South Asia Collections Curator

We’re looking for a South Asia Collections Curator to lead vital research and interpretation of South Asian heritage across two remarkable places in our care—Powis Castle and Kedleston Hall.

You'll play a pivotal role in a transformation programme that is working across 28 of our incredibly significant houses. You’ll develop fresh approaches to interpretation and support public storytelling for over 5,000 South Asian objects spanning diverse languages, histories, and materials – including royal regalia, prestigious weapons, furniture, photographs, sculpture, manuscripts, and sacred art. This 18-month fixed-term role offers a rare opportunity to shape more inclusive narratives and create deeper, more meaningful connections with the histories we tell.

What it's like to work here

Internally, you'll be known as National Curator.

As this is a national role, there’s flexibility on your contractual place of work. Our hybrid working policy means you can balance office and home working with site visits and meetings at other National Trust places. We’ll talk about this in more detail at interview, but you should expect to be at a National Trust site for 40–60% of your working week.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you’ll lead the research, cataloguing, and interpretation of South Asian collections, focusing on Powis Castle and Kedleston Hall. You’ll also offer curatorial expertise across our places, supporting ethical, inclusive approaches to conservation, display, and engagement. Working with property teams and national colleagues, you’ll help build strategic partnerships with cultural institutions, scholars, and South Asian diaspora communities to deliver projects.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.

Who we're looking for

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

• curatorial experience with South Asian collections, including exhibition and interpretive content delivery
• proven experience of leading research and/or cataloguing projects
• confidence working in complex organisations and the ability to work collaboratively in teams
• a creative, thoughtful approach to co-production and working with community stakeholders in equitable ways
• experience building effective partnerships across museum, heritage, or academic sectors – both in the UK and internationally
• a commitment to public engagement and experience creating accessible and inclusive content for diverse audiences

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