Organizer Information
The National Gallery (London) is one of the world’s leading art institutions, established to care for, research, and present its collection of Western European paintings spanning the 13th to the early 20th centuries. Alongside public exhibitions, learning, and conservation work, the Gallery operates a dynamic research ecosystem that includes the Library & Archive, Research Partnerships, interdisciplinary initiatives, and an expanding programme of events. The Gallery is currently preparing for the launch of its refurbished Research Centre in Spring 2028, designed as a public-facing hub to advance and showcase cutting-edge research related to art history, conservation, curation, and broader cultural scholarship.
Title & Description
Position: Research Centre Manager – The National Gallery
The Research Centre Manager will oversee the daily operations, strategic planning, and public engagement activities of the National Gallery’s new Research Centre. The role is crucial in shaping the Centre’s launch, ensuring an exceptional visitor experience, and managing a complex network of research stakeholders including specialist staff, visiting researchers, Artists-in-Residence, external partners, and the wider scholarly community. This position combines operational leadership, programme coordination, client relations, and administrative oversight with active contribution to the Centre’s creative programming and strategic development.
The Role Overview
- Salary: £36,950 per annum
- Contract Type: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)
- Reporting To: Senior Research Lead
- Band: D
- Programme Area: Research Centre (Library & Archive, Research Events, Visiting Researchers)
- Travel Requirements: Occasional UK and international travel
- Working Hours: Includes events outside regular hours
Position & Tasks
- Lead planning for the Research Centre, contribute to project meetings, and represent user needs.
- Oversee launch activities and coordinate research programmes, events, partnerships, and logistics.
- Manage daily Centre operations, facilities, staff scheduling, office needs, and administrative systems.
- Coordinate event enquiries, Research Advisory Committee meetings, visiting researcher logistics, and internal communications.
- Build and maintain relationships with researchers, artists, students, suppliers, and external partners.
- Manage budgets, invoicing, and financial processes.
- Ensure regulatory compliance, safety standards, and security protocols.
- Support marketing, public communications, and promotional activities.
- Line-manage the Research Events Coordinator.
Categories
- Arts & Culture Administration
- Research Management
- Programme & Event Management
- Cultural Institution Operations
- Artist & Researcher Support Services
Eligibility
- Professionals with substantial experience in event or venue management, OR experience managing a complex research environment.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management capabilities.
- Ability to oversee budgets, operations, workflows, and multi-layered programme delivery.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure.
- Technical proficiency in IT/AV tools (e.g., Eventbrite, Mailchimp, Livestream, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Willingness to work evenings for events and occasionally travel.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive public engagement.
Program Benefits
- Permanent employment within a world-renowned cultural institution.
- Opportunity to shape a major new research facility from the pre-launch phase.
- Cross-departmental collaboration and high-level institutional visibility.
- Engagement with international scholars, artists, and cultural partners.
- Professional growth in arts management, research programming, operations, and strategic planning.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV outlining relevant professional experience
- Cover Letter addressing suitability for the role
- Any additional documentation requested by the National Gallery’s recruitment portal
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 2 January 2026
- Start Date: Aligned with project planning for launch in 2028.
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The role requires a practical, collaborative approach and comfort managing competing priorities.
- The Research Centre Manager will engage with teams across Curatorial, Scientific, Conservation, Learning, Digital, Events, Security, Catering, and external partners.
- Responsibilities include accessibility considerations, risk assessments, and compliance with safety guidelines.
- The position plays a central role in expanding the Centre’s audiences and strengthening the visibility of the Gallery’s research output.