Curator and Head of Arts at CERN (IR-ECO-CE-2024-136-LD)

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Introduction

Would you like to head up CERN's arts and science programmes and play a key role in promoting dialogue between artists and particle physicists? CERN, take part!

You will join the International Relations Sector (IR) Education, Communications and Outreach Group (IR-ECO) that is responsible for generating public engagement with CERN’s activities and with fundamental research, fostering community-building and raising awareness of CERN’s societal impact. The group is composed of professionals covering all its activities: writers, media officers, graphic and web designers, social media specialists, education specialists, exhibition developers, photographers and video editors.

Reporting to the Head of the Community Engagement (IR-ECO-CE) section, you will be responsible for the 'Arts at CERN' programmes, promoting dialogue between artists and scientists at CERN, as a programme of the CERN&Society Foundation. Every year, CERN hosts more than 20 renowned artists for visits and residencies to foster engagement across science and art. Alongside the residencies, Arts at CERN organises art commissions, exhibitions, and events, in collaboration with international partners and audiences.

Functions

As Curator and Head of Arts at CERN, you will:

• Manage the programming and delivery of Arts at CERN through existing programmes: residencies, commissions and exhibitions. This includes coordinating the calls for applications, organising jury boards and commissions, as well as scheduling the programmes and being responsible for the budget of Arts at CERN;
• Develop partnerships with external organisations to support the long-term sustainability of the programmes. This includes fundraising for the residencies and other activities, through strategic local and international partnerships, and managing these partnerships in coordination with the relevant teams at CERN in the context of the CERN & Society Foundation;
• Curate artistic or arts-related content for CERN's exhibitions in Science Gateway and externally;
• Organise events, aligned with the goals of Arts at CERN and the CERN Communications Strategy within existing and future platforms for science, public engagement, and communication;
• Develop new initiatives that can extend the reach and impact of the programme;
• Foster and manage relationships with CERN scientists and other members of the CERN community who participate in or contribute to the programmes of Arts at CERN;
• Support implementation of the CERN Cultural Policy and provide substantive support to the CERN Cultural Board (advisory committee composed of renowned cultural and scientific leaders);
• Proactively raise awareness of Arts at CERN within CERN and at the local, national, and international level.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Public Relations, Communications/Science Communication or a related field.

Experience:

Essential:

• Extensive experience in managing, programming, and curating art programmes, including residencies, art commissions and exhibitions.
• Proven understanding of the contemporary art scene, in special its connection with science and technology, and its social relevance.
• Well-established links with international artistic and cultural institutions.
• Previous collaborations with museums, funding organisations, nationally and internationally, to plan and execute effective art programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in team coordination, and budget management.

Desirable:

• Proven experience in developing and implementing comprehensive communication plans.
• Ability to gather information, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the initiatives and strategies.

Technical competencies:

• Project management
• Fundraising
• Stakeholder relationship management
• Personnel and material resources planning

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations. Having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind. Producing comprehensive work / project plans taking into account resources and contingencies.
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting. Using time efficiently and effectively. Remaining objective, focussed and productive in a stressful environment; focusing on solutions rather than problems.
• Working in teams: cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals.
• Building relationships: showing a sincere interest in the concerns and perspectives of others. Understanding how individual differences bring added value to the Organization; promoting complementarities. Relating well to all people regardless of category/level within the Organization.
• Creating vision and strategic partnerships: building comprehensive road maps to translate the organisational vision to an operational level; defining and sets direction accordingly. Creating shared interests and promoting contact and collaboration with key external partners.

Language skills:

Written and spoken English; ability to understand and speak French or a willingness to acquire such skills quickly.

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 31.10.2024 11:45pm CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: IR-ECO-CE-2024-136-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Communications/Public Relations /External Relations Professional