Chief Executive Officer

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the future of a unique and globally significant heritage organisation. The role is based in the historic town of Stratford-Upon-Avon and requires an innovative, strategic leader with a passion for culture and history.

Client Details

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is an independent charity dedicated to preserving the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage sites in Stratford-upon-Avon and promoting the enjoyment and understanding of his works, life, and times globally. Celebrating Shakespeare is at the heart of everything we do.

We are seeking to appoint a new Chief Executive, who can lead the world’s appreciation and knowledge of Shakespeare, to join the Trust in 2025. We are looking for an energetic individual who is passionate about the role of arts and culture in the UK post-pandemic and who has a genuine interest in, and recognition of, the importance of Shakespeare and his works.

Description

As our new Chief Executive, you will:

• Champion our vision and help deliver our ambitious 5-year strategy to become the leading heritage organisation for the appreciation of Shakespeare and a global centre for research and learning.
• Lead with passion, oversee large-scale capital projects, drive digital transformation, and foster a passionate, energetic, and inclusive culture.
• Expand our reach and improve access and engagement with diverse communities, audiences, and visitors worldwide.
• Build partnerships through developing and maintain relationships with local, national, and international stakeholders, including government bodies, sponsors, donors, academia, and cultural institutions.

You will have a unique opportunity to:

• Make an impact and help transform the Trust into a new era of growth and innovation.
• Inspire others through sharing your passion for Shakespeare and the arts with a global audience.
• Be part of history through playing a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the legacy of the world’s greatest playwright.

Profile

We seek a leader who:

• Values arts and culture and is passionate about the role of arts and culture in the UK post-pandemic.
• Appreciates Shakespeare with an understanding of Shakespeare’s works and their global significance.
• Thinks strategically, capable of elevating the Trust to new heights and fostering the place of the arts and humanities in public culture.
• Is financially astute: Can ensure long-term financial viability through strategic planning and innovative fundraising.
• Communicates effectively and is able to connect with diverse audiences and represent the Trust as its ambassador.

Key Attributes:

• A proven leader who can unite a multi-disciplined team to achieve excellence and strategic goals.
• Strategic thinking, able to elevate the Trust’s ambitions and foster arts and humanities in public culture.
• Finance and governance, collaborating with the board of trustees to ensure financial stability and regulatory compliance.
• Capital projects and fundraising, drive funding and deliver significant capital projects as well as diversify income streams through innovative fundraising.
• Communication and stakeholder engagement, connecting with diverse audiences and representing the Trust globally.
• Knowledge, you will have an appreciation for Shakespeare’s works and their global relevance and ideally an understanding of the museums/heritage, arts, and culture sectors, and academic research.

Job Offer

• A competitive salary depending on experience.
• The chance to lead and shape an organisation responsible for some of the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage.

We welcome leaders from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, who bring energy, creativity, and a commitment to our mission. If you are inspired by the opportunity to lead The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and have the vision and drive to make a significant impact,