Section Head of Collections Major Science Institution

About the role

The Section Head of Collections is responsible for leading the management preservation and strategic development of the collections at the Museum. This role ensures that collections including physical living and digital assets are cared for developed and made accessible to a global audience.

Reporting to the Director of Science the Section Head collaborates with curators researchers Museum Affairs and external stakeholders to position the Museum as a global leader in natural history collections fostering innovation accessibility and scientific discovery.

Key Responsibilities:

Collections Management & Preservation:

• Oversee the care curation registration photography digitisation documentation storage movement and preservation of all museum collections including library and archival collections and supports ensuring they meet the highest global standards.
• Develop and implement strategies for the sustainable management of collections including digitisation trusted and innovative conservation practices.
• Collaborate with the Museum Affairs team to integrate collections management and care into facilities management operational services governance and standards and security protocols.
• Ensure compliance with local and international regulations such as the Nagoya Protocol and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) agreements as well as recognised international museum standards for collections management and care.
• Oversee collections development through fieldwork donations exchanges purchase and loan to build the collection within the national and international legal and ethical frameworks applicable to natural history collections.

Strategic Development & Vision:

• Lead the strategic planning and implementation of initiatives to enhance the scope quality and accessibility of the Museums collections.
• Guide the development of new collection facilities storage solutions and the digitisation of collections to expand their global reach and scientific impact.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations to integrate collections into research exhibitions and public programming.

Collaboration & Partnerships:

• Establish and maintain partnerships with local and international institutions museums and universities to advance the Museum s collections and scientific contributions working closely with the International and Institutional Affairs Unit.
• Act as an advocate for the museums collections representing the Museum at conferences and other professional forums.
• Work closely with internal teams including curatorial research and public engagement to align collection activities with museumwide initiatives.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Oversee the operations of units within the collections section including Research Collections Conservation and Installation Library Archives and Digital Collections and Living Botanical Collections.
• Provide strategic direction and support to unit heads ensuring alignment with the museums overall goals and collaboration between units to enhance collections care research and accessibility.
• Provide professional development opportunities for team members promoting innovation and best practices in collection management.
• Manage staffing and resources to ensure effective operation and development of the collections.

Public Access & Engagement:

• Ensure collections are accessible to diverse audiences through exhibitions publications and online platforms.
• Collaborate with the Public Engagement team to integrate collections into educational programs and public outreach initiatives.
• Develop resources and tools to support researchers educators and the public in accessing and using the museums collections.

Budget & Resource Management:

• Develop and manage budgets for the collections section initiatives ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Identify funding opportunities and collaborate with relevant teams to secure support for collections related projects.

Project Management:

• Oversee complex projects such as collection movements digitisation initiatives and the development of new facilities ensuring timely and costeffective delivery.
• Monitor project performance addressing challenges and implementing solutions to achieve desired outcomes.

Evaluation & Reporting:

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of collections activities ensuring alignment with the Museums mission and strategic objectives.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management highlighting achievements challenges and opportunities for growth.

Experience & Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor and Masters in Museum Studies Natural History Conservation or a related field is essential.
• PhD is related field is highly desirable.

Experience:

• 10 years of experience in collection management registration curation or conservation preferably within a natural history museum or cultural institution.
• Proven expertise in managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects.
• Strong understanding of international best practices in collection management care digitisation and regulatory compliance.

Skills:

• Strategic leadership and project management abilities with experience in planning and executing largescale initiatives.
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies in collection management including digitisation and genomic applications.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic or additional languages is an advantage.