiatives, ensuring programming reaches diverse groups, fosters inclusivity, and promotes learning across all ages.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Build and nurture strong relationships with local, national, and international partners, including educational institutions, cultural organisations, and community groups.
• Team Leadership: Manage and develop a talented and motivated team, providing clear guidance and fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, excellence, and professional growth.
• Evaluation & Impact: Lead the evaluation of public engagement activities to assess impact, relevance, and outcomes, using data and feedback to refine and improve future programmes.

This is a full-time permanent post working 37.5 hours per week. Part-time working at a minimum 80% of the full-time equivalent hours (30 hours per week) may be considered.

Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) due to working with children and vulnerable adults.

About You

You will be educated to degree level or equivalent experience or/and professional qualification or strong interest in arts and culture policy & management. You will have an established reputation for success and excellence in developing and delivering public engagement at the senior level in the cultural heritage sector at a strategic level. Proven experience of leading, developing and delivering public engagement in a cultural institution or related field is essential.

For the full details, please refer to the Selection Criteria section in the job description.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Tuesday 13 May 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place in early June.