There are over 5 million individual items in our collections, embracing art and design, history and archaeology, and natural sciences.

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1 Job Description Director of Collections & Research Amgueddfa Cymru National Museum Wales Background Established by Royal Charter in 1907, Amgueddfa Cymru National Museum Wales is one of the largest museums in the United Kingdom, and the most important cultural institution in Wales. The Museum is the custodian of internationally significant, diverse collections and a leader in education and cultural participation. Amgueddfa Cymru is responsible for Wales seven national museums: National Museum Cardiff; St Fagans: National History Museum; Big Pit: National Coal Museum in Blaenavon; National Wool Museum in Dre-fach, Felindre; National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon; National Slate Museum in Llanberis, Snowdonia, and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. Amgueddfa Cymru also has a National Collections Centre near Cardiff. Amgueddfa Cymru s total Grant-in Aid from the Welsh Government in was 21 million. It employs over 600 staff and has around 1.7 million visitors annually, an increase of 70% on pre free-entry levels. We have approximately 2 million annual visits to our website. There are over 5 million individual items in our collections, embracing art and design, history and archaeology, and natural sciences. Amgueddfa Cymru has a wholly owned trading subsidiary, National Museums and Galleries of Wales (NMGW) Enterprises Ltd, with co-opted Non-Executive Directors with relevant expertise. The main activities of the company are sales at all the Amgueddfa Cymru s retail outlets, catering, car parking charges, image licensing, corporate hire lettings, proceeds from the sale or loan of exhibitions and filming rights. The company remits its profits to Amgueddfa Cymru by means of Gift Aid. Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales is funded by the Welsh Government as a Welsh Government Sponsored Body, and has a Board of Trustees whose role is to set the strategic direction of the organization, and to ensure proper management of its resources. Our Vision In 2015 Amgueddfa Cymru agreed a new Vision, "Inspiring people, changing lives", to guide all future activities. Our purpose is to inspire people through our museums and collections to find a sense of well-being and identity, to discover, enjoy and learn bilingually, and to understand Wales's place in the wider world.

2 Our work is based on the principle that culture is created by people and communities. Our collections and other resources partly come from the society of which we are part, and are continually renewed through our work with the public. Our natural sciences collections effect the biodiversity and geodiversity of Wales and make comparisons on a global scale. We are accountable for our use of these resources to the nation we serve. We have made five commitments to support the implementation of the Vision. The work of every department and member of staff is directed to achieving these commitments. Making a difference to Wales, by working with local and national organizations to create a happier, healthier and more sustainable Wales, with access to culture for all, and a thriving economy. Museum experience. Visitors experience high quality museums, exhibitions and public spaces for enjoyment and learning. Online experience. Users experience a connected and accessible digital museum for engagement, creativity and learning. Learning and creativity. Everyone has a wealth of opportunity to learn, research and create. Participation and inclusion. Individuals, families and communities throughout Wales and beyond, shape and take part in inclusive and accessible cross-cultural activities for all. The Senior Management Team Amgueddfa Cymru is led by the Senior Management Team (SMT), consisting of the Director General and four Divisional Directors. A Joint Executive Group (JEG), whose members include departmental managers as well as the SMT, approves policies and reviews significant projects and initiatives. Director General Deputy Director General and Director of Finance & Corporate Resources Director of Gallery Development & Visitor Experience Director of Learning & Engagement Director of Collections & Research

