Museum director jobs

Are you an experienced fundraising leader ready to drive major gift growth at one of the world’s most significant museums? Join the University of Oxford and lead fundraising for the Ashmolean Museum, securing significant philanthropic support that advances its global cultural and academic mission.

• Location: Oxford (with hybrid working options)
• Salary: £65,336 – £75,439 per annum (with possible extension to £82,225 including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About Us

The Ashmolean Museum- Britain’s first public museum has been open since 1683, and is the University of Oxford’s world-class museum of art and archaeology. Situated in the heart of the city we are an iconic cultural destination welcoming over 1million visitors a year. Entering a new phase of ambitious fundraising as part of the Oxford Excellence Campaign, the Ashmolean seeks to deliver planned major projects to transform access to, engagement with and understanding of our collections. Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) drives philanthropic support across the University, enabling impact at a global scale.

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity with significant influence and visibility.

You will lead the Ashmolean’s fundraising strategy, driving major gift activity that supports the Museum’s priorities. You will shape and deliver a compelling case for support, building a strong pipeline of donors.

You will personally manage a portfolio of high-value donors, cultivating long-term relationships and securing six- and seven-figure gifts. Working closely with the Museum Director, Board of Visitors, and senior academic colleagues, you will connect donors with opportunities that align their interests with the Ashmolean’s mission and global impact.

Alongside your external focus, you will lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture. You will also contribute to the wider DAE strategy, working across Oxford’s collegiate and departmental network to maximise philanthropic success.

About You

• Proven track record of securing major gifts (six- and seven-figure) and building strong donor relationships
• Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies in complex organisations
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and supporting teams
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders
• Ability to think strategically while taking initiative and driving results

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa. Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 28 May 2026.

Interviews will take place on Friday 12 June 2026, and will be held face-to-face in Oxford.

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.

The Operations and Development Manager is a senior leadership role at AALT, responsible for ensuring the organisation’s operational effectiveness, financial stability, and long-term sustainability.

They will join at a pivotal and exciting moment for the organisation, as AALT prepares to open the Anti-Apartheid Legacy Centre (AALC) at Penton Street and transition into a newly restored and developed building, establishing operations and embedding a resilient and ambitious model for the future.

Working in close collaboration with the Director, the postholder will have strategic oversight of finance, HR, governance, fundraising, and day-to-day operations, while also taking direct responsibility for delivering key operational, financial, and income-generating activity.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic oversight and active delivery. The postholder will lead on financial and operational management, co-develop and drive fundraising activity, and ensure that the organisation’s systems, processes, and resources are robust, effective, and fit for purpose.

The role will also take responsibility for venue management during the early stages of the AALC opening, before transitioning to line management of dedicated venue staff as the organisation grows.

About Whitechapel Gallery 

Founded in 1901, Whitechapel Gallery is one of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries, located in the heart of London’s East End. For more than a century, the Gallery has championed ground-breaking artists and ideas, presenting exhibitions, events and learning programmes that bring together local communities and global audiences. 

Known for supporting visionary artists at pivotal moments in their careers, Whitechapel Gallery remains committed to making contemporary art accessible, amplifying under-represented voices, and creating an open, inclusive and collaborative cultural space. 

As the Gallery approaches its 125th anniversary, this is an exciting opportunity to join a pioneering arts institution during a landmark period of programming and growth.

About the Role 

Whitechapel Gallery is seeking an experienced and highly organised Senior Events Manager to lead the delivery of its full events programme, including fundraising galas, donor cultivation events, exhibition openings, private views and commercial venue hire. 

This is a senior, business-critical role working closely with the Director of Development to deliver a high-profile programme of events that support fundraising, stakeholder engagement and commercial income generation. 

You will take ownership of the end-to-end planning and execution of a diverse events portfolio, ensuring every event is delivered to an exceptional standard, on time and on budget. The role will play a key part in the successful delivery of the Gallery’s 125th anniversary programme, requiring creativity, operational excellence and strong commercial awareness.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the delivery of the Gallery’s annual events programme, including fundraising events, exhibition openings, donor events and venue hire activity

• Manage all aspects of event planning and delivery from concept through to evaluation

• Deliver high-quality events that contribute to fundraising and commercial income targets

• Manage event budgets, financial reporting and forecasting

• Oversee suppliers, production, AV, catering and venue logistics

• Build strong relationships with donors, sponsors, partners and internal stakeholders

• Line manage and support the Events Executive

• Maintain effective systems for event planning, guest management and reporting

• Ensure all events reflect the ambition, creativity and values of Whitechapel Gallery

About You 

We are looking for someone with: 

• Significant experience delivering complex, high-profile events programmes

• Strong project management and organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail

• Experience managing budgets, suppliers and operational delivery at scale

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• The ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment

• A calm, proactive and solutions-focused approach

• Experience within arts, culture, charity or commercial venue environments is desirable

• Experience delivering fundraising or donor-focused events is desirable

Benefits 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension scheme

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Enhanced family leave

• Training and development opportunities

• Annual travel grant

• Staff discounts in the Gallery bookshop and café

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Complimentary tickets for Gallery events, subject to availability

• Access to exhibitions and curator-led tours

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

Whitechapel Gallery is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those currently under-represented in the arts and cultural sector. 

We are proud to be a Disability Confident [Committed] employer and guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role. 

We are also a London Living Wage employer, committed to fair pay and good working practices. 

If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team.

How to Apply 

Please complete the application form and diversity monitoring form found on our website, and return to recruitment by 10:00am on Friday, 12 June 2026.

Please include your full name and the job title in the subject line of your email. 

For further information, please refer to the recruitment pack.

Interviews will be w/c 15 June 2026. However, we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed.