Head of Programmes and Membership

This senior position offers a unique opportunity to shape a vibrant global programme and engage a diverse membership community of conservators, conservation scientists and cultural heritage professionals, spanning over 70 countries.

At IIC we believe conservation is of great value, by looking after our cultural heritage and our own and others’ cultural identity we are helping to improve the richness and quality of life for everyone.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Council, Committees, and the IIC Team, you’ll lead innovative programmes that reflect the evolving needs of the conservation sector. Aligned with our Strategy 2030 vision, you will also drive initiatives to expand and diversify membership, enhancing value for individuals and institutions/universities worldwide.

As Head of Progammes and Membership you'll contribute to organisational leadership, nurture relationships with Fellows, members, IIC Regional Groups and affiliated associations, and build partnerships with cultural and academic institutions. 

We’re looking for a strategic, experienced professional ideally with a background in cultural or heritage programmes, strong communication skills, and a passion for collaboration. If you’re ready to make a global impact within a friendly team, we’d love to hear from you. 

Role Details

Job Title: Head of Programmes and Membership

Reporting to: Executive Director

Location: Hybrid/ Flexible/ IIC Office based. We are currently looking to relocate offices within central London. We are flexible on approach within a hybrid model. This can be discussed at interview.

Starting Salary: £47,500

Hours of Work: 40 hours a week with 1 hour lunch break (paid).

Contract: Full-time and Permanent. Requests for flexible working hours will be considered, including requests to work 80% FTE.

Annual Leave and Benefits: Annual leave is 25 days plus standard bank holidays with discretionary paid leave between Christmas and New Year (pro rata for part time staff). Flexible, remote and hybrid working. Cultural entitlement of upto £150 per annum to spend on arts/ cultural events & activities. Pension scheme enrollment. Personal learning time and training opportunities.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Leadership, Membership and Regional Engagement

• Develop and deliver a cohesive programme and membership strategy aligned with IIC’s Strategy 2030, purpose and strategic objectives
• Contribute to organisational leadership, planning, and decision-making as part of the senior management team
• Deputise for the Executive Director when required, representing the organisation internally and externally
• Act as the primary point of contact for IIC’s Regional Groups and network of Affiliated Professional Associations, fostering strong, collaborative relationships
• Support and connect Regional Groups / Affiliated Professional Associations to IIC’s central programmes and strategic priorities
• Encourage knowledge exchange and shared learning across regions, and nurture strategic relationships with cultural institutions, academic bodies, and sector organisations globally
• Contribute to sustainable income generation and identify opportunities for growth, including grants, innovation, and partnerships across programmes and membership.

Programmes

• Lead the development and delivery of IIC Learning, an integrated digital learning and events space with inter alia, online symposia, webinars, courses, workshops and hybrid bi-annual conferences.
• Oversee programme planning cycles linked to IIC’s special interest themes and communities ensuring high-quality, relevant, and accessible content.
• Build and maintain relationships with experts, speakers, partners, and contributors across the global conservation community.
• Ensure programmes support knowledge exchange, professional development, and sector leadership.
• Monitor and evaluate programme impact and performance, using insights to inform future activities.

Communications 

• Work closely with the IIC team and communications colleagues to promote programmes and membership globally
• Help strengthen IIC’s profile as a leading international voice in conservation
• Ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all programme and membership activity

This role with IIC is for you if:

• you work collaboratively and effectively with others and can inspire support through your enthusiasm
• you thrive developing innovative programmes, initiatives and campaigns
• you are comfortable and familiar with digital engagement platforms, learning environments and delivering online or hybrid programmes and events.
• you're a natural solution-finder and problem-solver
• you're values based and results-driven with a proven track record of achieving goals or similar objectives, through either direct or transferrable experience
• you are looking to take that next step in your career and/or are looking to ground your experience within an international organisation that is uniquely positioned within the conservation field.
• you are committed to sustainability, inclusivity, diversity, and person-centred approaches
• you want to make a difference in an increasingly volatile world and are genuinely passionate about people and preserving cultural heritage.

How to Apply

Click the CharityJob Apply button below.  You will need to provide a CV and covering letter (no more that 2 x A4 pages maximum) by 21 May 2026 including the following information:

• Your interest in this position and working for us
• Your knowledge, skills and experience
• Your interests, qualities and values

We will happily accept a recorded statement (video or audio) in place of a covering letter.

Right to work in the UK

Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom at the time of application. IIC is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

Key Dates

• Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Thursday 21 May 2026.
• In Person interviews at 3 Birdcage Walk, London, UK: 9 / 10 June 2026

If you have any questions or would like to request information in an alternative format, please get in touch. If you would like to arrange for an informal conversation with the Executive Director, prior to making an application, this can also be arranged by getting in touch via IIC Office.