Conservation, Curatorial and Learning Director

Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage.

Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings.

That's why, as a charity, we care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England, from international icons to local treasures. And it's why we open them up, share their stories and find new ways for everybody to enjoy, learn, play and create.

We seek to appoint a new senior role - Conservation, Curatorial and Learning Director - as a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the Chief Executive Nick Merriman, with a remit to deliver on our two goals of 'care' and 'share'. This is a critical role for the organisation and essential to the delivery of our new strategic plan. This position holds responsibility for the enhancement of the conservation of the English Heritage estate as well as maximising our narrative impact through compelling stories, drawn from the National Heritage Collection and England's history at large, with the goals of widening our audiences and deepening our engagement and impact. This will be robustly underpinned by research and scholarship.

We are looking for a gifted people leader, strategic thinker and change deliverer who can steer the newly created directorate of Conservation, Curatorial, and Learning, and instil confidence in executive colleagues, trustees, supporters, volunteers and other stakeholders. The team comprises around 154 colleagues across Conservation; Curatorial teams; Interpretation and Content; Learning, Youth Participation and creative programming and Digital Storytelling and publishing.

As well as being an experienced leader of people and with a highly regarded scholarly and research track record, the successful candidate will appreciate the scale and complexity of English Heritage's collections and historic properties across multiple sites.

How to apply

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification. To learn more about the role, please click the 'Download Further Details' button below.

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on Sunday 9th February 2025.

Location: Flexible / hybrid with c. four days per month at Head Office in London. Regular travel is required to English Heritage sites, stores and offices, nationally.

Salary: £118,000 - £127,000 assuming a London base (up to 10% less if based outside of London)

The Selection Panel will meet with Perrett Laver during the week of Monday, 24th February 2025, to finalise the shortlist for this position. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews with English Heritage in March. Details of the interviews are as follows:

First Interview: Tuesday, 4th March 2025, English Heritage Wood Street Office

Final Interview: Tuesday, 11th March 2025, English Heritage Wood Street Office