Location: Albion St
Ref: GLA14069
We believe everyone deserves a great Glasgow life and that starts with the people who work here.
Glasgow Life is a charity like no other. Our vision is to improve the lives of everyone in our city — and inspire every citizen and visitor to become engaged and active in a city globally renowned for culture and sport.
To help us deliver that vision, we’re looking for a Director of Libraries, Sport & Physical Activity & Communities to join our Senior Leadership Team.
Our teams focus on making a real difference through culture and sport in Glasgow. If you’re excited by the idea of being part of that, this could be the job for you.
Location: Hybrid. Our head office is based in Merchant city with excellent transport links and access to discounted car parking nearby.
What you’ll do
As Director of Libraries, Sport & Physical Activity and Communities, you’ll report directly to the Chief Executive and play a pivotal role in delivering our strategic vision. You'll lead a diverse portfolio of physical and digital services - from Glasgow Club gyms and our citywide Libraries to vital community learning and engagement programmes, and ensure they contribute meaningfully to the mental, physical, and economic wellbeing of Glasgow’s people.
You’ll oversee major strategic projects and transformational change, driving innovation, inclusion, financial sustainability, and service excellence across your portfolio. As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll also help shape Glasgow Life’s future direction, strengthen our income base, and lead engagement with strategic partners locally, nationally and internationally.
Your leadership will make a visible and lasting difference through teams that:
· Support our communities
· Help people get active
· Create cultural and learning experiences
· Or work behind the scenes to make it all happen
Who you are
We’re looking for a strategic, inspiring and collaborative leader with a deep understanding of how culture, sport, libraries and community services improve lives.
You’ll bring strong business acumen, a people-focused approach, and a commitment to delivering public value in a complex, high-profile environment. If you can balance social impact with income generation and lead inclusively and authentically, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re looking for:
· A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, along with evidence of ongoing professional and leadership development
· Senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation delivering customer-focused services
· Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to manage diverse and high-level stakeholder relationships
· A commercial mindset and excellent financial and budget management skills
· In-depth knowledge of challenges facing the delivery of culture, sport, libraries and community services in both public and commercial contexts
· A proven track record in leading successful organisational change and service redesign
· Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with experience of driving performance and continuous improvement
· Experience working across organisational boundaries, with a solid grasp of political, governance and decision-making frameworks
· An understanding of the wider public and third-sector landscape in Scotland
· A personal and professional commitment to Glasgow Life’s values — demonstrated through inclusive, values-led leadership
Download the Candidate Brochure in the Job Attachments section on MyJobScotland to see the full list of essential and desirable criteria.
What we offer
At Glasgow Life, our work changes lives. As a charity, we bring communities together and support wellbeing through sport, culture, heritage, and learning.
Learn more about Glasgow Life in our 10 Facts video in the Further Information section on MyJobScotland.
We support you to live a great life. Inside and outside of work. Some of our benefits include:
Holiday
When you join, you’ll get 30 days’ holiday. Plus 6.5 public holidays if you’re full-time. This increases to 35 days after 5 years of service.
Fancy a bit more time off? You can buy extra holiday too!
Pension
Save for later life and join the Local Government Pension Scheme. Your future self will thank you. Our generous employer contribution will help you plan for the future.
Support
Sometimes we all need support and a listening ear. Our free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme can support your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
Discounts
As a colleague, you can enjoy discounts on the things you love, from Glasgow Club memberships to our museum shops and our online store. We are also part of the cycle-to-work scheme, helping you stay active.
Flexibility and development
We are proud of our flexible and inclusive work policies, which help you balance work and life. We also offer support for learning, development and career progression.
Please note that Glasgow Life is an Arm’s Length External Organisation to Glasgow City Council. We are currently completing a Job Evaluation exercise and introducing a new pay and grading structure. This may impact current salaries quoted in job adverts.
What’s next
To get started, complete our short application form upload your CV and a Supporting Statement via MyJobScotland. Use the Candidate Brochure to shape your CV and Supporting Statement and show how your experience aligns with the job.
Important Dates:
The closing date for this job is 11.59pm on 28 September 2025 . First stage interviews are provisionally scheduled for late October, with final stage early November, in Glasgow.
Who We Are
Our Libraries, Sport and Physical Activity and Communities services are at the heart of life in Glasgow.
From Glasgow Club gyms and Learn to Swim programmes, to Libraries offering digital access and lifelong learning, to community centres creating safe, local spaces — we support people of all ages and backgrounds.
Diversity and Fair Work at Glasgow Life
We’re working to build a team that reflects the rich diversity of Glasgow’s communities — where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to be their full, authentic selves at work.
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident and Carer Positive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
We’re also committed to Fair Work First principles, including effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect for all our staff.
We’re working hard to address underrepresentation in our workforce. We especially welcome applications from people with disabilities and from ethnic minority communities.
We’re excited to hear from you. Let’s shape a great Glasgow life — together.
Closing date is 11.59pm on Sunday 28TH September 2025
Information is available in alternative formats, on request.
Join us at the Foundling Museum at a pivotal moment in its story. We are seeking an experienced, conscientious and collaborative Director of Development to lead our fundraising and strategic growth.
With passion, creativity and realism, you will drive philanthropic support, nurture key relationships and be a key contributor to shaping the Museum’s future as we build on its unique heritage and national profile.
You will bring proven leadership, deep understanding of cultural fundraising and the ability to inspire colleagues, supporters and stakeholders to achieve income targets. This is a rare opportunity to make a dynamic impact on a museum with history, relevance and ambition.
Role Overview
The Director of Development at the Foundling Museum will lead the Museum’s fundraising strategy, driving income generation to support its mission and programmes. This senior leadership role oversees all aspects of fundraising, including corporate sponsorship, individual giving, trusts and foundations, membership schemes, philanthropic campaigns and communications.
The Director of Development works closely with the Museum's Director (CEO & Artistic Director), Trustees and key stakeholders to cultivate relationships with high-value donors, build strategic partnerships and secure sustainable financial support. As part of the Senior Management Team, this new role will work in collaboration with the Director of Finance (PT) and Director of Commercial and Operations (FT).
Reporting directly to the Museum Director, the role involves managing a small development team (2FTE) and communications team, setting ambitious targets and achieving actual income goals, ensuring alignment with the Museum’s values and strategic priorities.
The Director of Development will play a critical role in shaping the Museum’s long-term financial resilience, leveraging the Museum’s reputation and impact to inspire and engage supporters from diverse sectors.
Key duties
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising, membership and partnership strategy to support the Museum’s short and long-term goals
- Work closely with senior leadership and the Board to align fundraising priorities with the Museum’s mission and strategic objectives
- Fundraising
- Lead efforts to secure major gifts and corporate sponsorships, with a particular focus on individuals, trust and foundations, and corporates
- Oversee the development of compelling proposals, pitches, and presentations to corporate and individual supporters, including negotiation of corporate and philanthropic agreements
- Work with trusts, foundations, and statutory funding bodies to secure grants that support the Museum’s exhibitions, programmes and capital projects, ensuring timely and accurate reporting on all grant-funded activities
- Ensure that proper due diligence around potential donors is conducted in line with the organisation’s policies and compliant with the Fundraising Code of Practice of the Fundraising Regulator and other national bodies with which the Museum is registered
- Donor and Partnership Development
- Identify, cultivate and secure new high-value donors of all types, including individuals, corporate partners, trusts and foundations and statutory funders
- Develop strong professional relationships with the Museum’s existing donors in a warm and personal atmosphere and in alignment with the Museum’s values
- Strengthen existing relationships with key stakeholders, including internal colleagues and board and committee members, to harness their relationships and foster a culture of philanthropy and understanding of fundraising across the organisation
- With the Director of Commercial and Operations, plan and deliver all major Museum events for key stakeholders
- Lead the team to cultivate the membership base of the Museum
- Leadership & Team Management
- Manage the fundraising team, providing guidance and support to ensure success in meeting income targets
- Manage the communications team to oversee the brand, marketing, media communications and related budgets
- Oversee digital communications, including website and social media, to increase income generation, philanthropy and partnerships
- Foster a collaborative and results-driven culture within the team, and with SMT across the staff
- Financial & Administrative Oversight
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising activities, ensuring that targets are met and that funds are raised in line with the Museum's mission
- Oversee the fundraising budget and ensure efficient use of resources
- Liaise with the Director of Finance to ensure fundraising revenues are accurately tracked and accounted for
- Ensure complete, accurate and timely processes are conducted around all fundraising activity, including gift administration and acknowledgement, Gift Aid, GDPR compliance, etc.
