Senior Producer, National Engagement (Maternity Cover)

National Portrait Gallery; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent cultural institution in the UK seeks a Senior Producer for National Engagement to lead innovative initiatives that engage diverse communities. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing creative partnerships in the cultural sector, emphasizing social inclusion and collaboration. Responsibilities include overseeing project production, partnership management, and developing funding strategies. This role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact within a leading gallery environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in creative partnerships.
• Strong understanding of cultural policy and networks.
• Experience in museum or gallery production.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multi-partner creative projects.
• Develop impactful engagement initiatives with communities.
• Coordinate display production activity across galleries.

Skills

Creative flair

Leadership and management

Project management

Understanding of UK cultural sector

Social impact focus

Experience with partnerships

Job description

Overview

The Senior Producer, National Engagement (Maternity Cover) will play a pivotal role in leading and driving participation and engagement at a national level, working with diverse communities and young people nationwide. The role leads the production of a number of high-impact, innovative engagement initiatives in collaboration with arts, education, and cultural sector partners, with a focus on amplifying contemporary relevance and deepening connections to the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection and temporary exhibitions. A key aspect of the role includes managing complex partnerships, developing creative programming, and overseeing national-scale projects aimed at fostering social inclusion and driving impactful collaboration and co-production models. Additionally, the Senior Producer is responsible for the production of Learning & Engagement displays that bring new stories and creative work from participatory programmes to life in the Gallery. Further responsibilities include shaping and delivering associated learning and engagement bids and supporting strategic responses to cultural and government policy agendas. With a track record of leading multi-partner creative projects, the ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, a deep understanding of participatory practice and collaboration with diverse audiences, and a flair for creative innovation. This role requires strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage resources effectively while ensuring meaningful and effective engagement across a broad network of internal and external stakeholders.

Key Accountabilities

• Project & Relationship Management:
  • Work closely with the Director of Learning & Engagement and colleagues across the Gallery to deliver Photo Portrait Now, an annual multi-partner national higher education engagement programme exploring contemporary photography.
  • Design, develop and deliver impactful exhibition and collection focused engagement projects from conception to evaluation during 2025/6 that centre co-design and participation with community stakeholders.
  • Work closely with practicing artists, educators and creatives.
  • Manage all project administration including budgets, contracting and evaluation.
  • Work closely with partners, project funders and sponsors.
  • Work with the Director or Learning & Engagement and the Head of Programmes and Engagement to contribute to the development of funding bids and respond to cultural policy agendas as required.
• Display Production:
  • Manage the overarching planning and production of Learning & Engagement displays for the Studio Gallery in the Learning Centre (cycle is three to four per year).
  • Line-manage freelance designers and contractors as required across this activity.
  • Work closely with colleagues across AV, Collections management and Operations to successfully coordinate display production activity.
• The above list is indicative but not exhaustive. As such, in addition to the key accountabilities and responsibilities listed the post holder may be required to perform other duties commensurate with the scope and/or level of the role.

Key Experience, Skills and Criteria

• A minimum of 4 years’ experience of leading and managing creative partnerships across non-for-profit agencies, cultural, education and charity sector.
• A strong understanding of the UK cultural sector and its networks and policy priorities.
• Leadership and management experience of large multi- partner creative projects within the cultural sector.
• Strong understanding of and driven by values of social impact and inclusion across all work with communities and young people.
• Strong creative flair and innovation to develop new models of participatory practice across activity.
• Creative, innovative and entrepreneurial in ambition, outlook and working style.
• Experience of working in complex national and regional partnerships.
• Experience of managing donor relationships and reporting.
• Demonstrable and deep understanding of audiences.
• Experience in museum or gallery display production including content production, interpretation and curatorial skills.
• Experience of working with artists and collections.
• Experience of commissioning and managing artists, filmmakers.
• Experience commissioning and managing designers.
• Experience of event delivery.
• Experience in creative workshop facilitation.
• Interest, experience and ability in strategic planning and policy initiatives and how to ensure optimum value.

National Museum Directors' Council, Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG.