Candidate brief Candidate Brief Head of Interpretation Science Museum November 2014 Contact: Liz Amos e: liz.amos@lizamosassociates.com t: +44 (0)20 3780 4858 m: +44 (0)7841 419 782 Liz Amos Associates 154-160 Fleet Street London EC4A 2DQ
Contents Background and context 3 The Role 5 The Person 7 How to Apply 9 Appendix: Organisation Chart 10 Disclaimer Please note that ELGA Executive Search Ltd, trading as Liz Amos Associates, believes that while the information contained in this document is true to the best of the Company s knowledge at the time of writing, such information may change without notice. Further, the information therein is the property of the Company and must not be passed onto third parties, published or attributed unless explicitly agreed. 2
Background and context The Science Museum is seeking to appoint a Head of Interpretation, a new role reporting to the Director of Learning of the Science Museum Group, which is key to the delivery of the Museum s plans. The Science Museum is part of the Science Museum Group (SMG) which incorporates the Science Museum in South Kensington; the Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester; the National Railway Museum in York and Shildon; the National Media Museum at Bradford and the collections centre at Wroughton. Vision and mission The Science Museum s vision is to be the most admired science museum in the world, a source of pride and inspiration for their more than 3 million visitors each year. The mission is to inspire, engage and motivate the widest audience about the development of the modern world and its relevance to the future, through the best use of their collections. Within the walls of the Science Museum, they aim to excite, inspire and communicate, helping people make sense of the science and technology that shapes their lives through collection displays, acquisitions, interactive exhibits, arts projects, special exhibitions, programming and debates. Plans for new permanent galleries coupled with a bold programme of high impact temporary exhibitions will transform the offer for visitors and their perception of the Science Museum. Success will comprise: More objects from the collections that reveal stories, helping visitors understand science and technology in more detail; More visitors enjoying exceptional experiences; More people developing a long term relationship with the Museum; More adults, families and schools engaging with the history of science and with contemporary science issues; More visitors from different backgrounds being attracted to the Museum; More children being inspired by science and feeling excited and encouraged to explore further and play their part in creating a better future. Future Plans The Science Museum has put in place an ambitious and transformative programme of new permanent gallery developments together with an annual programme of creative, high profile temporary exhibitions. They are already underway with the delivery of the first phase of the Masterplan. Media Space opened in September 2013 and the 15.6m Information Age gallery opened to great acclaim in October 2014. 3
By 2019 the Museum will have delivered: A new gallery about mathematics, showcasing the collection and telling an historical story of people and impact in a gallery designed by Zaha Hadid Architects; A new suite of galleries about the history of medicine that delivers beautiful, collectionsfocussed experiences that explore medicine as a major scientific and cultural force, in a gallery designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects; An Annual temporary exhibition programme that helps to grow adult audiences; Renewal of over a third of the public exhibition space including the next generation of our Launchpad interactive gallery and a new Library and Research Centre. The role of Head of Interpretation In this role, the Head of Interpretation will: Lead the interpretation development (in close working partnership with the lead curators) and implementation for all new galleries including, but not limited to, Mathematics and Medicine; Oversee interpretation for temporary exhibitions delivered as part of the Museum s annual cultural programme, which includes major blockbuster exhibitions and annual contemporary science exhibitions; Manage Audience Research across the Museum galleries, temporary exhibitions, events and digital; Bring cohesion to the interpretative approach across multiple projects; Raise the Museum s reputation with respect to delivering world-class, collections focussed exhibitions. The Science Museum seeks a highly motivated individual, who wants to take the next step in their career. This role requires a strategic thinker with imaginative flair in relation to interpretation approaches, someone who is passionate about connecting the Museum s audiences to their collections and the stories they hold. For more information: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 4