- Provide regular reports to the Museum Director and Board of Trustees on the Museum’s progress on key projects and targets as articulated in the Museum’s strategic plan
- Public Relations & Advocacy
- Serve as a key ambassador for the Museum, deputising for the Director where appropriate regarding income generation, enhancing its public profile and strengthening its reputation in the philanthropic and corporate sectors
- Represent the Foundling Museum at events, donor meetings and public forums
- Keep up to date on best practice in cultural fundraising and charity sector fundraising and communications, and bring this knowledge back for institutional benefit
Person Specification
Experience (required)
- Proven leadership, ideally at least 5 years, in a similar role where philanthropic and grant income is central to the success of the organisation
- Extensive experience of shaping and implementing fundraising strategies that have delivered a step change increase in actual income
- A substantial fundraising track record in securing income from diverse constituencies and across funding types, including personal experience in securing major gifts and managing teams to do the same
- A demonstrable history of innovation and entrepreneurial approaches to identifying income generation opportunities and pushing organisations forward to increase income
- Proven experience of nurturing long and short-term funding opportunities and being the key point of contact for both
- Significant team leadership experience of creating, leading, inspiring and motivating a high performing team and collaborating with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders
- Strong performance management skills with a proven ability to develop, articulate and champion funding opportunities and gain buy-in among staff and key stakeholders, including board and committee members
- In-depth understanding of relevant UK charity and tax legislation, due diligence processes and policies relating to fundraising
Experience (desirable)
- Extensive experience of fundraising in arts and / or heritage, preferably in the UK
- Knowledge of effective fundraising in Europe and the US, including tax-effective giving
- Thorough understanding of Data Protection legislation as it relates to fundraising, marketing and communications
- Experience of effective endowment and legacy fundraising strategies
- Personal characteristics and skills (required)
- Ability to lead, motivate and inspire a fundraising and communications team
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Highly developed negotiation, influencing and persuasion skills
- A natural networker who builds confidence and trust and can represent the Foundling Museum at the highest levels and garner respect within peer networks
- Project management skills and ability to remove any organisational roadblocks that exist in relation to development
- Resilient, diplomatic and resourceful in solving problems
- Ability to prioritise and focus on the areas of greatest impact
- Commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards
- Strongly numerate with the ability to be entrepreneurial and take measured risks
- Alignment to the Foundling Museum’s values, communicating clearly, transparently and consistently; having accountability and working as part of a collaborative team towards a common purpose
- Enthusiasm and passion for the mission of the Foundling Museum and for the importance of increasing engagement with and access to the arts
Conditions of Work and Benefits
- £65,000-70,000 full-time salary, depending on experience. We are open to 0.8 FTE at a pro-rata salary.
- Probation period of 6 months, and notice period of 3 months (1 month during probation)
- This job will be based onsite at the Foundling Museum. For all our employees, there are opportunities for partial hybrid working if desired; we have an agreed minimum of 60% of working hours that must be onsite at the Museum.
- Normal working hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm. This role requires some flexibility, including some mornings, evenings and weekends.
- 25 days annual leave per year (pro rata) + bank holidays (pro rata) + Birthday leave (one day)
- You will be eligible to join a group contributory pension scheme (3 months after your start date)
- Free access to our fully-funded Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing – WISDOM
- Training support from our online learning platform
- Discount from the Foundling Museum Shop and local partner businesses
- Free or reduced-price access to partner museums
- Access to season ticket, rental deposit and cycle to work scheme loans (3 months from your start date)
- Please also note that this job description will not form part of your contract or your terms and conditions of employment. Duties and requirements of the role may vary from time to time in accordance with the needs of Foundling Museum, its strategy and the directions from the Museum Director.
Application timetable
- Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 20th October 2025
- First interview date: Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th November 2025
- Second interview date for shortlisted candidates: Monday 10th November 2025
How to apply
To apply please follow the link to our application portal where you will be asked to upload a completed copy of our standard application form you may also attach your CV if you wish. Please note that the job is being advertsised via CharityJob until the 10th October and after this date you will need to go directly to our website to apply where you will have until the 20th October to submit your application.
PLEASE NOTE: On the application portal, where it requests a CV, please ensure to upload your completed Application Form (required), your CV (optional) the Equal Opportunities Form (optional).
Please get in touch with us if you have any access requirements or queries related to the application process details of how to do this are in the Job description.
If you wish to book a time to have a short informal conversation (phone or video) prior to application with the Museum Director her contact details are in the job description.
Please also note that any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK and also may be subject to a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
The Foundling Museum is the only cultural institution in the UK to celebrate the lives of care-experienced people, and those who care for them.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Director of Policy, Strategy and Governance is a new leadership role at the forefront of shaping and communicating our strategic direction.
As a member of the executive team reporting to the CEO, the Director will work with school leaders, other key external partners and teams within Camden Learning to drive high standards and grow a school-led system striving for both excellence and equity.
The Director will be responsible for leading, developing and communicating Camden Learning’s strategic direction, including plans for future growth and success. This entails keeping abreast of current developments, not only identifying opportunities and trends but also developing and supporting innovative approaches while ensuring alignment with Camden Learning’s goals.
The Director will be responsible for overall governance effectiveness, as well as provide strategic leadership for school governor services, ensuring effective support for governors in their key strategic and statutory roles. This includes establishing high-quality development and training programmes, the provision of a clerking service and bespoke support for governing bodies, as needed.
We are looking for a leader who can take ownership of shaping this role from day one – a strategic thinker, a skilled communicator, and a champion of inclusive governance. This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of education in Camden and beyond. Your leadership will help us tell our story, measure our impact, and ensure that our strategy remains both ambitious and grounded in the realities of our schools.
Key dates
- Applications close: 9am Mon 6 October
- First round interviews: Tue 21 and Wed 22 October (online)
- Final round interviews: Tue 28 October (in person at 5 Pancras Square, London)
- Start date: As soon as possible (January 2026), to be agreed with the successful candidate.
ImpactEd Consulting is acting as recruitment advisor to Camden Learning on this appointment.
Camden Learning is a schools-led partnership. We aim to drive improvement for all, guided by values of excellence and social equity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.