Museum of Baptism

The Museum of Baptism (MoB) is a landmark new museum, currently in the design and development stage at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the UNESCO World Heritage Site traditionally recognised as the location of Jesus’s baptism by John the Baptist. Opening in 2030, to coincide with the 2000^th anniversary of this foundational event, the Museum will offer a profound visitor experience, weaving together immersive storytelling, spiritual reflection, and historical authenticity. Conceived as a central interpretive and educational component of the Baptism Development Zone (BDZ) – a thoughtfully planned sacred and cultural destination to support both spiritual pilgrimage and intercultural exchange – the MoB will stand as a place of encounter, education, and dialogue. Within this landscape, the MoB will offer exhibitions that explore the meaning and significance of baptism across Christian traditions, the historical context of the events that took place at the site, and their continued relevance in contemporary society.

The BDZ is now seeking an experienced, visionary Curator to lead the intellectual and interpretive development of the Museum during this formative phase. The Curator will be responsible for the Museum’s curatorial strategy, exhibition content, collections direction, and research oversight, ensuring that its storytelling is grounded in visitor-driven, spiritually sensitive, and historically informed interpretation. The role will involve close collaboration with stakeholders, architects, designers, theologians, and architects to bring the MoB to life.

This is a unique opportunity to play a founding role in a new international museum of deep spiritual and cultural significance. The successful candidate will bring curatorial leadership grounded in museum best practice, with experience in shaping interpretive strategy, developing exhibitions, and collaborating across design and content teams. They will bring strong experience of collections management, audience engagement, and narrative interpretation, as well as the professional skills required to help realise a museum from concept to opening, and the project management that goes with that. They will also bring academic depth in theology, religious history, archaeology, or the material culture of the region, along with the ability to interpret complex theological narratives with accuracy, inclusivity, and respect. A collaborative mindset and intercultural fluency will be essential to ensuring the MoB resonates with global audiences – pilgrims, scholars, and visitors alike. This appointment offers a rare opportunity to shape the curatorial voice and visitor experience of a museum situated at one of the world’s most significant sacred sites—helping to illuminate the spiritual, historical, and cultural meaning of baptism for generations to come.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Museum of Baptism on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EBVIA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 6^th August.