The Role Job Title: Reporting to: Head of Interpretation Director of Learning, Science Museum Group Indicative salary range: 45K - 50k per annum Contract: Location: The appointment is for a five-year fixed term London Purpose of the Job The Head of Interpretation is responsible for: Leading the interpretation team to develop, articulate and implement interpretation strategies across permanent galleries and the annual cultural programme of exhibitions; Creating a coherent approach to interpretation across multiple products, delivering sophisticated and engaging approaches for adults, families and schools; Supporting the timely development of innovative interpretation approaches through the annual cultural programme of exhibitions, ensuring the Museum is at the leading edge of museological practice; Managing the Museum s world-leading Audience Research team, ensuring that the development of new exhibitions, galleries, events and digital experiences address audience needs, resulting in products that connect with large and diverse audiences. Key Deliverables/Accountabilities Inspiring, influencing and delivering change in the Museum s approach to galleries and exhibitions, building the Science Museum s reputation for interpretation; Developing and implementing medium to long-term Interpretation strategies to present the collections in stimulating and engaging ways; Leading, managing and motivating the interpretation team including one interpretation manager working full time within the Exhibitions Team and two interpretation managers working full time on new permanent galleries under development; Supporting the development of innovative interpretative approaches delivered through the annual cultural programme including blockbusters, contemporary science exhibitions and small to medium sized collections focussed spaces; Working collaboratively with the Exhibitions Teams to draw upon and influence their practice, and to support the successful delivery of a high impact exhibitions programme; Working with the Learning team to define learning programmes delivered as part of new gallery developments ensuring that new spaces are embedded within developments; Developing and delivering audience research strategies, delivering research to inform bids and influence gallery and exhibition interpretation; Developing and delivering accessibility and participation strategies on major exhibitions; Scoping and managing resources required to deliver interpretation across multiple projects; Ensuring proactive compliance with SMG H&S Policies, including risk assessments and implementing safe systems of work, in order to take care of personal health and safety and that of others; 5
Undertaking additional tasks and responsibilities as required, commensurate with skills and abilities. Working Relationships and Contacts SMG Director of Masterplan Head of Science Museum Masterplan Head of Exhibitions Director of Learning Deputy Director Science Museum Lead Curators Exhibition Project Leads Client Project managers SMG Director of Development Head of Learning Research and Projects Head of Digital Text Editor External Architects 3D and 2D designers Accessibility consultants Project Advisory Boards Film-makers, interactive designers, electro-mechanical designers and AV specialists. Practitioners in academia and industry Funders, including Trusts, Foundations and Corporates Line Management and Budget Responsibility Directly line manages: 4 Indirectly line manages: 8 Contractors/freelancers: 10 Budget Holder: 250K plus responsibility for delivery of 1m+ of interpretation on major projects. Please note: This job description is not exhaustive and amendments and additions may be required in line with future changes in policy, regulation or organisational requirements, it will be reviewed on a regular basis; This role is subject to a Disclosure Scotland basic criminal record check. 6
The Person The new Head of Interpretation will be passionate about, and committed to the opportunity this role offers to lead change in the way the Science Museum interprets their historical and contemporary collections, building on the creative approaches pioneered in the temporary exhibition programme. The Science Museum seeks an ambitious and inspirational leader, someone who wishes to take the next step in their career. The postholder will need to apply strategic, big picture thinking to interpretation and have excellent management skills supporting their interpretation team to translate interpretative vision into deliverables that connect audiences to the collections and the content of the Museum. The post requires excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to influence multiple stakeholders. A good team player who understands how to motivate their team, with the confidence to work with multiple stakeholders, The postholder will be highly knowledge about interpretation and audience research. The Science Museum is looking for someone who welcomes the challenge of bringing to life historical and contemporary collections and content for the large and diverse audiences of 3.2 million people who visit the museum each year. Experience Experience of strategic development of interpretation; Experience of delivering a range of interpretation approaches; Extensive experience of working in museums or other heritage and cultural organisations; Appreciation of curatorial practice and an understanding of object-focussed projects; Experience of full cycle of project delivery concept stage, bid writing, interpretation development and delivery. Skills, Knowledge and Relevant Qualifications Knowledge