The National Programmes Lead will develop and implement the V&A’s national strategy and programmes to drive forward the vision and purpose for learning at the V&A.  

One of the five senior managers in the Learning, National Programmes and Young V&A Division, the postholder will represent the museum at the highest level and lead the overall strategy for national programmes, particularly for our flagship learning programme, DesignLab Nation, delivered in partnership with Sheffield Museums, the National Glass Centre, Sunderland, Culture Coventry, The Potteries Museum, Stoke-on-Trent, Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool, Ipswich Museums, The Box, Plymouth and Bradford Museums. They will also contribute to the development of V&A Innovate, our national schools challenge, the development of a learning hub at V&A Wedgwood and our curatorial collaboration with Showtown, Blackpool alongside developing potential new national projects and partnerships. 

The postholder will manage the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, including its budget and the relationship with Arts Council England and oversee the museum’s advice to outside bodies. The postholder will manage the National Programmes Coordinator and any temporary staff, relevant budgets and prepare updates for the museum’s Senior Management Team and Trustees.

As a senior member of the Division, the postholder will also make a significant contribution to the wider work of the V&A, contributing to policy and projects, working closely with colleagues across the museum.  They will also forge and maintain relationships and partnerships with colleagues outside the museum, including national partnership leads at the other national museums, regional and independent museum leaders and museum policy makers.

1st Interview: 22 June 2022

2nd Interview: 29 June 2022