Project Curator

NATIONAL TRUST; South Hams; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A heritage organization is seeking a Project Curator to lead the 'Stories of Saltram' project, enhancing visitor engagement and accessibility. This role involves managing heritage projects while working collaboratively with local communities. Applicants should have a background in Art History or a related field and proven experience in delivering cultural projects. This is a fixed-term position until August 31, 2029.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme of up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Gym memberships and shopping discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

Qualifications

• Proven experience in developing and delivering heritage projects.
• Ability to engage various stakeholders in decision making.
• Experience in creating inclusive and engaging outputs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the 'Stories of Saltram' project to improve visitor engagement.
• Support infrastructure improvements for accessibility.
• Work with specialists to assess heritage significance.

Skills

Heritage project development

Stakeholder engagement

Research and analysis

Design collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Relevant degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a Project Curator to help us reimagine what Saltram means for Plymouth today.

The Future Saltram Programme is the National Trust’s commitment to open up this much-loved place like never before. Over the next few years we’ll double the accessible outdoor space, deliver major improvements to visitor facilities, and—most importantly—work hand in hand with local communities to break down barriers to nature and heritage.

As Project Curator, you’ll lead the heritage and interpretation strand of our £6.2m Access to Nature and Heritage package, majority-funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. You’ll shape how stories are told, how connections are made, and how Saltram’s past and present come together to create a sense of belonging for new and existing audiences. You’ll also play a key role across the wider programme, ensuring the historic environment is protected while being opened up in new ways.

This is a fixed-term position until 31 August 2029.

What it's like to work here

Saltram is one of Plymouth’s most treasured places—an “oasis in the middle of the city” where history, parkland, and community come together. With over 900,000 visits last year, it’s one of the busiest National Trust properties in the country.

You’ll join a collaborative, energised team who work at pace, share challenges, and support each other to get the job done. It’s a fast-moving, exciting time to be part of Saltram, with plenty of scope to make a real difference.

What you'll be doing

Reporting to the Project Manager, you’ll be part of the Future Saltram team delivering the vision to end unequal access to heritage and nature. Your main focus will be the “Stories of Saltram” project, which will open 511m² of new, interpreted spaces in the Grade I house and Grade II* stables.

You’ll also support visitor infrastructure improvements across the estate, including accessibility in the house. Working with built environment specialists and the wider National Trust curatorial team, you’ll assess heritage significance and advise on impacts to collections, buildings, and landscapes.

This is a unique opportunity to shape how people experience Saltram’s history, ensuring it speaks to today’s audiences while safeguarding it for the future.

Who we're looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• Proven experience in developing and delivering heritage, cultural, or interpretation projects to plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Ability to put stakeholders at the heart of decision making, including visitors, community members, academic partners, statutory bodies, contractors, and cultural audiences.
• Experience of undertaking or commissioning research and analysis to create inclusive and engaging outputs.
• Confidence in working with design professionals and planning processes, from concept to delivery.
• Strong communication skills to engage audiences through talks, tours, interpretation, and events.
• Relevant experience or qualifications in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field.

This is a chance to be part of a truly transformational project—helping to shape Saltram’s future and redefine what a heritage estate can mean in a modern city.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places