Head of Research Resources & Publications

Head of Research Resources & Publications (Senior Leadership Team position)

Full-time, Permanent Contract

A new role of Head of Research Resources & Publications has been created at the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art (PMC). We are seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable professional who will contribute to the direction and strategy of PMC by overseeing its publications, library, archives, records and data protection responsibilities. This a Senior Leadership Team position with responsibility for advising PMC’s Director on operations, planning and policy across the Centre.

The Head of Research Resources & Publications will line manage activities that span the lifecycle of research, from collecting and cataloguing, to consulting materials, evaluating research, communicating it in publications and displays, and preserving records. Overall, the postholder will ensure and enhance PMC’s role in fostering an innovative and enriching research culture. Working closely with department leads, the postholder will develop and deliver strategic thinking and planning, and advocate vigorously across sectors for PMC’s activities in publications, library, archives and records.

This is an exciting time to join the organisation as we develop a new strategic plan and strive to open up the work of PMC and the field of British art studies. Specific areas of line management involve providing structure and support for PMC’s Archivist, Records & Data Protection Manager, Librarian, two Senior Editors and the Editor of British Art Studies (freelance). However, this is a role in which you will work closely with colleagues and teams across the organisation to assess and develop how people access and engage with research resources and publications in the field of British art studies.

The postholder will be someone who enjoys working collaboratively and as a member of a team and is excited by the prospect of working across teams to develop joined-up thinking and activity. This new role requires excellent management and communication skills. Reporting to the Director, the Head of Research Resources & Publications will play an important leadership role at PMC and be expected to participate in activities and events across PMC’s work as required and represent the work that we do to a range of stakeholders.

Applicants will be expected to work on-site at the Paul Mellon Centre, Bedford Square, London WC1. Hours of work are 35 per week. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements offered by PMC.

Salary will be in the range of £75–85,000 p.a. depending on experience. PMC also provides a generous range of employee benefits, as well as a caring and supportive work environment and excellent facilities.

Full information including a job description can be found on our website – https://www.paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk/about/head-of-research-resources-publications

Who We Are

The Paul Mellon Centre (PMC) is a research centre and educational charity that generates and supports original, open and creative thinking on British art. We host and support a thriving programme of research events. We publish innovative books and a wide range of digital resources, including our journal British Art Studies. We pursue individual and collaborative research projects and with our grants and fellowships programme we fund work that expands understandings of British art and visual culture. We make our specialist archives and library accessible to the public, at Bedford Square in London and through remote access. We deliver teaching and learning programmes and run networks that connect researchers and professionals, creating pathways into the field.

The Paul Mellon Centre was founded in 1970 by the American art collector and philanthropist, Paul Mellon, and is funded through the gift of an endowment he gave to Yale University. We are a partner to the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, Connecticut. Paul Mellon believed in the centrality of the arts and humanities to democratic society and valued critical thinking and the imaginative generation and expression of ideas. We are inspired by this vision to increase access to British art across all our activities at PMC and through those we fund elsewhere. As an organisation, we strive to open up conversations about British art and culture and make our work inclusive and inspiring.

Person specification

The successful applicant will have:

experience as an arts or cultural heritage sector professional with expertise in art, architecture, visual culture, history or related areas
proven experience as a senior line manager in a research environment, in higher education and/or galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM) organisations
a postgraduate academic degree (such as MA or PhD) and/or equivalent professional qualification or experience
knowledge and experience of the archives and library sector in the UK
knowledge and experience of the academic publishing sector in the UK and an understanding of the academic publication cycle and its processes of review
understanding of and commitment to the PMC’s work and to the arts and humanities more broadly
proven interest in the field of British art studies and creative ideas about its future directions
experience of thinking strategically to develop and deliver ambitious projects and plans
a strong aptitude for line management and supporting and developing teams, and for working across different areas with the ability to connect these to PMC’s wider mission
a collaborative approach to teamworking as well as a proven ability to work proactively and independently
the ability to work across several projects in a self-motivated yet collaborative way
excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
meticulous attention to detail and the experience of working with administrative processes
a high degree of computer literacy
a proven commitment to the principles of equality, inclusion and diversity

Application Process

Please apply using our web application form available via
https://thepaulmelloncentre.hrpartner.io/jobs

If you have any issues applying or have any queries with the web application form, please contact the HR team at recruitment@paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 10am GMT, on Monday 13 January 2025

Interviews

Interviews for the post are expected to be held week commencing Monday 27 January 2025

Enquiries

Queries about the post should be addressed to Gabriella Rhodes, Senior HR Advisor at recruitment@paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk

The PMC is committed to promoting an inclusive and inspirational workplace. We are keen to ensure that opportunities to work with us are open to everybody and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We are happy to discuss any access needs with potential applicants.