We are currently seeking a Strategic Director. Please refer to the full job description below for more details.
Position Overview
The position of Strategic Director (SD) for ICOM UK is an evolution of an existing role to help us shape and deliver a strategic plan for the organisation. Our strategy is ready to launch, and we have been involved in a number of projects and international collaborations to extend our reach and support the cultural heritage sector across the UK and the so-called British Overseas Territories, and globally. We are focused on serving the needs of our 3500 or so members through partnerships and programmes that extend our reach.
This role is an ideal step for someone seeking to build their career in the international museum sector, perhaps someone with solid project management skills who wishes to move into leadership. We are a small enough team that you can expect to be involved in many areas of activity – from nurturing creative partnerships to compiling funding applications, and everything in between. We are seeking someone who can help us to achieve our aim of improving and increasing our impact across the sector.
The SD oversees ICOM UK’s strategic objectives and manages specific day-to-day operations, fostering positive relationships to enhance ICOM UK’s visibility and impact. The SD acts as spokesperson for ICOM UK, advocating for its mission and activities.
The SD provides supervision and direction for administrative processes, addressing operational challenges proactively. The SD reports to a Board of Trustees via the ICOM UK co-chairs, working as part of a team alongside, for example, a part-time Administration Manager, a Communications Assistant, a Conference Coordinator (who reports to the Conference Working Group), and a potential UK Researcher.
The Consultant will:
Implement strategy
- Ensure all activities clearly align and that there is a good spread of activity across ICOM UK’s three strategic programme areas: heritage protection, decolonisation, and environmental sustainability
- Ensure programme working groups fulfil their function and support the development of activities
- Communicate the strategy to ICOM UK members and partners
- Review/monitor progress against the strategy
- Ensure that equity and inclusion are used as a framework for all activity
Take forward partnerships, in line with strategy
- Lead on recruitment, induction and oversight of the potential research role
- Take forward partnerships including with the British Council, Museums Association, Barker Langham, National Museums Directors’ Council, and nurture positive relations with Arts Council England, Arts Council of Wales, Northern Ireland Museums Council, Irish Museums Council, ICOM Ireland, Association of Independent Museums, Charities Commission, Companies House, Museums and Galleries Scotland, Federation of Museums and Art Galleries in Wales, Financial Auditor, ICOM Secretariat, Museums Galleries Scotland, Blue Shield UK
- Attend and contribute to regular meetings with DCMS
- Develop new partnerships as required for implementing the strategy
Membership and Operations
- Take forward actions resulting from the 2024 membership survey, including talks and follow-up research
- In close liaison with the Treasurer, Administration Manager and Governance and Finance Working Group, monitor and manage ICOM UK’s finances. This includes effective financial planning, forecasting, reporting and adherence to budgetary guidelines, liaison with the financial auditors, the Charity Commission / Companies House, and ICOM, as well as reporting and acquittal of any grants.
- Attend and contribute to meetings of the Governance and Finance Working Group
- Contribute to strategy to grow membership
- Attend the ICOM UK annual conference as an opportunity to meet and consult with members
- Attend and report on activities to quarterly Board meetings and annual AGM Communications
- Support the implementation of the ICOM UK communication plan
- Ensure publication and communication of strategy
- Communicate directly with members and partners where required
Team Leadership
- Investigate and make recommendations about potential for a future Executive Director as an employee of ICOM UK from 2026
- Manage the work of Administration Manager
- Manage the work of BC-ICOM Researcher
- Oversee the work of Communications Assistant
- Ensure all roles are working together effectively as required
- Attend weekly team meetings
- Report to Co-Chairs of the Board
- Consult and work with individual Board members on an ad hoc basis
This output-based proposition has a fixed fee of £30,000 (including VAT if applicable), we expect the work to involve approximately 10-12 days of time per month.
The position is fully remote and the consultant is expected to provide all their own equipment.
The contract duration is one year, starting January 2025.
Reporting and Accountability
ICOM UK is a charity overseen by a board of trustees and a small number of part-time paid positions. The SD reports directly to the Executive Committee of ICOM UK, through its Co-Chairs. The SD reports at Board Meetings to the Board.
https://uk.icom.museum/about-us/icom-international/
Qualifications and experience
This job will suit you if:
- You enjoy solving problems, taking on challenges and finding solutions
- You communicate clearly and proactively, interacting with and listening to a range of people
- You are motivated and driven, willing to take ownership of your time with us and committed to making a difference
To be considered for this role, you will need to demonstrate:
- Strategic leadership within the museum, heritage or cultural sector
- Ability to navigate complex challenges and drive positive organisational outcomes
- A collaborative and proactive attitude
- Strong strategic planning and implementation skills
- Financial management experience, including budgeting and reporting
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Familiarity with the goals and activities of ICOM and ICOM UK
To apply
Please send a CV and a cover letter to uk.icom.museum@gmail.com by 4 November 2024 The appointed contractor will be expected to hold £10m Public and Products Liability (PPL) insurance and £5m Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance.
Next steps:
Interviews will take place during the week of 18 November with potential for second round interviews during the week of 25 November. We aim to make an appointment in early December for a start in January 2025
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