About the role
The Museum Data Service (MDS) is an innovative digital infrastructure enabling millions of object records held by UK museums to be available as FAIR data for research and related uses. Currently, over six million object records from more than 150 accredited museums can be searched on the MDS site.
The University of Leicester has secured grant funding from the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council to run and develop the service from April 2025 to March 2028, on behalf of the MDS charitable company established in June 2024, in partnership with Art UK and Collections Trust.
The Head of Service will lead the strategic transition of MDS from start-up to an established and indispensable part of AHRC’s digital infrastructure ecosystem (iDAH), laying the foundations for the long-term sustainability of the service. The post is funded through the substantial investment through the iDAH programme of the AHRC and forms part of a wider body of work to develop the Museum Data Service over this funding cycle to 2028.
The resources available to the Head of Service will support: the ongoing management and delivery of routine and responsive technical tasks needed for seamless continuity of service; engagement with the research community to support projects that use the MDS; involvement of the wider MDS network in user testing; museum sector networking and advocacy; and onboarding new museums to the MDS. The Head of Service can be based remotely and is affiliated to the university’s Institute for Digital Culture.
About you
You will bring proven leadership experience from the cultural, heritage, or information management sectors, with a strong track record in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and service development. Your understanding of FAIR data principles and large-scale data initiatives will be essential, as will your ability to foster collaboration across diverse communities. Experience in financial oversight, governance, and advocacy will support your success in this high-profile role.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about digital transformation in the heritage sector and who thrives in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment. You will be an excellent communicator, confident in representing MDS at national and international forums, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. At Leicester, we believe in inspiring individuals to succeed and generating ideas that deliver real-world impact—qualities we hope you’ll bring to this leadership opportunity.
Additional information
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Professor Ross Parry at ross.parry@leicester.ac.uk. This role may be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members; please discuss this with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be sought through the university’s internal channels.
As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do and strive to reflect this in our core missions of teaching and research, as well as in our support for staff, students and the local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership for the Museum Data Service to transition from start-up to sustainable, long-term infrastructure.
* Oversee routine and responsive technical tasks ensuring seamless continuity of service.
* Engage with the research community to enable and support MDS-based projects.
* Coordinate involvement of the wider MDS network in user testing and feedback activities.
* Advise on museum sector networking, advocacy, and onboarding of new museums to the MDS.
Qualifications
* Proven leadership experience in the cultural, heritage, or information management sectors.
* Strong track record in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and service development.
* Solid understanding of FAIR data principles and large-scale data initiatives; ability to foster cross-community collaboration.
* Experience in financial oversight, governance, and advocacy.
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to represent MDS at national and international forums.
Vacancy terms
Part-time (0.5 FTE, 18.75 hours per week), fixed-term contract from 01 October 2025 to 31 March 2028.
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