Summary
We're looking for an inspirational leader with a strategic and collaborative mindset to set the curatorial direction of Mount Stewart, a large neo-classical house with deep connections to the influential Londonderry family, containing a collection of international significance, surrounded by celebrated formal gardens and a historic landscape situated on the stunning Ards Peninsula in County Down.
This is a permanent and full-time opportunity to become the Property Curator and join the Property Leadership Team for the East Down portfolio.
What it's like to work here
Mount Stewart is a place that has been touched by the various generations who have loved it. Whilst always respecting the past and finding inspiration from its history, Mount Stewart has been unafraid of change throughout the generations, endeavouring to remain relevant In modern times.
A much-loved home for the Londonderry family, Mount Stewart has a fascinating history intricately connected to both Irish and British affairs, as well as pivotal events in European history, from the Congress of Vienna to both World Wars. The estate's influence and legacy are seen not only in political and diplomatic spheres but also through its artistic and cultural contributions.
Last year we welcomed over 220,000 visitors and have ambitions to grow our appeal further. Click here for more information about Mount Stewart.
What you'll be doing
Reporting directly to the General Manager, with professional support from internal specialists, you'll bring your passion, knowledge and experience to sustaining and developing our curatorial vision and long-term plan for the estate, building on the completed extensive restoration work to Mount Stewart house.
An inspirational and clear communicator, you will support the entire team of staff and volunteers to play their part in engaging our visitors in all that is special about Mount Stewart, developing their skills, confidence and creativity. You'll support an inclusive and positive culture, where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
You will champion creative and innovative approaches to programming, using dynamic and inclusive storytelling to connect Mount Stewart's rich history with contemporary audiences, ensuring its relevance for future generations, while reflecting and celebrating Mount Stewart's continuing role as a home.
With deep respect for Mount Stewart's rich Irish and British heritage, you'll ensure that our interpretation and programming are culturally sensitive and historically accurate, providing balanced narratives that resonate with a diverse range of visitors.
For more information, please read the role profile and additional information sheet attached to this vacancy.
Who we're looking for
We value lived experience as well as formal knowledge and skills, and welcome applicants able to demonstrate the following:
- In-depth understanding and experience of working with historic collections and properties
- Good experience and understanding of collections management and care
- Ability to connect with a wide range of audiences
- Experience of personal contribution to the development and delivery of interventions and/or programming to enhance visitor engagement, drive visitor growth or deepen community connections
- Capability to undertake, lead on, interpret, and respond to external and internal research, intelligence, and analysis
- Enthusiasm, knowledge and inspiration as well as a practical, pragmatic and sensible approach to problem solving
- Great leadership skills with experience of supporting teams of staff and volunteers and a strong understanding of how to work collaboratively across disciplines
- Good communication skills, enabling positive relationships to be built and maintained externally and internally
- Ability to work to budgets and plan accordingly
- Relevant formal academic / professional / vocational qualifications in Art History, Museum Studies and related fields
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.