Curator of Knowledge and Transformation

About the jobJob TitleCurator of Knowledge and TransformationDepartment: Collections and ExhibitionsUnit: CollectionsProject Overview:Join a team dedicated to a landmark national museum project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We are creating a flagship cultural institution that will showcase the cultures of the world. The project is a key contributor to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, advancing the nation's cultural and creative sectors. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a project of national significance and global impact.Job PurposeThe Curator of Knowledge and Transformation will be responsible for the conceptual development and intellectual coherence of these two thematic areas within the broader framework of world cultures and human history, as part of a new flagship national museum institution based in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This position carries curatorial leadership over two distinct yet complementary fields of reflection: the ways in which human beings have pursued, created and shared knowledge —from ancestral traditions to modern science— (Knowledge); and how, by transforming natural resources and materials, they have shaped tools, objects, and their own evolution (Transformation).Through these two axes, the curator will articulate narratives that connect artworks, objects, and testimonies of various nature — across materials, periods, styles, and cultural contexts — aiming to establish dialogues that illuminate how societies have sought, throughout history, to create social bonds and to give meaning to existence. The curator will work collaboratively within the museum’s curatorial team to ensure that the themes of Knowledge and Transformation contribute fully to the overarching vision of this new institution, dedicated to exploring the diversity of human creativity and cultural expression as the shared heritage of humankind.Roles and ResponsibilitiesStrategy and PlanningDevelop and refine the conceptual and curatorial framework for both thematic areas, ensuring coherence with the museum’s global narrativeBudget ManagementManage the budget corresponding to the assigned work streams linked to his/her scope of work.Policies, Processes, and ProceduresEnsure full alignment with the institution’s internal policies, procedures, and processes.Functional AccountabilitiesIdentify, research, and manage objects and collections related to the themes of Community and Faith, whether from the museum’s holdings or external loans.Manage timelines on exhibition and display development, linked to conservation constraints and loans.Contribute to defining interpretation and exhibition strategies that enable both themes to dialogue and reveal their presence across cultures.Contribute to research initiatives, publications, and public programs that deepen the understanding and engagement with these themes within the museum’s mission.Stakeholder ManagementCollaborate with scholars, institutions, and communities worldwide to incorporate diverse intercultural perspectives.People ManagementCollaborate with multidisciplinary external teams.Inspire the team and promote an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and creative contributions.Job Qualifications and RequirementsKnowledge and ExperienceA minimum of 5 years of curatorial experience.Accredited experience in the curation of exhibitions, especially in the role of lead curator.Proven ability to curate cross-cultural or interdisciplinary exhibitions.Demonstrated contribution to scholarly publications, articles, or exhibition catalogues (either individually or collectively)Strong understanding of museum practices, including curatorial, educational, and exhibition design principles.Education and CertificationsBachelor’s degree in Art History, Cultural Anthropology, Religious Studies, Ethnology, Archeology, museum studies or related field is required. Master’s degree in the previously mentioned fields is preferred.Relevant certifications are highly desirablePersonal capabilities and qualificationsCapacity for creative thinking, with a keen eye for innovative expressions in the context of museum exhibitions.Demonstrated capacity for strategic planning and project management, with experience handling budgets and resources responsibly.Excellent interpersonal skills, with a talent for building relationships within the institution’s team and across diverse stakeholder groups and managing negotiations and conflidct resolutions.Strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving capabilities.Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret complex information.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, enabling effective storytelling to inspire audiences.Strong commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the curatorial process.Intuitive understanding of cultural sensitivity and respectful engagement with different communities.High level of adaptability and resilience, ability to navigate the complexities of museum operations.Capability to analyze and synthesize feedback for ongoing improvement and innovation.Passion for lifelong learning.