Exhibitions and Interpretation Manager

Be part of the vision; be part of RIBA.

RIBA is a global professional membership body, and a cultural organisation, driving excellence in architecture.

Salary: c£43,000 per annum, based upon experience and location

Location: London/Hybrid

Hours: 35 hours per week, full-time, permanent

About the Role

RIBA is looking for a passionate and experienced Exhibitions and Interpretation Manager to join our dynamic Exhibitions and Public Programmes team.

You will be responsible for developing and delivering RIBA’s public exhibitions and displays across our sites as well as online and touring exhibitions.

You'll play a key role in crafting experiences that connect target audiences with architecture, ensuring storytelling that is impactful, inclusive and accessible for all.

You will skilfully project manage the development and delivery of exhibitions and displays, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, keeping progress on schedule and within allocated budget, managing risks and ensuring arising issues are proactively identified and effectively solved.

Working closely with curators and embedding audience research, you will brief and support a range of interpretation methods, also commissioning and liaising with internal and external teams and contractors.

As we embark on our transformative House of Architecture Programme, this is a unique opportunity to shape how we engage with audiences through our newly refurbished building and ambitious programme of exhibitions and displays.

What are we looking for?

• Demonstrable experience in developing, project managing and delivering high quality exhibitions and programmes in a museum, cultural or heritage environment, including liaising with exhibition designers, art handlers, curators and conservators.
• Knowledge of current standards and best practices required in the daily management of museum collections.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities and escalation procedures.
• Excellent project management, budget and problem-solving skills.
• An entrepreneurial approach to touring exhibitions.
• Experience of negotiating schedules and processes with numerous stakeholders.
• Ability and experience to read and understand technical drawings and technical specifications.
• Ability to pre-plans work programme for own role and teams, considering current and future priorities.
• Ability to cultivate external relationships to identify potential new partners.
• Experience of managing rotas and gallery assistants.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work additional/flexible hours, including evenings, as required.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• Passionate about architecture, both historic and contemporary.

Why Join us?

Our Benefits:

RIBA offers an amazing employee benefits package which includes (a) a generous pension scheme with employer contributions (up to 12%), (b) life assurance, (c) annual leave of 27 days plus bank holidays and paid closure of 3 discretionary days between Christmas and New Year. For more details on our benefits please visit our website.

If you would like to apply for the position, please submit your CV and covering letter on our website after you click "Apply". Please note that we will only consider applications received directly through our company website.

Closing date: 14th August 2025

Interview date: 2nd September 2025

Due to high volumes of applications we are unable to respond to everyone, however, should you be shortlisted for interview we will be in touch. We may also close an advert earlier than the date above if we receive enough quality applications.

Please note that you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. We are unable to proceed with any candidates who cannot show the relevant documentation so please only apply if you meet these criteria. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.

RIBA aims to be an inclusive employer, committed to building an authentic and diverse environment where all are encouraged to be themselves. We champion work/life balance and welcome requests for flexible working across our organisation. We value applications from all sections of society and appreciate divergent experience, therefore if you are excited about the role and working with us, yet your experience may not align perfectly with every single skill or competency, we encourage you to apply anyway.

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