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're looking for an experienced, strategic leader to become our London Director. In this full-time, permanent role based at Kenwood House, you'll oversee an extraordinary collection of historic sites across the capital, from grand houses filled with world-class art to iconic monuments and vibrant community spaces leading a high-performing team to ensure their continued impact and success.
The Benefits
- Salary from £90,228 p.a. (due to Kenwood base) depending on skills and experience
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, pro rata, rising to 28 days after 3 years
- Matched pension contributions up to 10%
- Flexible hours
- The opportunity to progress your career within the heritage sector
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Subscriptions to professional bodies
- Free access to all English Heritage sites for you and up to six friends and family members
- 25% discount in our shops and cafes
- Enhanced maternity, paternity or shared parental leave
- Options to buy additional leave
- An inclusive working atmosphere everybody is supported from all backgrounds, religions and with different needs
- Opportunities to go to some of our great live music and history events
You will be responsible for driving visitor experience, commercial performance, and community engagement, ensuring these special places remain accessible and relevant to all. A key focus will be leading a major investment project to transform Kenwood which will involve finalising plans, engaging local stakeholders, and driving forward an ambitious fundraising campaign.
To join us as our London Director, you will need:
- A proven track record in delivering major projects
- Experience of working in a visitor-facing site or cultural organisation
- Experience delivering P&L targets and generating income
- Experience leading a large team
- Demonstrable commercial acumen
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills
- A passion for bringing arts, culture and heritage to life
Please apply by submitting your CV along with a cover letter outlining how you meet the essential requirements for the role.
Why now?
With increasing pressures on the arts and heritage sector, our priority is to work in partnership to realise the potential of these special places, ensuring that we not only serve our local communities but find more opportunities to showcase nationally significant art and collections, tell new stories and drive the financial sustainability of the collection.
This is an exciting time to be leading English Heritage's London properties. Our focus is on partnership, innovation and sustainability. Recent investment in sites such as Marble Hill and Marble Arch reflects our commitment to transforming spaces, telling new stories, and creating welcoming, inclusive places for all. With exciting plans ahead including a major redevelopment of Kenwood there's never been a more inspiring time to join us.
First stage interviews will be held on 1st / 2nd May 2025 and second stage interviews will take place at the English Heritage London office, date to be confirmed.
If you would like to talk to us e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Kate Logan via Kate.Logan@english-heritage.org.uk. No agencies please.
Find out more about us and what we do: You can also meet some of our people and hear about why they enjoy working with us:
Everybody's welcome at English Heritage
Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.
We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.