of the cultural sector and current museological practice; Advanced understanding of interpretation across a range of museum media; Excellent planning and management skills of budgets, teams and time; Highly knowledgeable about audiences and their needs and behaviours in museums; Sophisticated influencing skills, and a proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a project team; Excellent communication skills; Knowledge of audience research and its application during different project stages. Behaviours Team Working: actively participates sensitively and flexibly, a motivational manager. Able to listen to a range of viewpoints, resolve issues and make decisions. Skilful delegator encouraging ownership where required in programme delivery, builds relationships internally across teams and departments and externally with multiple stakeholders; Achieving results: a self-starter who delivers results within time and budget and to exceptional quality. Able to work to tight deadlines, across multiple projects. Ability to manage projects effectively and efficiently maintaining standards and effective communication; 7
Problem solving and creativity: positive, proactive, unfazed by challenges with an ability to identify solutions. Able to transform principles into exciting and sophisticated deliverables. An outward looking individual informed about the latest developments and knowledgeable about best interpretation practice; Inspiring: enthusiastic and committed to delivery of innovative and sophisticated interpretation that works for large and diverse audiences; Thinking: makes sound decisions based on effective analysis and exploration of options. Prepared to challenge current thinking, looking for new approaches and taking measured risks; Leadership: able to communicate a vision, identify strategies for successful implementation. Confident in decision making and able to influence effectively. Scope for Impact Influence and guide the development of large, permanent, object-led exhibitions, including but not restricted to Mathematics and Medicine, delivering to over 3m adults, families and school visitors a year; Oversee the interpretation for the annual cultural programme including blockbusters, contemporary science exhibitions, and small to medium sized exhibitions utilising the collection; Through the establishment of interpretation principles and strategies, create coherent approaches across numerous exhibitions and galleries; Build the Science Museum s understanding of object-led experiences; Grow the Science Museum s reputation for an audience-focussed and sophisticated offer; Influence the development of events, exhibitions and the online offer through targeted audience research that positively informs and influences development; Provision of information and research to support successful funding bids. 8
How to apply Please note that your application should include: A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (3 pages max) giving details of relevant achievements in recent posts; A maximum 2 page covering letter that summarises your interest in this post. Please provide evidence of your ability to match the criteria outlined above; A completed personal details form available from Mary Deegan (see below) which asks you to submit details of your latest salary, notice period and names of two referees one of whom should be your current or most recent employer, with an indication of when in the process they could be contacted. The references should cover at least the last three years of employment history. Mary Deegan e: mary.deegan@lizamosassociates.com t: +44 (0)20 3780 4858 For further information, please contact: Liz Amos t: +44 (0)20 3780 4859 m: +44 (0)7841 419 782 e:liz.amos@lizamosassociates.com Ruby Wolk t: +44 (0)20 3780 4860 e: ruby.wolk@lizamosassociates.com CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Close of business Monday 8 th December 2014. We would prefer to receive applications electronically. Please e-mail applications to: mary.deegan@lizamosassociates.com Alternatively, applications can be posted to Liz Amos Associates at 154 160 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2DQ. All applications will be acknowledged on receipt. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within 5 working days, please telephone Mary Deegan on +44 (0)20 3780 4858. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Liz Amos, contact details as above. Please note that neither Liz Amos Associates, nor the Science Museum can be held responsible for the non-delivery or late receipt of applications. We expect to inform applicants before the Christmas break whether they are being taken forward for interview. Interviews are scheduled to take place early in January 2015. Please indicate on your application if you are unable to attend at any of these times. 9
Candidate brief Appendix: Organisation Chart Director of Learning Science Museum Group Head of Learning Operations Science Museum Head of Learning Research and Projects (Science Museum) Head of Interpretation (Science Museum) Manager of Audience Research & Audience Advocacy Interpretation Manager (Exhibitions and Annual Cultural Programme) Interpretation Manager (Mathematics Gallery) Interpretation Manager (Medicine Gallery)