Salary £53,853
Location Edinburgh
This is a permanent, full time vacancy that will close in 21 days at 23:59 BST.
The Vacancy
We are seeking a dynamic, motivated and experienced person to lead the development and delivery of our public engagement programme. Building on a successful centenary year, our Head of Public Programmes will have responsibility for the management and delivery of a high-quality programme of exhibitions, events and learning and outreach activities at the Library, online, and across Scotland.
What we are looking for -
We’re looking for an effective and hands-on team leader, able to provide strategic direction and operational support to a team of 7. You will have excellent people and project management skills and a proven ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and with external partners and stakeholders. You will have a strong track record in exhibition development and public programming for and with diverse audience groups. You will be skilled in partnership building and collaborative working and will be able to demonstrate good knowledge of audience development and evaluation. You will ensure that the highest standards of delivery are combined with best practice in our engagement with Scotland’s diverse communities.
What we can offer you –
If you are successful, you will be working for one of Scotland’s premier cultural institutions, a library that holds the nation’s memory in its vast collections. You’ll have the opportunity to work flexibly, where the service allows, and we’ll provide you with training and development opportunities. We have generous annual leave and offer a pension scheme. And of course, you’ll join a team of great colleagues.
The full job description can be found at the bottom of this page.
You can contact Peggy Hughes (
[email protected]) our Director of Engagement, if you have any questions about the post. Interviews will be held the week commencing 17 August 2026.
The National Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland preserves the memory of the nation with collections that span the centuries, from the earliest times to the digital age. Our collections document the influence of Scots at home and abroad, while reflecting the ideas and cultures of the world. They cover all aspects of human endeavour in multiple formats, including books, manuscripts, archives, websites, maps, music, moving image and sound.
We support education, research, business and innovation and our work enhances the reputation of Scotland as a country with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant future. We are committed to providing easy access to our physical and digital collections and delivering services that are open and available to all. It is a place for inspiration, exploration and enjoyment, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
There are around 320 of us working at the Library who all contribute in different ways, whether welcoming our visitors, planning our events and exhibitions, developing and caring for our collections or looking after our buildings and people.
The Benefits
Flexible Working
Family Friendly
Civil Service Pension Scheme
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Health and Wellbeing
Discounts and Free Entry
Generous Annual Leave
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