3 Recent Developments Over the last five years, Amgueddfa Cymru has committed significant staff time and resources to the 30 million redevelopment of St Fagans to become the National Museum of History for Wales. This project will be completed in autumn 2018 with the opening of new galleries and historic buildings. Meanwhile, preliminary work has begun on concepts for a possible National Museum of Natural History, and redisplay of national sciences outside Cardiff, as well as possible redevelopment of the National Roman Legion Museum at Caerleon. At the same time, we are working with the Welsh Government on feasibility studies for a National Gallery of Contemporary Art, and a National Football Museum. These projects are profoundly changing the work of the organization. In order to meet the demands they create, continue to improve the service to the public including learning opportunities for children and adults, we recently completed a staff restructuring programme. A key challenge for the organization will be to generate additional money from other sources. These include our research activities, for which the organization has an international reputation, commercial activities and fundraising from public and private sources. The Collections & Research Challenge This Division has successfully established a high profile within and beyond Wales for its collections which are of exceptional range and quality. Substantial strands of the natural history and art collections are Welsh but a significant part are of wider, international origin. Through its international programme, which has included a recent exhibition of landscape paintings which toured the United States, and another of British and French art from 1816 to 1916 which is currently in Japan, Amgueddfa Cymru has achieved a worldwide profile and reputation for its collections. The immediate challenge for the appointee is to continue the alignment of the work of the Division to the delivery of the Vision and the Operational Plan. To realise these ambitions, the Division will focus on supporting the wider gallery, exhibition and learning programmes developing projects that make a strong contribution to the Welsh Government s Wellbeing of Future Generations(Wales) Act 2015, and make the strategic case for museums and their work in civic society. Amgueddfa Cymru s Vision is to inspire people and change lives. In that sense, it aims to be an activist museum, working towards changing the way we contribute to and influence civic society. The long-term aim for this work is to develop community agency as a keystone of how Amgueddfa Cymru operates as a whole; to model what this way of working looks like in practice for cultural institutions in Wales and beyond; and to direct the museum s work in civic leadership.

4 Purpose of the Post The Director of Collections & Research will provide intellectual and strategic direction to the Collections & Research Division, ensuring that Amgueddfa Cymru s collections are accessible, developed, researched, managed and used effectively for the benefit of the people of Wales. The Director of Collections & Research will oversee the delivery of Amgueddfa Cymru s Vision through inspiring and directing transformational change within Amgueddfa Cymru s curatorial and research departments to engender a userfocused culture. The appointee will lead and manage the division of around 100 staff comprised of 4 departments: Art, History & Archaeology, Natural Sciences, and Collections Services (including Conservation). The post holder will also manage staff responsible for additional projects that fall within the remit of the division. The post holder will be expected to ensure that they keep abreast of current research and best practice in the museum and related sectors in the UK, and to lead the application of this expertise to the work of the division. The post holder will report to the Director General and will be a key member of the Senior Management Team, contributing fully to the overall management of Amgueddfa Cymru ensuring the delivery of a consistently high standard of management across the organization. The Research Department will initially be managed by a senior manager outside the C&R Division, but it is expected that, within two years, it will come within the responsibilities of this post. Key Tasks and Responsibilities As a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT): Provide clear strategic leadership and make a significant contribution to the development and implementation of the Vision, the Strategic Plan and the Operational Plan. Contribute fully to the overall management of Amgueddfa Cymru ensuring the delivery of a consistently high standard of management, both corporately as well as within the division. Share collective responsibility for decisions made by the Senior Management Team, representing SMT positions positively to staff Ensure that the division operates within Amgueddfa Cymru s corporate responsibilities and that the division is compliant with regulations and Amgueddfa Cymru s policies, engendering a culture of accountability and responsibility that is open to public and peer scrutiny.

5 Reframe Amgueddfa Cymru s work with collections to develop community agency as a keystone of how Amgueddfa Cymru operates as a whole and to direct the museum s work in civic leadership. Find innovative and original opportunities for developing and implementing income generation and ensuring income targets are met. Represent Amgueddfa Cymru throughout Wales and beyond, with a view to raising the public profile and reputation of the organization. As the Director of Collections & Research Provide intellectual and strategic leadership of the Collections & Research division, giving highest priority to those activities which support delivery of Amgueddfa Cymru s Vision and will be of the greatest benefit to the people of Wales. Manage the Division s financial and human resources, ensuring compliance with public financial regulatory requirements. Have overall responsibility for Amgueddfa Cymru s collections, working collaboratively with other divisions to promote inter-divisional working; ensuring the collections are accessible, developed, researched, managed and used effectively for public good. Ensure that staff of the Division contribute actively to the planning and creation of learning programmes, exhibitions and online services. Lead the development and implementation of policies and planning related to collections and research to ensure that all work in Collections & Research supports the delivery of the Vision e.g. Community Engagement Strategy, Research Strategy, Digitisation Strategy and other corporate strategies. Inspire and direct transformational culture change within Amgueddfa Cymru s curatorial and research departments to engender a customer-focused culture. Ensure that the active, participatory ethos of the St Fagans project is applied to the development and interpretation of the Collections. Keep abreast of current museological research and best practice relevant to Amgueddfa Cymru and related sectors in the UK and personally lead the application of this expertise to the work of the Division, for example, through Activist collecting and co-curating methodologies. Manage the acquisition budget and co-ordinate bids for external funding. Corporate

