Event Manager Adult Programmes

The British Museum

Hours
41 hours per week

Length of contract
30 September 2027

About the Organisation

Founded in 1753, the British Museum's remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt.

About the role

We are seeking a creative Events Manager to join the British Museum’s Learning and Programmes team. Working within a small team of Event Managers, you will develop and deliver engaging public programmes for adult audiences, including talks, debates, performances, and special events linked to both the core collection and temporary exhibitions.

The role spans onsite and digital activity and requires confident management of multiple projects at once. Over the next year, the focus will be on expanding income‑generating programmes, building audiences, and adapting delivery in response to changes to Museum spaces through the Masterplan.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Project managed the artistic planning and organisation of a range of high-profile events online on Zoom and in person. Leading on research, development and delivery in consultation with the Head of Adult Programmes.
• Research content and potential contributors to events, working in collaboration with key stakeholders, including external contributors, partner organisations and colleagues across the Museum.
• Develop, manage and deliver a programme of special events and performances that respond to strategic priorities and widen audience participation from under-represented groups who may face barriers to participation
• Liaise with freelance staff, including visiting lecturers and programme contributors, over content, arrangements for delivery of events and payment
• Attend and, when appropriate, host or steward events at the Museum
• Assist in the planning and monitoring of expenditure for the adult programme and meet agreed income targets
• Write event text according to the Museum’s Style Guide and liaise with the web team, ticketing and marketing to ensure all events are advertised within agreed deadlines
• Provide general assistance when appropriate to the Head Adult Programmes in the delivery of the adult programme
• Ensure all events in the programme are managed safely, and risk assessments are logged and kept up to date

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Specific Technical, Professional Skills & Experience:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Confident use of ICT, word-processing, and databases
• Thorough eye for detail in project planning and text production
• Event manager with experience in project management and delivering high-profile debates, music events and cultural festivals in a museum, gallery, and other cultural organisations, and public spaces

Specific Managerial & Skills:

• Experience of working with freelance staff
• High level of organisational skills
• Working to deadlines
• Working in multi-task contexts
• Experience in project management within the arts and cultural sector
• Proven ability to prioritise workload in a demanding work environment

Specific Interpersonal & Skills:

• Creative
• Confident
• Communicator
• Fast learner
• Tact and diplomacy
• Good negotiation skills
• Flexible Approach

Desirable:

• Experience in supervising freelance staff or volunteers
• Experience in programme administration, including contracts and finance
• Experience in evaluating programmes against agreed measures
• Knowledge of the landscape of public programmes offers and current practices

Required Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject
• Postgraduate qualification in Museum Studies and related discipline

Compensation & Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
• Generous annual leave allowance 
• Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme
• Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
• Participation in private and public Museum activities
• Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases

Conditions of employment

• Unfortunately, for this role, we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• Apply to our website
• If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to [email protected]

Policies

British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make the best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum that represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated based on their relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

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