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Head of Research
Full-time
Hybrid (at least 3 days per week on-site in Bloomsbury, London)
Permanent
£77,816 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Friday, 24 April 2026
About the role
The British Museum is looking for a visionary leader to shape the Museum's intellectual agenda and vision for research as Head of Research.
This is a rare opportunity to shape research strategy at an internationally renowned institution with the chance to influence research across the UK museum sector. With a strong track record of world-leading research, you will ensure the Museum has one of the world's most researched, accessible and visible collections. Working closely with the , and over 100 researchers and curators across all , you will lead the development and delivery of a compelling Research Strategy that enriches understanding of the Museum's collections, supports major projects, and fuels the next generation of researchers.
You will reimagine what it means to be a research-led international museum in the 21st century as the Museum embarks on in the past 150 years. To achieve this, you will build strong internal and external partnerships at the highest levels, champion research excellence, and secure significant external funding to advance the Museum's ambitions.
If you are looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to make a major contribution to the future of the Museum, we invite you to apply for this role.
Key areas of responsibility
- Ensure the Research Strategy drives a strong and dynamic programme of research that supports and develops the Museum's intellectual agenda.
- Catalyse high quality research across all areas of the Museum, ensuring all elements of the Museums work is informed by research, especially the , new galleries, and .
- Guide the development of major and funding bids, focusing on income-generating activities.
- Manage the Deputy Head of Research and other team members and support the development of early career researchers and young researchers embedding a strong research culture across the Museum.
- Represent the Museum internally and externally, cultivating strong stakeholder relationships and partnerships, increasing collaborative research partnerships.
- Contribute to the national and international research landscape through advocacy and strategic insight.
- Lead key relationships with external organisations for the development of the Museum's research at BM_ARC in Reading.
- Deliver internal and external research reviews and continuously elevating research quality.
- Lead the Museum Research Board and oversee relevant policies.
About you
We're looking for a strategic, inspiring leader with a clear and sensitive leadership style. You'll be able to motivate teams, forge successful partnerships, and champion research excellence. You will be comfortable operating at the highest level, balancing multiple priorities, and delivering work of long-term significance for the Museum and its audiences.
What you'll bring to the Museum:
- Strong reputation in a relevant research field with significant experience developing and implementing strategies within a research-focused environment.
- Proven leader in securing external funding, delivering funded high-profile projects and managing large budgets.
- Understanding of issues facing the museum or heritage sector.
- Strong managerial experience, including motivating teams and leading change.
- Ability to lead, influence and collaborate with stakeholders internally and externally, across academia, government and media.
- Evidence of a strong research and publications record.
Benefits
At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That's why we've designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found , but we've outlined some highlights below:
- Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
- Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
- Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
- Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
- Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
- Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- Support for carers through Employers for Carers.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme with a secure, inflation-linked defined benefit.
Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.
Additional details
At the British Museum, we are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process where every applicant has the opportunity to present their genuine strengths and experience in their own voice.
While we recognise that AI tools can be helpful when preparing applications, we expect all submissions to accurately reflect everyone's skills and background, and we may withdraw applications that appear to be generated entirely by AI.
During interviews, we want to hear directly from candidates and therefore do not permit the use of AI to generate or support answers, though assistive technologies used as reasonable adjustments are fully welcomed.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details
*We may be able to provide visa sponsorship for this role, subject to meeting eligibility requirements. You can find out more about these .*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
The Museum's aim is to hold a collection representative of world cultures and to ensure that the collection is housed in safety.
Thank you!
Client Project Manager (Capital Projects)
Full-time, Hybrid (at least 4 days per week on-site)
Permanent
£49,829 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Monday, 30 March 2026
About the role
The British Museum is hiring a Client Project Manager to help deliver major capital projects at the heart of one of the world's greatest cultural institutions.
This role involves leading high-profile construction and infrastructure projects within our iconic Grade I listed building. As part of the Estates and Capital Projects department, you will have the opportunity to work various projects such as our or the .
From developments to essential building and MEP upgrades, you will ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard while keeping the Museum open to millions of visitors each year. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced project manager who thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and is motivated by the challenge of safeguarding and enhancing a nationally significant heritage estate.
Key areas of responsibility
- Manage and deliver Museum capital construction projects according to best practice project management standards, the RIBA Plan of Work, and using the Museum's Project Management methodology, from inception to completion and final handover to the Client.
- Develop, manage and coordinate internal and external project stakeholder teams in support of projects.
