Sandycombe Lodge in Twickenham/Richmond (“Turner’s House”) is a Grade 2* listed house designed by J.M.W. Turner for his own use. It has been open to the public as an independent museum since 2017. This role is an opportunity to lead Turner’s House at an exciting time and make a real difference as the organisation looks to secure its long-term future.
We are looking for an accomplished professional with heritage experience to be our Museum Director and to lead on strategy and planning, marketing and fundraising, in addition to supervising the small team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the House. The role will involve maximising our income potential through private/corporate hires of the house, fundraising activities, partnerships, PR and marketing opportunities and cultivation of donors, all of which contribute to the sustainable future of Turner’s House. The Museum Director will also manage the Operations Manager, the Learning & Volunteer Manager and other team members, to ensure a high standard of customer service and visitor experience and will serve on the Board of Trustees.
Turner’s House is open to the public 5 days a week, Wednesday-Sunday, 12 noon-4pm, with an annual closure period from November to January. The House is also open for educational visits, and for private evening events on a limited number of days each year. The Museum Director is expected to work on site and will work on a rota with the Operations Manager and Learning & Volunteer Manager to ensure the house is staffed whenever the House is open.
In order to apply, please send a CV and covering letter, addressing your reasons for applying and the ways in which you meet the job description and person specification, to Michael Deriaz, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, mderiaz@btinternet.com.
Turner’s House is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcome from all.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Line management responsibility
· Operations Manager (P/T 4d/week)
· Learning & Volunteer Officer (P/T 4.5d/week)
· Shared management of Finance Manager (freelance P/T 1d/week) with THT Treasurer
· Fundraising Officer (part time 1d/week)
· Press Officer (contract)
· Oversight and coordination of Turner’s House volunteers with Learning & Volunteer Officer
Principal duties and responsibilities
Strategic responsibilities
· Day-to day responsibility for the management of an historic building and contents, including the museum collection.
· Provide overall strategic oversight for the development of the House and its financial sustainability through the implementation of its approved strategic business plan. Work with the Trustees to implement a sustainable operating model, particularly relating to membership and audience development, collections care, income generation and conservation management
· Work with the part time Fundraising Consultant (1d/week) to assess, target and manage grant-making bodies and contribute to funding applications in line with the overall strategy for the House
· Identify and implement plans for income generating activities and events
· Work with the team and Trustees to develop suitable marketing material, establish marketing partnerships with other local organisations and exploit all opportunities for marketing and PR particularly with partner organisations
· Work with the Learning & Volunteer Manager on the engagement and recruitment of volunteers and oversee the Learning plan.
· Report to Trustee Board Meetings (bi-monthly), put forward workable proposals for Trustees to discuss and sign off. Participate in Board sub committees including the Exhibitions and Collections Committee and House Management Committee
· Facilitate the annual exhibition programme in liaison with the Exhibitions and Collections Committee and external curators, including developing a five-year rolling plan for the House’s annual exhibition.
· Be an ambassador for Turner’s House in key stakeholder interactions including membership, local corporate and historical organisations and local community
· Manage operations against the approved budget and work with Trustees (including Treasurer) and the Finance Manager to control and monitor the budget; ensure that financial controls and procedures are followed
Operational duties
· Supervise the Operations Manager to ensure that the House runs smoothly
· Work with the Learning & Volunteer Manager on the management and administration of volunteers and rotas and any contractors including cleaning staff to ensure the house is adequately staffed at all times, and is operationally efficient
· Work with the Operations Manager to ensure that Turner’s House is Health and Safety and Fire Safety compliant. Ensure that the building has adequate and up to date insurance
· Ensure that Turner’s House Trust complies with all Data Protection legislation
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Requirements:
· Experience of strategic forward planning in a similar organisation with track record of meeting targets for income generation and financial sustainability
· Experience in fund-raising, grant applications and corporate donors
· Experience of overseeing or delivering an exhibition/loan and events programme maximising income and audience potential
· Experience in project management, managing contracts and delivering projects to tight budgets
· Self-motivation and demonstrable initiative
· Creative flair with strong problem-solving skills
· Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to act as ambassador for Turner’s House in local, national and international communities
· Live in commuting distance of the house
· Demonstrable interest in history, art history, architectural history and in Turner and his times