6 Participate actively in supporting the principles and practice of equality of opportunity as laid down in Amgueddfa Cymru s Equality & Diversity Policy. Implement and maintain Health and Safety requirements across all areas and report and concerns, undertake risk assessments and implement safe systems Ensure that disaster recovery plans are regularly reviewed so Amgueddfa Cymru can respond effectively to emergencies. Undertake such other duties and/or times of work as may reasonably be required of you to deliver the Museum s service to the public, commensurate with your grade or general level of responsibility within the organization. Outcomes The Collections and Research division contributes effectively to the delivery of Amgueddfa Cymru s Vision. The division s staff have the right knowledge and skills to deliver excellent visitor experience and public engagement. A collaborative working culture is adopted to ensure agile, responsive and outcome-focused services. Strong relationships are developed and maintained both internally and externally in order to best facilitate the delivery of excellent services.

7 Person Specification The successful applicant will need to demonstrate the following (please see the Recruitment Guidance for advice on how to complete the application form): ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE Knowledge Required Up to date with current knowledge of museological thinking and practice, and able to interpret and apply this knowledge to support the formation of strategy and policy. An understanding of the Welsh political landscape and how it relates to Welsh Government Sponsored Bodies. An empathy for the history and heritage of Wales and for Amgueddfa Cymru s work, aims and objectives. An understanding of museum audiences as applied to curatorial work in the selection, care, conservation, display, interpretation and use of objects. Experience Required A credible Curator with previous experience in a senior position with a successful track record in research, public engagement and collections management. Experience of coaching and mentoring Previous experience of managing significant budgets. Successful management experience with the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, motivate and develop staff, and deliver projects. Ability to visualize, express and implement strategy. Academic Qualifications / Standard of Education A degree in a discipline related to the work of the post, or professional experience and/or qualifications of equivalent standard and recognition. Management training or qualification e.g. MBA, ILM Level 7 Leadership & Management or equivalent experience.

8 Skills Required Demonstrable ability to think strategically and to contribute to the development of strategic plans and policies with the ability to translate broad objectives into the delivery of real outcomes. The ability to communicate in Welsh to uwch /higher level or a commitment to learn. Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to develop and maintain relationships, persuade, inspire and communicate strategic and operational direction to staff and other stakeholders at all levels. Evidence of excellent change management skills to achieve significant and sustainable performance improvements in light of emerging external conditions. Personal Factors Required Sound professional judgement and the ability to work effectively under pressure. An understanding of how the work of the Division can contribute to delivery of government strategies including the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act Resilience and confidence to succeed in role. An understanding of the principles of equality and diversity in relation to Amgueddfa Cymru s work and the ability to apply these in practice.

9 Competencies Specific to this Post The successful applicant will need to demonstrate the following (please see the Recruitment Guidance for advice on how to complete the application form): Core Competency Working positively with others Embracing learning, change and creativity Commitment to customer focus Delivery of effective outcomes Example Behaviour Initiates and establishes international, national and local networks and contacts to help Amgueddfa Cymru achieve its Vision goals. Effectively manages a broad range of strategic relationships with a range of local, national and international contacts including academics and researchers, stakeholders and partners, and encourages productive collaboration at all levels. Develops and shares a vision and culture of continuous improvement, innovation and learning. Evaluates the wider academic, social, political and legal environments and understands how Amgueddfa Cymru must respond. Shapes Amgueddfa Cymru s change agenda and creates the conditions and opportunities for individuals and teams to develop to their full potential. Encourages and ensures that customers are at the centre of Amgueddfa Cymru s thinking and action. Encourages all to engage with, respond to and broaden the customer base. Displays a strong results focus and takes the lead in establishing an outcome-orientated organization.

10 Core Competency Example Behaviour Promotes creative solutions and experimentation to achieve desired outcomes. Commitment to diversity and social responsibilities Ensures a commitment to diversity, inclusion, social responsibilities and environmental sustainability across the organization. Develops a personal understanding of issues relating to diversity, inclusion, social responsibilities and environmental sustainability. Encourages and adopts practice that ensures a safe working environment for all.

