Senior Curator - Emirati

Job Purpose

• The role of the Senior Curator will be to conduct research towards information delivery in the permanent galleries, to lead a team of curators to deliver research programmes in line with the overall aims of the Zayed National Museum, to contribute to the public programmes through the delivery of exhibitions, events, lectures, workshops and handling sessions; work with colleagues across the museum to deliver temporary exhibitions and eventually to refresh permanent displays;
  
  to engage with scholars, in the UAE and internationally, and to exchange ideas and develop a network of contacts in the relevant field of study.

• Work with the Chief Curator and department Director to develop the display collections through acquisitions (purchased and donated), commissions and loans.
• Advise the Chief Curator on research opportunities, potential acquisitions, and potential exhibitions and displays.
• Work closely with the Chief Curator, conservation colleagues and acquisition teams to manage the ongoing development of the museum’s collections (display, research and handling) through acquisitions (purchased and donated), commissions and loans.
• Take responsibility for the research, documentation, interpretation, storage and display of a designated part of the collections
• Actively develop research profile through publications, lectures and attendance of conferences.
• Work closely with the Learning & Public Engagement Department to develop an interesting public events programme.
• Work closely with the Senior Registrar for the display, storage and the movement of the Zayed National Museum collection
• Collaborate with other colleagues in the museum to work on special exhibitions and displays as instructed by the Chief Curator and or department Director.
• Ensure professional knowledge is maintained through membership of the appropriate professional body, and network with colleagues in similar roles within the sector.
• Lead complex curatorial and research projects across collections, exhibitions, and institutional initiatives
• Oversee acquisition budgets, expenditure forecasting, and financial planning in collaboration with the Director of Curatorial & Collection Management and Chief Curator.
• Understanding of the cultural heritage landscape of the UAE and wider region
• Mentor and guide curators and associate curators in research methodologies, interpretation, writing, and professional development.
• Develop strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, cultural organisations, and scholars to support the museum’s research agenda along side the Research section.

• Master’s degree in Art History or relevant subject, e.g. archaeology or similar a related discipline) with relevant publication record and conference presentations.
• Preferred PhD Master’s degree in relevant subject area.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience in in a curatorial position in a large curatorial department of similar sized museum. Specialised in one of the following areas:; anthropology and intangible heritage; archaeology;; pre-Islamic art history.
• Evidence of and commitment to original scholarship with a proven record of initiating, curating, and delivering well received exhibitions, publications, and public programs
• Proven collection & exhibition development experience.
• Proven research, publication record as well as experience of using databases, word processing and image processing programmes.
• Familiarity with working with objects as historical sources/documents.
• Experience of engaging with public audiences.
• Management and leadership responsibly with a track record of success in managing people and budgets.