- Procure the services of, liaise with and/or manage external consultants and suppliers ensuring that proposed procurement strategies satisfy the Museum procurement rules.
- Manage and coordinator public facing projects ensuring that the development of the design and interpretive aspects of the project are fully integrated into the rest of the project development process.
- Manage the evaluation, selection and use of innovative technologies including energy saving and sustainable measure in support of nominated projects.
- Oversee the application of VFM techniques, assisting with their review and development.
- Provide information and assist in the preparation of budgets and administer project finances.
About you
- PRINCE2 or similar project management qualification ideally with Membership of (or working towards) a Built Environment Professional Body or Association.
- Proven experience delivering capital or construction projects within a public institution or similar large, complex organisation.
- Demonstrable procurement and contract management experience, ideally within a museum or heritage organisation.
- Strong track record of budget management and resource planning.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary project teams.
- Experience of integrating inputs to the projects across internal client departments, stakeholders, third party service providers, external designers etc.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills
Benefits
- Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
- Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
- Exceptional Pension: Secure your future with one of the UK's most generous defined benefit schemes - guaranteed income for life.
- Cultural Perks: Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
- Financial Support: Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
- Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Everyday Extras: Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
Additional details
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
The Museum's aim is to hold a collection representative of world cultures and to ensure that the collection is housed in safety.
Thank you!
The Stuart Low Trust (SLT) is a well-respected and award-winning charity based in Islington supporting people who experience mental health issues and socially isolated.SLT was created to be radically different from other mental health charities – uniquely accessible, inclusive and community-embedded. You will be joining a small friendly team, where we care about staff wellbeing.We believe in trusting the expertise of our staff and giving them the freedom to thrive with regular help on hand when needed.
We support over 500 adults per year through social groups -creative arts, nature-based activities, wellbeing workshops and peer support.90% of participants report improved mental health and wellbeing.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to play an important role in a small but impactful charity. Your work will directly enable adults experiencing isolation to access safe, creative and life-affirming activities. Perfect for someone who thrives in a small charity where you can see the impact of your work every week.
Who we are seeking
We are seeking a Fundraising Manager, who enjoys writing grant applications and building strong relationships with supporters. Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will have a primary focus working on our trusts and foundations pipeline, while generating around 10% of total income from other sources. We are realistic what is possible in 21 hours per week!
We are seeking a fundraiser who combines:
- A strong track record securing trust and foundation income
- Excellent bid-writing skills
- Experience generating income beyond trusts (corporate, community or individual)
- Comfortable working autonomously in a small team
- Experience in a mental health organisation or small charity is desirable but not essential.
Summary role description
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will:
Lead Trusts and Foundations Income
- Develop a pipeline of grant funders to apply to.
- Write compelling, high-quality applications..
- Deepen funder relationships to secure repeat grants.
Raise income from other sources
Work with the Chief Executive to generate income from other sources with a realistic and achievable target of 10% total income via:
- Corporate partnerships in Islington, King’s Cross tech, creative industries and the City.
- Community and individual giving, especially among affluent local residents.
Build sustainable systems to support fundraising
- Strengthen stewardship journeys including donor tracking systems and explore use of AI tools.
- Contribute to fundraising communications and our profile-building.
Why this Role is Different
You will be stepping into an organisation in a strong position to build on:
- Multi-year funding security (63% of next year’s income already secured through multi-year grants, 4 months’ free reserves, annual income circa £250k).
- Trusted funders include City Bridge Foundation, Garfield Weston, Sport England and leading City Livery Companies.
- Strategic Plan 2024–28 with clear goals.
- Excellent impact measurement systems.
- A highly experienced Chief Executive with 30 years in the charity sector.
- A collaborative and supportive team, who understand fundraising is everyone’s responsibility.
What You’ll Gain
- Real autonomy and ownership
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- Occupational pension scheme
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Access to training and development opportunities
- Supportive management culture
- A genuinely collaborative, values-led culture
Location
Based at Jean Stokes Community Centre, Islington (5 minutes by bus from King’s Cross)
Application instructions
Please note, while we appreciate the value of AI tools, we strongly prefer that applicants prepare their supporting statements for this purpose with minimal use of AI.This helps us to better understand your authentic voice, skills and motivation for this role.Thank you.
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory references.
We are embrace diversity, equality of opportunity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that represents are variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.The more inclusive we are, the more we can achieve.
Deadline for applications: Sunday, 5th April 2026 at 12midnight
Interviews: Monday, 20th April 2026
Estimated Start:June/July 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.