Assistant Director of Museum Engagement

Description

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is entering an exciting new phase of creative and cultural evolution. As the world’s leading centre dedicated to William Shakespeare, we are custodians of the National Shakespeare Collection—over one million museum, library and archive items, including documents on the UNESCO Memory of the World register. These Designated collections, alongside the Shakespeare family homes in Stratford-upon-Avon, are a touchstone for our society and enable us to foster connections across the world.

We are now seeking an exceptional museum professional to join our leadership team as Assistant Director of Museum Engagement. This is a pivotal role, responsible for leading the work of the collections, learning, content and research teams. At its heart, the role holds responsibility for the interpretation, curation and understanding of the Trust’s museum, library and archive collections—including the Shakespeare family homes. You will play a central role in delivering a bold, inclusive and research-led museum programme that connects Shakespeare’s world with contemporary audiences.

Set in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, the Trust is a place of imagination, scholarship, and storytelling. From immersive exhibitions and community partnerships to academic research and digital innovation, we are redefining what it means to be a museum of Shakespeare—relevant, resonant, and open to all.

The Role
As Assistant Director of Museum Engagement, you will:

• Lead the development of impactful, innovative and research-led interpretation, exhibitions and storytelling that invigorate the varied and important histories of the Trust’s collections.
• Oversee collections acquisition and interpretation within the context of early modern scholarship, and develop the Trust’s museum practice and programmes—including research, learning and curatorial services.
• Act as a public figurehead for the Trust’s museum programmes and be a dynamic, vocal advocate for heritage, culture and the history of our town.
• Lead the Trust’s local, regional and national museum-led community engagement partnerships.
• Support the Creative Director in embedding research-informed and collections-inspired learning, refining and focusing on the uniqueness of the Trust’s learning offer.
• Work with the Creative Director to design and deliver the content and programming strategy across the Trust, ensuring alignment with organisational vision, audience needs, and budgetary frameworks.
• Take an authoritative curatorial lead, working collaboratively with colleagues in the learning, collections and research teams to inspire rich storytelling and create transformative cultural experiences.
• Deputise for the Creative Director and contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust’s creative vision.

About You
We’re looking for a dynamic and thoughtful leader with:

• A strong track record in curating museum, library or archive collections and exhibitions, ideally with a focus on early modern material.
• Expertise in curation, archival practice or early modern history, with a deep understanding of contemporary approaches to museum interpretation and storytelling.
• Strategic leadership experience in developing inclusive collections and collecting practices.
• A passion for inclusive, audience-led interpretation and a commitment to equity and representation.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering impactful cultural programmes.
• The ability to connect historical scholarship with contemporary relevance and public engagement.
• Confidence in using audience data and evaluation metrics to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact.

Our Values
We are outward-facing, ambitious, innovative, collaborative, excellent, and responsible. We champion equality and strive for diversity in all we do, and we particularly welcome applications from individuals who are underrepresented at senior levels in the cultural and heritage sectors.

You can find out more about this opportunity by exploring the details on our microsite.
If, after reviewing the information, you would like a confidential conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson:

Jennie Wood, Research Lead – jennie.wood@gatenbysanderson.com

Rebekah Herz-Bauman, Partner – rebekah.herz-bauman@gatenbysanderson.com

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