Science Museum Group
Interpretation & Content Manager (FTC until March 2030)
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The world's first inter-city railway turns 200 in 2030. How do you tell that story?
About the role
At Science Museum Group, we are here to inspire futures by sharing authentic stories in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through ambitious, audience-centred experiences.
We are seeking an Interpretation and Content Manager to join the Public Programme team at the Science and Industry Museum to work on the transformation of the 1830 Station. The building is a significant heritage site and will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Liverpool-Manchester railway line in 2030.
In this role, you will lead the development of interpretation for the site story of the Science and Industry Museum, which includes the passenger station and connected outside spaces, where interpretation and content will reveal the important narrative of the site through powerful storytelling, immersive moments and hands-on interactivity. Working closely with curators, digital colleagues, designers, artists and local community groups, you will develop a cohesive visitor journey, a variety of interactive experiences (including a hands-on interactive space for Early Years audiences) and engaging interpretation to tell the story of the world's oldest surviving inter-city railway station and the people linked to it. You will also help plan the new Learning Hub experience and develop events connected to the site's history, as part of our wider Public Programme vision.
You will advocate for audience needs throughout the development process, ensuring interpretation is inclusive, accessible and informed by visitor collaboration, consultation and testing. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys combining creativity, audience advocacy and interpretive planning to deliver innovative and accessible experiences that inspire curiosity and engagement with STEM.
This is a fixed term contract until March 2030, based at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. It's a full-time role at 35 hours per week, and hybrid working is available in line with SMG's hybrid working policy - you'll be required to work a minimum of 40% of your hours on-site, with the specific arrangement agreed with your manager.
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About You
We're keen to see applications from candidates who have developed interpretation, exhibitions or interactive experiences, and who are truly motivated by the challenge of turning historical narratives and objects into stories people want to spend time with. A large part of this role is deciding what we're actually saying - working with curators, digital colleagues, designers and artists to find the headline messages, shape the themes and hold them steady across several gallery spaces and the platform outside.
You'll be skilled at interrogating a complex history and drawing out the human stories within it, and equally skilled pitching those stories to very different audiences: early years families in an interactive space, general visitors arriving with no prior knowledge, and railway enthusiasts who know the site inside out.
Just as importantly, we need someone who can manage this work with minimal oversight and keep it progressing. You'll be the person colleagues look to for interpretive direction on the project, working across Public Programme, Curatorial, Digital, Collections and Estates, with several workstreams live at once and firm project deadlines to meet. That calls for effective communication and collaboration skills, the confidence to present to and engage with all levels including senior stakeholders, and the judgement to keep audience needs and accessibility at the centre of decisions when the pressure is on.
Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.
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 apply.
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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.
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