Job Opportunity: ICMM Global Maritime Histories Manager

ICMM Global Maritime Histories Manager

Deadline: Sunday 3 December 2023

Background

This job is an exciting opportunity to work for a prestigious global network, the International Congress of Maritime Museums (‘ICMM’) in collaboration with one of the UK’s foremost charitable foundations Lloyds Register Foundation (‘LRF’) on a six-year funded project to help grow the ICMM network, and deliver a suite of innovative international maritime heritage research and public engagement projects.

Founded in 1972, ICMM connects maritime museums across the world through its network of over 100 museums, affiliate organisations and other individuals. ICMM’s core purpose is to promote the interests of maritime history in general and more specifically the interests of maritime museums around the world. It organises a major biennial conference (‘Congress’), and it also provides resources, advice, and mutual support for maritime heritage professionals through its broad network. ICMM has a particular focus on providing guidance and advice on maritime archaeology, museum ships, and the related marine environment.

ICMM has been awarded a major investment grant from LRF, the Global Maritime Histories: Case Studies for Change project, to map and develop the ICMM global network and offer grants to ICMM members for special research projects and public engagement events.

ICMM is now looking for an exceptional individual to join us to manage this project and help ICMM grow and consolidate its global network. The successful applicant will have experience of running complex projects or research grants, well-developed project and time management skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a demonstrable interest and enthusiasm for international museums and maritime history.

The role offers a fantastic opportunity to meet and collaborate with maritime museum colleagues from all over the world, along with the potential for some international travel. The initial contract will be full-time for two years, and extendable to six years upon meeting performance and other criteria. The role can be based either in London, UK, or operate from wherever the successful candidate can satisfy ICMM that the project can be successfully delivered.

Job purpose: The purpose of the role is to lead the Global Maritime Histories project to successful delivery of its goals, and to manage the LRF grant award on behalf of ICMM.

Reporting to: ICMM Hon. Secretary General, and liaison with the ICMM Global Maritime Histories Working Group, ICMM Membership Committee, and ICMM Executive Council.

Responsibilities for the Global Maritime Histories project:

• Develop a delivery plan and set up project governance structures, including timeline, reviews, financial monitoring and project monitoring systems using appropriate software
• Supported by ICMM’s Global Maritime Histories working group, set research themes for the call for project proposals, and to develop the application process, timetable and criteria for evaluation of proposals
• Solicit and support potential project partners from ICMM’s membership
• Develop toolkits and mentorship programmes to enable access for potential smaller museum grantees
• Collate incoming proposals and coordinate the evaluation process
• Establish contractual arrangements with successful project applicants
• Monitor, support and advise the successful research and engagement projects, including regular progress-tracking and financial reporting
• Liaise closely with LRF and ensure all reporting milestones and requirements are met
• Lead on communications for the project, in conjunction with ICMM colleagues
• Manage day-to-day administration of the project, and any other tasks and duties as may be required for successful completion
• Work closely with ICMM’s Global Maritime Histories Working Group and report to the ICMM Executive Council and President at regular intervals

Network Development

• Supported by ICMM’s Membership Working Group, undertake a mapping exercise of maritime museums worldwide, to grow and consolidate ICMM’s network
• Build relationships with existing and new members, of all sizes, including those in the ‘Global South’, and bring them into membership
• In collaboration with Hon General and the Communications Coordinator, develop a central programming strand to enable ICMM to speak with one voice

The two above strands, Global Maritime Histories and Network Development, are very much intertwined: the mapping of the network enables ICMM to reach a wider pool of potential applicants for individual grants. However, it is anticipated that the job holder will spend at least 75% of their time on grant management.

Diversity and inclusion are important to ICMM, which is an equal opportunities employer, and welcomes applications from any candidate.

Person Specification Essential criteria:

• A proven track record of managing grants or equivalent projects experience (whether in the museum, arts, academic, public policy, or NGO sectors) and evidence of good project management skills, including use of software

• Strong interest in working and collaborating internationally
• A high level of fluency in English, both written and oral
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrable ability to communicate with a wide range of people and institutions (large and small) in a tactful, friendly and diplomatic manner whilst being mindful of linguistic and cultural differences
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently but with the understanding of working flexibly within a widely dispersed international team
• Highly effective time management skills and attention to detail
• Interest in the maritime museum and heritage sector
• Competent in various IT packages, including Microsoft Outlook, Project, Word, Excel, Teams, or similar, although some training can be provided

Desirable criteria:

• Competence in languages other than English (e.g. French, Spanish, Mandarin, or others)
• Experience of working with membership networks
• Awareness of data management protection issues

Employment location:

• This opportunity is available to any applicant internationally. However, the existing core ICMM team is based in the UK, US and Netherlands and it is anticipated that a likely candidate must be able to demonstrate how they will be able to fulfil the job role from their location and work effectively with the core ICMM team.
• An ICMM Full Member (a museum) will provide the legal vehicle for employment of the individual, on ICMM’s behalf, and may provide office accommodation or other support by agreement: this will depend on the location of the successful candidate

Working pattern:

• Full-time; 35 hours a week, which can be worked flexibly
• Role can be performed online or hybrid at a host location and will require some in-person meetings
• Due to the international nature of the network and the role, evening and early morning work will be necessary
• Some international travel will be necessary (to attend the week-long biennial Congress, and meetings with ICMM’s Executive Council)

Salary: circa GBP40,000 p.a. (or local currency equivalent), plus some staff benefits, depending on jurisdiction and employer agency

To apply:

1. Complete the online application form by 23:59 GMT/UTC on Sunday 3 December 2023

AND

2. Send a Curriculum Vitae/CV/Resumé (no more than two sides of A4 paper) to sarcher@rmg.co.uk marked ‘ICMM GMH Manager Application’ by 23.59 GMT/UTC on Sunday 3 December 2023

• Candidates shortlisted will be interviewed in early to mid-December
• For all queries on the role, please email Sally Archer on sarcher@rmg.co.uk