Jewish Museum London

The Jewish Museum London (JML) is the UK’s oldest and largest Jewish Museum. It plays a vital role in telling the story of Jewish life, history and culture in Britain, and in challenging prejudice, provoking questions and encouraging understanding. JML’s mission is to surprise, delight and engage all people, irrespective of background or faith, in the history, identity and culture of Jews in Britain. Its vision is of a world where cultural diversity and the contribution of minority communities are explored, valued and celebrated, for the enrichment of society as a whole. Its internationally renowned collections of Judaica and social history, preserve and tell the story of Jewish life in Britain from the 11th century to today. As one of the few museums in the U.K. dedicated to a marginalised community, JML values the representation of intersectional identities and stories. It showcases this value across its programming, including its Race in Religion Black History tours, LGBTQ+ displays and programming, and its ground-breaking Inclusive Judaism project working with Jewish communities across the country collecting contemporary images of Jewish life.

Over the past three and a half years, JML has undergone significant change. Despite challenges, it has reinvigorated itself with a talented, energetic, diverse and committed Board, and has built a reputation for speed and success in developing a virtual engagement and education model, culminating last year with JML being one of only eight London Museums to be awarded NPO (national portfolio organisation) status by Arts Council England. JML is now finalising a compelling vision for the future in time for its centenary in 2032. Its vision for the next 100 years is extremely ambitious: to become one of the most renowned Jewish Museums in the world, a Museum commensurate with London’s position as a great city, and one of which the Jewish community in the UK can be justly proud. To realise this vision, JML needs to move from its current site to a centrally-located, world class, fit for purpose, green, destination building with outdoor space. The new building needs to be significantly larger and better configured than its highly constrained premises in Camden Town.

At this exciting time in JML’s history, the Board seeks an outstanding Chief Executive who will drive its ambitious new strategy forwards and will also be able to lead the move of the existing Museum and its activities seamlessly into its future state. This role offers a unique opportunity for an individual with a genuine interest in, and passion for, Jewish history and culture. Reporting to the Chair and Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive will be responsible for providing inspirational leadership and strategic management as well as effective resource management. They will raise the profile of JML’s work, be a key external ambassador and will build strong relationships with key stakeholders, donors, and future partners. In addition, they will manage the staff and volunteers and foster a productive and friendly work environment. The ideal candidate will be an entrepreneurial leader with a strong audience focus, commercial acumen, and great advocacy and stakeholder management skills. They will be passionate about JML’s future vision and dedicated to driving forward its ambitious new strategy. They will have an understanding of the UK Jewish community and sensitivity to its complexities, with the profile to be regarded by the community with credibility.  A collegiate leader, they will work collaboratively with the current team, as well as build a team for the JML of the future.

JML strongly encourages applicants with Jewish heritage or knowledge, but you don’t have to be Jewish to work at the Jewish Museum London.

Equal Opportunities Policy

The Jewish Museum endeavours to be an equal opportunity employer and has a policy for this purpose. The aim of the policy is to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less than favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, age, marital status, sexual orientation or disability or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be seen to be justifiable. This policy covers all aspects of employment including vacancy advertising, selection, recruitment, training, conditions of service and reasons for termination of service.

To ensure that this policy is operating effectively and for no other purpose the Museum maintains records of employee’s racial origins, gender and disability. The Museum will ensure that there is ongoing monitoring and analysis of such records to provide the basis for appropriate action to eliminate unlawful direct and indirect discrimination and promote equality of opportunity.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Jewish Museum London on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference JBLFA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Friday 26^th January 2024.