New manager sought for Great North Museum: Hancock

Image: The Great North Museum: Hancock

One of Newcastle’s most popular attractions is looking to appoint a new manager.

The Great North Museum: Hancock has welcomed more than five million visitors since it reopened in 2009 following a £26 million capital development.

Now, an opportunity has arisen for someone to become the Museum's next leader. They will oversee an engaging public programme of exhibitions and events, care for internationally important collections, support University research and achieve commercial income targets.

The Great North Museum: Hancock is managed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM) on behalf of Newcastle University.

The successful candidate will work closely with the University and the Museum’s two learned societies: the Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) and the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne (SANT).

They will also be part of the TWAM leadership team, supporting business planning and strategic direction of the organisation which runs nine museums and galleries across Tyneside, as well as the Archives service for Tyne & Wear.

Keith Merrin, Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said:

"This is a fantastic and rare opportunity to manage a landmark museum that has meant so much to the people of Newcastle since 1884. Not many can say that they greet a full-size replica T. rex skeleton on their way into work!

"If you have a proven track record of successful management in a museum, cultural or heritage environment and a strong commitment to audience development and Higher Education, then please do apply."

Professor Vee Pollock, Dean of Culture and the Creative Arts at Newcastle University, said:

"The Great North Museum: Hancock is a hugely important part of our teaching and research. It is integral to our mission to shape brighter futures for people, champion social and environmental justice, and grow the economy.

"We are excited to work alongside a new museum manager to build on the successes of recent years, including the Great Exhibition of the North, Dippy on Tour exhibition and subsequent recognition at the Family Friendly Museum Awards. Together with our partners we can create a truly distinctive University museum for future generations."

The Museum Manager post is a full-time, permanent role with a salary of £38,890 – £41,881 per annum. A recruitment pack has been prepared to provide further information about the vacancy and is available to download online.

Recruitment pack - Museum Manager, Great North Museum: Hancock (PDF, 984 KB).

Applications should be made by midnight on Sunday 21 November 2021 via the North East Jobs website - northeastjobs.org.uk/job/Museum_Manager_Great_North_Museum_Hancock/215066.

Any prospective candidate seeking advice about applying should contact Keith Merrin, Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, for an informal discussion – Keith.Merrin@twmuseums.org.uk.

Image: replica T. rex skeleton at the Great North Museum: Hancock

The New Museum of Natural History opened in 1884 to house the growing collections of the NHSN. It was soon renamed the Hancock Museum in honour of the prominent naturalists John and Albany Hancock.

In 2009, the Hancock Museum merged with the Museum of Antiquities and the Shefton Museum on Newcastle University campus to reopen as the Great North Museum: Hancock in a fully renovated building.

The Great North Museum: Hancock houses outstanding collections relating to Natural Sciences, Archaeology, World Cultures and Egyptology belonging to NHSN, SANT and Newcastle University. It showcases cutting edge University research alongside a popular and successful public programme.

The Museum attracts audiences of all ages and backgrounds but has a particularly large and loyal family audience. In 2019 it won the Best Medium Sized Museum at the Family Friendly Museum Awards and was shortlisted again in 2021.

Journalists please contact Jonathan.Loach@twmuseums.org.uk