Head of Cultural Collections Research Development

Location: Leeds - Main Campus

Contract type: Ongoing

This role will be based on the University campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. 

Do you have a passion for cultural collections?  Have you experience of developing and delivering research and academic engagement with cultural collections?  Can you help us expose and promote cultural collections to wider and more diverse audiences?  

The Cultural Collections (Rare books, Manuscripts, Archives, Art, Objects) of the University of Leeds Libraries are of international quality and underpin a wide range of teaching, research, and engagement activities across many disciplines. We undertake a modern and wide-ranging approach towards curatorial practice, engaging new audiences in collection and exhibition-based curation, underpinned by our impactful physical and digital spaces. We are looking for an outstanding individual who will expand the horizons for how these collections can contribute even further to the intellectual life of the campus, and help deliver our ambitious vision for the future, Knowledge for all.

Recent major investments in our physical spaces for cultural collections and the current significant investment in our digital infrastructure will allow us to develop further as a globally significant library. We want Cultural Collections & Galleries to play a key role in achieving this ambition, working in close collaboration with academic colleagues in Schools and Faculties across the University. In addition to the Brotherton Research Centre, the two on-campus galleries, The Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery and The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery provide significant opportunities for community engagement activities for the public good.

The Head of Cultural Collections Research Development will be a key team leader within the Cultural Collections & Galleries team, shaping the team’s strategic direction. Reporting to the Director of Cultural Collections and Curatorial Practice, you’ll support wider University and Libraries strategic and cultural activities, and work with colleagues in the Cultural Collections & Galleries team to promote research and research opportunities using our collections, as well as building sustainable academic engagement with our collections. You’ll have responsibility for the Cultural Collections & Galleries’ programme of researcher engagement, as well as the programme of Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery, and with oversight of the Collections Care team. In addition, you will contribute to the cultural shift, positioning our libraries as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus 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.
• 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! 

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Layla Bloom, Interim Associate Director: Cultural Collections & Curatorial Practice

Email: l.bloom@leeds.ac.uk