UMSUNDUZI MUSEUM VACANCIES

​HEAD OF RESEARCH DEPARTMENT – RESEARCH, INFORMATION AND COLLECTIONS (RIC)
Ref: RIC/ 2025 LEVEL 10
Salary: R573 047.16
 
UMsunduzi Museum is an entity of the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture established in terms of the Cultural Institutions Act 119 of 1998. We are a cultural history museum committed to preserving, interpreting and sharing South Africa’s diverse cultural history and heritage. We seek to deepen public understanding of our country’s cultural history through knowledge production, dissemination and public discourse.
We are searching for a visionary, experienced and dynamic person to head our Research, Information and Collections (RIC) Department.
 
Essential requirements: Matric, Master's degree in relevant field such as History, Anthropology, Archaeology or Museum and Heritage Studies, minimum 5 years proven research experience, 3 of which must be in a museum or heritage environment, 5 years’ experience in managerial or supervisory position and with proven experience in collections management and knowledge of collections management software and databases. Proven track record of scholarly research and publications in cultural history or related disciplines. A valid driver’s licence, good command of spoken and written English and one additional official language of the province of KwaZulu Natal. Computer literacy in Microsoft word, Excel and PowerPoint. Good verbal and written communication skills.
 
Key responsibilities: Develop and implement research strategies aligned with the museum's vision, mission and strategic objectives. Set research priorities, define project scope, compile budget and allocate resources. Manage research projects from conception to completion, ensuring timely completion and high-quality research output. Supervise and lead a multidisciplinary team of permanent and non-permanent staff and foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork and excellence. Forge partnerships and initiate collaborative work with academic institutions, researchers and stakeholders to advance research goals. Maintain synergistic strategic and operational interface with Exhibition and Education Departments. Translate research text for exhibitions and publications into the three main official language spoken in the KwaZulu Natal province - English, Afrikaans, and Zulu. Edit research text and disseminate research output through exhibitions as well as scholarly and popular publications. Ensure research is conducted with integrity, adhering to ethical standards and best practice. Assess research impact, identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies accordingly.
Preference: Applicants must be South Africans, expected to undergo competency assessments and/or practical evaluations related to the post.
 
Benefits: Salary, 13th cheque, contributions to pension, UIF, funeral cover, medical aid and housing subsidy/allowance.

​Enquiries can be directed to Ms. P Ngubane at pngubane@msunduzimuseum.org.za.
 
Applications should be forwarded to: The Director, uMsunduzi Museum, 351 Langalibalele Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, Ref: RIC Applications can be hand delivered at the Museum Reception or emailed to applications@msunduzimuseum.org.za before the closing date. Applications must be accompanied by detailed CVs with three traceable referees, two examples of published articles, copies of all qualifications, driver’s license and ID copy. Failure to comply with the aforementioned instructions will result in your application being disqualified. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our workplace. In accordance with the Employment Equity Act, we strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals from population groups designated as black, women, and living with disabilities. We may consider preferential treatment for qualified candidates from these designated groups to ensure equitable representation in our workforce.
 
Closing date: 5 September 2025 at 16h00