Early Years Lead

Are you ready to shape inspiring learning experiences and audience-focused programmes that engage over three million visitors each year while helping to build the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs?

About us

The Science Museum Group's galleries, exhibitions and events have inspired generations of young people to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology. We recognise that this journey begins early, which is why Early Years engagement is a key strategic priority for the Museum.

To support this work, we are seeking an Early Years Lead to join us on a fixed-term basis for two years. This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) and can be based at any Science Museum Group site, with hybrid working available. Regular travel across Science Museum Group locations will be required.

About the role

As an Early Years Lead, you will shape a forward-looking, Group-wide approach to Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1) engagement across the Science Museum Group. With insight from research, sector knowledge, and trusted practitioner connections, you will oversee important strategic projects, create innovative programs, and share best practice across our sites.

By working with teams across Curatorial, Collections, Communications, Marketing, Enterprises, Digital Experiences, Exhibition Services, Operations, and Visitor Insight, you will shape an Early Years offer that is audience-led, high quality, and valuable for building science capital, broadening engagement, and meeting income targets.

About you

By joining us, you'll bring a deep understanding of the EYFS and KS1 curriculum, alongside skill in delivering high-quality informal learning experiences for young children and their families. You'll have well-established relationships in the Early Years sector and the ability to build partnerships that help shape and guide our programs.

You will be an inspiring and strategic leader with experience of delivering public programmes, guiding organisational change and collaborating across complex organisations. Drawing on your ability to lead inclusive teams and handle significant budgets, you'll bring strategy and execution together to deliver compelling experiences for many different audiences.

With a collaborative approach and a commitment to widening participation, you'll build meaningful relationships, share knowledge across the Group and help ensure every young visitor has the opportunity to develop a lifelong interest in science and innovation.

Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.

Applying

View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.

What we offer

Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

* Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
* Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
* Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
* Health & Dental. Support with treatment costs, from day one.
* Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme and other wellbeing support.
* Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
* Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
* Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
* Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.

Museum Website: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=aHJzZXJ2aWNlLjk4OTYxLjExMTkzQHNjaWVuY2VtdXNldW0uYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t