Director of Cultural Collections and Curatorial Practice

Location: Leeds - Main Campus

The University of Leeds Libraries’ Cultural Collections are of international quality and underpin a wide range of teaching, research, and engagement activities across many disciplines. This is an opportunity for an exceptional individual to join the Library’s Executive Team to ensure the Collections contribute even more to the intellectual life of the Campus and help deliver the ambitious vision; Knowledge for all.

Recent major investments in physical spaces and digital infrastructure supports the University of Leeds Libraries’ ongoing journey to being globally significant, and the Cultural Collections are key to this. The approach to curatorial practice is modern and wide-ranging. It engages new audiences in collection and exhibition-based curation and is highlighted by impactful physical and digital spaces including two on-campus galleries and the Brotherton Research Centre.

The role of Director of Cultural Collections and Curatorial Practice also contributes to a shift that is positioning the Libraries as beacons of innovation and inclusivity. Therefore, the post-holder will lead staff to motivate and enable the achievement of their full potential and deliver against the Libraries’ vision and forward plans. This requires further development of ambitious strategic and operational goals, the capture of external funding and raising Cultural Collections’ profile through public engagement.  

University of Leeds Libraries are seeking to appoint an accomplished senior leader who is comfortable operating in complex environments. They will have a strong understanding of the dynamics of managing a diverse Cultural Collection that has a public interface and demonstrating the impact it creates. This will include enhancement via acquisition (whether by purchase or gift), interpretation, teaching, research, partnerships, and engagement. This will be accompanied by sound communication skills, a demonstrable commitment to the University of Leeds’ values and the promotion/advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – that’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – the University contributes 14.5% of salary.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

The University of Leeds has engaged the services of Berwick Partners (an Odgers Berndtson company), to whom applications should be sent.

To apply, please visit: berwickpartners.co.uk/opportunities/assignment/92645

For an informal and confidential discussion about this role, please speak to our advisor at Berwick Partners:
Elizabeth James, Partner
Email: Elizabeth.James@berwickpartners.co.uk

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