Participatory Practice Manager at The Hunterian, University of Glasgow

The Participatory Practice Manager is a key role in leading the development and delivery of participatory, community-led and anti-racist practices within a university museum context. The postholder will embed these approaches across collections, research, teaching and civic engagement, supporting effective engagement with multiple audiences and enabling more equitable, collaborative relationships with communities, particularly those historically under-represented or on the margins.

They are responsible for managing and sustaining a portfolio of participatory programmes and projects, contributing to the Hunterian’s strategic objectives and supporting meaningful long-term institutional change.

1. Participatory Practice Development

Lead the development and implementation of projects that embed participatory and inclusive practice across the museum and wider university using the Hunterian Participatory Framework. Advocate for anti-racist and intersectional socially engaged approaches within collections, interpretation and programming.

2. Programme & Project Management

Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of participatory programmes and projects. Develop and manage project plans, timelines, budgets and resources across multiple concurrent strands of activity. Ensure projects align with Hunterian priorities, frameworks and funding requirements and respond flexibly to emerging challenges and opportunities.

3. Community Engagement & Co-production

Build and sustain ethical, meaningful relationships with diverse communities, partners and stakeholders. Design and facilitate co-productive processes including workshops, evaluation activities, interventions and collaborative interpretation. Support the development of new narratives and interpretative approaches that reflect multiple perspectives.

4. Facilitation & Dialogue

Facilitate effective meetings, workshops and discussions. Create and hold spaces for critical dialogue on issues including anti-racism, intersectionality, representation, health and wellbeing, and colonial histories.

5. Stakeholder Management

Act as a primary point of contact for partners, funders, collaborators and community groups. Coordinate working groups, advisory panels and partnership activity to support sustainable relationships and collaborative working.

6. Planning & Prioritisation

Work within the Hunterian strategic objectives and Access and Inclusion Policy to plan, prioritise and deliver projects and programmes. Identify opportunities to align participatory practice with teaching, research and civic engagement agendas. Present findings and recommendations through briefings, presentations and written reports to inform decision-making.

7. Evaluation & Research

Develop and implement approaches to monitoring, evaluation and reflective learning. Develop robust evaluation plans, capture qualitative and quantitative data to evidence impact and inform future practice, and contribute to research activity, publications and teaching where appropriate.

8. Information Management & Reporting

Develop methodologies for capturing collections-related data and feedback from facilitated object-engagement sessions. Monitor and maintain records and reports to meet internal and external reporting requirements. Disseminate learning internally and externally to contribute to sector best practice.

9. Financial & Resource Management

Ensure the effective and accountable use of resources. Support funding applications, reporting and compliance requirements and oversee procurement processes related to project delivery.

10. Collaboration

Work collaboratively with curatorial, academic, learning and engagement colleagues across the museum and university to support delivery of participatory programmes and organisational objectives.

11. Teaching & Knowledge Exchange

Contribute to teaching activities and knowledge exchange where appropriate. Support the dissemination of learning and research outcomes across the university and wider sector.

12. Training & Professional Development

Manage own workload effectively and contribute to personal professional development through reflective practice, learning and participation in relevant internal and external training opportunities.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Knowledge/Qualifications Essential:

• Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles  Or Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).
• Demonstrable knowledge of participatory practice, co-production and community development.
• Experience and understanding of anti-racist, intersectionality and inclusive approaches within grassroots organisations, museums or academic institutions.

Desirable:

•  Postgraduate qualification or equivalent practical experience in Equality and Human Rights, Public Engagement or Community Development.
  

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Skills Essential:

• Strong project management skills including planning, prioritisation and budget oversight.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to influence and support change without formal line management authority.
• Skilled facilitation of group processes, dialogue and collaborative working.
• Strong analytical, reflective and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to use trauma-informed practice in complex and challenging situations.

Experience Essential:

• Experience of working with diverse and under-represented communities in participatory or co-creative contexts.
• Experience delivering projects with an understanding of trauma-informed practice.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a university or community research-led environment.
• Experience contributing to organisational change or strategic development.
• Experience in evaluation, impact measurement or research dissemination.

Apply via the University of Glasgow Website