Opportunities

The Geoffrey Bawa Trust is a non-profit organization with charitable status in Sri Lanka that was established in 1982 with the objectives of furthering the fields of Architecture, the Fine Arts and Ecological and Environmental Studies. We offer an exciting, inclusive work environment for enthusiastic, organised and proactive individuals who are eager to take part in the Trust’s mission, responding to new ideas and initiatives with insight and intelligence.

The Geoffrey Bawa Trust seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued. As an employer we foster an inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.

At the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, we value all types of experience. For us, a successful candidate has many of the qualities listed in our job postings, and the desire and capacity to learn the rest on the job. So if much, but not all, of a job posting describes you, then we welcome your application.

If you do not see any roles currently listed that align with your experience but you feel strongly about contributing to or joining the team, we encourage you to send your CV/resume and a cover letter expressing your interest to opportunities@geoffreybawa.org.

Please indicate which department is of interest to you (Curatorial, Archives, Design and Communications, Production, and Programmes).

Internship

The Geoffrey Bawa Trust aims to familiarise students and recent graduates with the operations of its Collections Management and Exhibition Programmes. The Curatorial Internship Programme is designed to provide professional experience to emerging practitioners in the design disciplines, the arts, the humanities, and cultural studies who are interested in exploring editorial and curatorial work in architecture and the arts. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the Trust's curatorial approach—in particular its collection, exhibitions, editorial projects, and research program. Interns work full-time or part-time for a period of three to nine months, and receive a stipend. Areas of focus include; research, archiving, conservation, framing, object handling and storage, exhibition design and fabrication.

Internship Positions:

  • Geoffrey Bawa Trust Archives Internship

  • Geoffrey Bawa Trust Curatorial Internship

Eligibility and Requirements

Internships will be awarded to applicants who demonstrate keen interest and responsibility in their respective fields. Internships cannot be carried out remotely and candidates must be based in Sri Lanka in order to carry out the requirements of the position. Applications must include the following:

  • A one-page cover letter describing the relevance of the internship to your larger goals

  • A résumé or CV

  • An unofficial transcript of your undergraduate or graduate record

  • Two none-related, professional references including Name, Title, Relationship to you and Email or Phone Number of Contact Person.

  • Applications should be emailed in a single PDF format (file size less than 10 mb) to opportunities@geoffreybawa.org

This position is only open to applicants who are legally eligible to work in Sri Lanka (citizens and those who have work permits).

This position will remain vacant until it is filled.

Candidates will be contacted directly if an interview is appropriate. Please understand that with the volume of applications we receive, we will not have a chance to contact everyone. Note that we do not retain resumes which are not for a current opening so we encourage applicants to check the website periodically for updates.

Retail and Merchandising Coordinator

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Retail and Merchandising Coordinator to oversee the day-to-day operations of our online and in-store design stores. The ideal candidate will have experience as a store manager, be passionate about design, possess strong leadership skills, and have a proven track record of managing retail operations effectively using knowledge of diverse business subjects such as sales, marketing, production, visual merchandising.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage all aspects of retail operations, including sales, inventory management, and customer service, to ensure an exceptional shopping experience for customers.

  • Develop and implement strategies to optimize sales performance and achieve revenue targets.

  • Maintain a thorough understanding of our product offerings and brand ethos to effectively communicate with customers and drive sales.

  • Oversee inventory management, including ordering, receiving, and stocking merchandise to ensure adequate supply levels at store locations (in Colombo and Lunuganga).

  • Coordinate and arrange shipments of merchandise overseas, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with import/export regulations.

  • Monitor and analyze sales trends, customer feedback, and market developments to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.

  • Train and supervise retail staff (as required).

  • Facilitate customer returns. 

  • Implement and enforce store policies and procedures to maintain a safe and productive work environment.

  • Collaborate with marketing and promotional teams to develop and execute initiatives to drive foot and online traffic and increase brand visibility.

  • Prepare regular reports on sales performance, inventory levels, and other key metrics for management review.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, retail management, or a related field.

  • Proven experience in retail management, with a minimum of 3-5 years.

  • Strong understanding of retail operations, including inventory management, sales forecasting, and merchandising.

  • Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills..

  • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategies to drive sales and improve operational efficiency.

  • Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Knowledge of retail management software (Shopify)

  • Familiarity with import/export regulations and experience coordinating international shipments is preferred.

Applications must include the following:

  • A one-page cover letter summarising your interest in the position and providing evidence of your ability to match the criteria outlined in this brief

  • A résumé or CV

  • An unofficial transcript of your undergraduate or graduate record

  • Two none-related, professional references including Name, Title, Relationship to you and Email or Phone Number of Contact Person.

Applications should be emailed in a single PDF format (file size less than 10 mb) to opportunities@geoffreybawa.org

This position will remain vacant until it is filled.

This position is only open to applicants who are legally eligible to work in Sri Lanka (citizens and those who have work permits).

Assistant Curator

The Assistant Curator will work with the Geoffrey Bawa Trust’s curatorial team on managing and improving access to the Trust’s art and archival collections, both on site and digitally, and delivering an exciting public programme. This is a full time role. Salary is commensurate with work experience. A minimum of 2 years commitment to the position is required and the position will commence once a suitable applicant is chosen.

Eligibility and Requirements

Curatorial applicants must demonstrate keen interest and responsibility in the fields of architecture, art, conservation and public engagement.

Responsibilities

  • Assist Chief Curator and Curator in achieving the mission and strategic goals of the Trust

  • Provide assistance in achieving goals set by curatorial team for public programming and community experience: including developing and implementing programmes, exhibitions and publications

  • Provide management for the Curatorial department which would include supervising Curatorial Assistant and Curatorial And Archival Interns

  • Provide access to Trust archive by fulfilling requests for drawings and materials by public and students

  • Oversight and reporting on collections management, conservation, exhibition, educational programming, and research activities set out by the Chief Curator associated with the Trust’s Art and Archival Collections.

  • Collection of data logs and documentation with regard to archive and collection management

  • Leadership and collaboration with Assistant Curator and curatorial team in achieving best practices in archival and conservation work with regard to exhibitions, storage, art handling and ensure the highest standards of ethical practice are met in these pursuits.

  • Assist Curator with management and development of annual Curatorial and Archival Budget; assist with grant applications and related fundraising and reporting requirements


Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, art history, art/museum education or related field OR 2 years of museum or institutional experience in curatorial or educational capacity required; equivalent education/experience considered. Must have exceptional organizational, event, and program management skills with the ability to nimbly prioritize and execute short-term and long-term projects. Must have excellent writing and communication skills in English, and preferably in at least one other language. Demonstrated ability to manage challenges and opportunities in unconventional, creative, and mission-focused manner and a conscientious, responsible work ethic is necessary.


Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in architecture, art history or museum studies with emphasis on museum education preferred. Familiarity with modern and contemporary arts and with current museum policies and practices, critical pedagogy, and multicultural education helpful. Familiarity with strategies and tools for online engagement and the use of technology for interpretation and learning preferred.


Applications must include the following:

  • A one-page cover letter summarizing your interest in the position and providing evidence of your ability to match the criteria outlined in this brief

  • A résumé or CV

  • An unofficial transcript of your undergraduate or graduate record

  • Two none-related, professional references including Name, Title, Relationship to you and Email or Phone Number of Contact Person.

Applications should be emailed in a single PDF format (file size less than 10 mb) to opportunities@geoffreybawa.org

This position will remain vacant until it is filled.

This position is only open to applicants who are legally eligible to work in Sri Lanka (citizens and those who have work permits).

Volunteer Programme

Since launching  our Bawa 100 centenary programme, we have had a lot of interest from people who would like to volunteer at Lunuganga Trust. Volunteering is a great way to engage with your community, learn new skills, make friends and professional contacts, and engage more deeply with the legacy of an extraordinary architect and his collections. We accept volunteers aged 16 and over. Volunteers under 18 may be limited as to what volunteer opportunities are available to them. Volunteering is not equivalent to an internship or work experience.

Ideal candidates should possess an appreciation for art, a genuine interest in engaging with the public, keen attention to detail, and a positive attitude. Geoffrey Bawa Trust volunteers are proactive, adaptable, and understand that reliability is key.

To find out more, or express interest, email opportunities@geoffreybawa.org