Manchester Museum has received significant philanthropic support from Savannah Wisdom to create a new Social Justice Manager role and drive forward its work on family poverty, inclusion and social mobility over the next four years.

The museum is committed to understanding and meeting local needs and collaborating with others who are making a difference on the issues that are most important to local communities. Many of the museum’s most local communities are socially fragmented, experience high levels of poor health and inequality, and are among those most heavily affected by the current and future impacts of the cost-of-living crisis. 11,000 children live in poverty within a two-mile radius of Manchester Museum. The museum’s ongoing work to embed social justice in its practices responds to this. In 2021, the museum launched Local Matters, a pilot programme for the cultural sector led by Dr Carl Emery and Louisa Dawes from the University of Manchester, which addresses how poverty and disadvantage are understood and responded to within the museum and through its relationships and activities.

The newly created role of Social Justice Manager demonstrates the museum’s steadfast commitment to becoming more inclusive, caring and imaginative.

The museum is looking for someone who cares deeply about social justice to fill the new position. They will develop strategic partnerships with organisations, artists and communities, and work creatively to deliver and evaluate new programmes that will make a difference.

Esme Ward, Museum Director, said: “At this defining moment in our future, we are committing to unparalleled collaboration with schools, third sector organisations, statutory organisations, individuals and communities: seeking to create new opportunity and inspiration; helping to raise aspiration and achievement; and providing the practical support that is most urgently needed. We are proud of the work we have done but are also aware of how much more there is to do.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the generous support we have received from Savannah Wisdom to create this new role; it will help us to extend the museum’s impact far beyond the walls of the building and achieve lasting change.”

Shalni Arora, CEO of Savannah Wisdom, said: “This role will help the museum position itself as a space for everyone and will welcome, inspire and give opportunities to those that would otherwise not have the chance.  We are delighted to be working with Manchester Museum on this social justice programme.”

Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility at the University of Manchester, said:“By harnessing the museum’s distinctive position – as one of Manchester’s best-loved cultural venues, that collaborates with communities across the city-region, and is backed by cutting-edge research driven by The University of Manchester – this transformative gift will play a critical role in realising the museum’s potential as a leading hub for social justice in our city.”

• Applications close on 20 February 2023. For details and to apply: The University of Manchester | Jobs | Search here for your perfect career