Deputy Curator and Operations Manager

Deputy Curator and Operations Manager

Royal College of Music Closing date: Fri, 30 Oct 2026

Artform: Music
Role: Curation
Contract: Permanent
London
  • Full time
  • £50k+

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

We're seeking an outstanding Deputy Curator to help shape the future of the RCM Museum & its internationally significant collections. Working closely with the Curator, you'll oversee the day-to-day operation of the Museum, manage a multidisciplinary team and lead the development of public engagement

Job Description

Founded in 1882, The Royal College of Music (RCM) is a world leading music conservatoire with a prestigious history and contemporary outlook. Our excellence was recognised by the 2026 QS World University Rankings, in which we were ranked as the No. 1 institution in the UK and Europe, and second globally, for both Music and Performing Arts. The College has held global first and second positions in Performing Arts for five successive years, while Music is a new subject introduced to the rankings in 2024.

The Royal College of Music is seeking an outstanding Deputy Curator to help shape the future of the RCM Museum and its internationally significant collections.

Working closely with the Curator, you will oversee the day-to-day operation of the Museum, manage a multidisciplinary team, and lead the development of public engagement, collections management, digital access and audience growth initiatives. You will play a key role in strategic planning, accreditation, reporting, budgeting, funding applications and the delivery of the Museum Forward Plan.

You will bring significant management experience within a museum or comparable cultural organisation, strong knowledge of collections care and accreditation standards, and a proven track record of delivering projects and managing budgets. A passion for music and musical heritage is essential.

This is a rare opportunity to join a world-renowned conservatoire, helping to preserve, develop and promote one of Europe's most important collections of musical heritage while expanding access for diverse audiences both onsite and online.

This post is offered on a permanent, full-time basis and is available from December 2026.

Job reference number: 108-26

Closing date: 9am Friday 30 October 2026

Interview date:

Stage 1: Friday 20 November 2026 (online)
Stage 2: Wednesday 25 - Friday 27 November (in person)

Salary: Grade 9, £57,588 - £65,969 per annum. Appointments will normally be made to the first point of the grade.

Job Requirements

Degree in Museum Studies or equivalent professional experience

Significant experience of management in a museum or comparable organisation

A keen interest in music and musical heritage

Experience with team management

Experience with managing budgets

A track record of delivering projects on time and on budget

Familiarity with ACE Accreditation procedures

Well organised, reliable, able to deliver on time under pressure

Personable and able to manage a small team within a larger
institution

Excellent communication skills

Job Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Curator in the development of the Museum and WCMM Forward Plan and to monitoring,
benchmarking and reporting exercises for internal and external bodies

Line managing the Museum Team, developing and delivering the Museum Strategy and Forward Plan in a timely
and cost-effective manner and ensuring that internal and external targets are met

Being responsible for the coordination of public access to the Museum and Collections to internal (RCM) and
external users and coordinating the Museum team to expand audiences and access both on site and digitally

Coordination the Museum activities across Collection Care, Digital Resources, Internal and External Access, Learning and Participation and Research

Manage the deployment of paid and volunteer staff and other support staff within the RCM Museum

Make sure that the Museum operates in accordance with ACE Accreditation regulations and draft the Museum's
Accreditation and HEMG returns

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Deputy Curator and Operations Manager
  • Salary: £50k+
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Music
  • Role: Curation
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Fri, 30 Oct 2026
  • Location:
    London
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Deputy Curator and Operations Manager

Job: Deputy Curator and Operations Manager

Organisation: Royal College of Music

Postcode: SW7 2BS

How to Apply

For full details of this position please read the Applicant Information Pack, available to download from the RCM website: www.rcm.ac.uk/jobs

To apply, please complete our 1) Application form and 2) Equal Opportunities form (available to download from the RCM website) and submit in Word or PDF format by email to [email protected]

CVs without an application form will not be accepted. Please ensure that you include the Job Reference Number when submitting your application.

The RCM is committed to nurturing diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.