Can you help us create experiences that Inspire Futures?
The Science Museum Group encompasses the Science Museum, the National Railway Museum, the Science and Industry Museum, the National Science & Media Museum, Locomotion and the Science and Innovation Park; making us the world’s greatest alliance of science museums.
Our Public Programme team plays a vital role in bringing our collections, stories and goals to life, creating engaging experiences that inspire curiosity, deepen understanding and connect audiences with the past, present and future of science and technology.
As part of this work, we’re now looking for a Project Manager – Public Programme (Interpretation and Design) to join us on a full-time, fixed-term basis for 12 months, providing maternity cover and supporting the delivery of an exciting programme of visitor-focused projects and experiences.
About the Role
Based within the Public Programme team at the National Railway Museum, this role will play a key part in delivering a wide range of interpretation, design and visitor experience projects, from exhibitions and displays to audio-visual installations and public events.
As the museum embarks on the largest capital development programme in its history, you’ll help ensure that our public programme continues to engage audiences, increase visitor numbers, and place STEM learning and science capital at the heart of the visitor experience.
Working closely with colleagues across the museum and wider Science Museum Group, you’ll manage projects from concept through to delivery, bringing together multidisciplinary teams, coordinating external partners and ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget and to a high standard.
You’ll develop project briefs, oversee procurement and contractor management, coordinate governance processes and support decision-making through effective planning, reporting and stakeholder engagement. You’ll also help embed sustainable practices and use evaluation and audience insight to shape future activity.
This is a varied and collaborative role that combines project management skills with creativity, stakeholder engagement and a commitment to delivering high-quality visitor experiences.
Hybrid working is available in this role, with a minimum of 40% of working hours based onsite at the National Railway Museum in York. Additional onsite attendance may occasionally be required during key project delivery periods, such as exhibition installations.
About You
You’ll bring demonstrated experience of successfully managing projects, programmes or events within a complex organisation, with the ability to balance multiple priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes.
You’ll have experience of developing audience-focused projects and a solid understanding of how interpretation, design and visitor engagement can create meaningful and memorable experiences. Organised and initiative-driven, you’ll be comfortable managing budgets, coordinating project teams and working within established governance frameworks.
An effective communicator and relationship builder, you’ll be skilled at bringing together stakeholders with different perspectives, fostering collaboration and maintaining momentum towards shared goals. You’ll also have experience of working with external consultants, contractors or freelancers to deliver successful projects.
You’ll be a confident problem solver with strong organisational skills, excellent judgement and a commitment to delivering projects that are innovative, inclusive and audience centred.
Most importantly, you’ll bring a values-driven approach and a genuine commitment to creating engaging experiences that inspire curiosity while contributing to an open, supportive and inclusive culture.
Don’t feel you meet every requirement? We still encourage you to apply. With your transferable skills, you could be the right person for this role or for other opportunities with us.
Applying
View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under ‘Attachments’ on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click ‘Apply Online’ to submit an application
What we offer
Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you’ll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.
Meaningful work. We’re a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.- Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
- Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.
- All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, and other wellbeing support.
- Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
- Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
- Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
- Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group’s five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.