11 Terms and conditions of service Starting Salary Grade I 61, , per annum (pro rata) Appointment will normally be to the minimum of the salary scale for this grade. Contract Length This is a permanent contract. Contract Hours 35 hours per week. Probation The post is subject to a probationary period of 6 months All new appointments are subject to the receipt of satisfactory references, medical report and criminal conviction vetting clearance plus proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

12 Benefits in working for Amgueddfa Cymru Annual leave 27 days on appointment, rising to 32 days after 5 years service, plus a privilege day at Christmas and 8 bank holidays (for full time staff). The days are pro-rated for staff who work part-time. Flexitime Pension In order to enable staff to meet their work life balance requirements and help manage their time as effectively as possible, we operate a flexitime system. The scheme is open to all staff except for those who work on a rota basis. New staff will be informed on appointment of their eligibility for the scheme. We operate a Career Average Revalued Earnings occupational pension scheme (the "National Museum of Wales Pension Scheme"). If you are employed by the Museum under a permanent or fixed term contract of 2 years or more, you will automatically join the Scheme as part of your employment contract. The Museum also has a statutory duty under auto-enrolment legislation to enroll eligible jobholders into an automatic enrolment scheme. The Scheme is a qualifying scheme for automatic enrolment purposes, and therefore can be used to comply with automatic enrolment legislation. If you are an eligible job holder you will be automatically enrolled into the Scheme following an initial 3 month postponement period (although a request may be made to join earlier). If you are not eligible to join the Scheme, you may also make a request to do so. The employee contribution paid depends on your grade and the amount of your pensionable earnings. Currently staff categorised as Grade A pay 6%, Grades B and C pay 8%, and Grade D and above pay 9%. Salary Exchange Training & development Induction training The Museum operates a Salary Exchange Scheme for members of the Scheme. Participation is voluntary and is not suitable for all employees. We are committed to providing excellent training and development opportunities for all employees. We provide a comprehensive Induction Training session for all new members of staff on appointment.

13 Childcare Vouchers Family friendly working practices Travel Loan Scheme A childcare voucher scheme is available which enables you to take part of your salary in childcare vouchers which are then free from tax and National Insurance contributions (up to the value of 55 per week). The vouchers can then be used to pay for your childcare provider. We offer a range of family friendly working practices such as maternity/paternity leave, adoption leave, career breaks, extended leave and variable working. Staff may apply for an interest free travel loan to purchase an annual or quarterly bus or rail season ticket up to the value of 1,500 or a bicycle up to the value of 300. Display Screen Equipment Benefit schemes: Staff discount scheme Trade unions Amgueddfa Cymru will arrange (for employees who normally use display screen equipment (DSE) for continuous or nearcontinuous spells of an hour or more at a time on a daily basis) to have discounted rate on spectacles at Specsavers. Beneden Healthcare Society: Providers of first class healthcare without expensive medical insurance. Further information can be found on Amgueddfa Cymru s Intranet or at WHA (Welsh Hospitals & Health Services Association): WHA can help you with everyday health care costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy. Further details can be found on their website Credit Union Scheme: We offer employees an easy way of becoming a member of the Cardiff Credit Union. The Cardiff Credit Union is a savings and loans organization, owned and run by its members for the benefit of its members. It offers a simple and convenient place to save and gives access to low cost loans. Further details can be obtained from the HR Department. All staff are entitled to 20% discount in Amgueddfa Cymru s shops and 25% discount in the cafes. Staff members have the right to belong to a registered trade union and to take part at any appropriate time in the activities of the organization to which you belong, including the right to apply for and hold office. The Unions we recognise are Prospect, PCS and FDA.

14 How to apply: Applicants for the post should complete our on-line application form which can be found on the Jobs page on our website at The form provides the opportunity to explain how your qualifications, experience and personal qualities make you a suitable candidate for the position. Completed forms should be returned by to: hr.jobs@museumwales.ac.uk or posted to: The Human Resources Department Amgueddfa Cymru National Museum Wales Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NP Telephone: (029) Please note that all vacancies close at 12pm on the closing date. No applications will be accepted after this time. We will need you to submit the Vetting and Equality Monitoring Forms before we can process your application. Please do not send us your CV we will only consider completed application forms. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we expect in respect of this post, it will not be possible to write personally to each unsuccessful applicant. However, interviews are normally arranged within three weeks of the closing date. Please be aware that the cost of returning the completed application form and any attachments to the HR Department will be more than the price of a single first class stamp. Amgueddfa Cymru National Museum Wales is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community.