Society of Antiquaries of London

General Secretary & Chief Executive Officer

Job Reference EARAVA1
Closing Date Monday 20 Nov 2023

The Society of Antiquaries of London (SAL) is one of the Europe’s oldest learned societies. Founded in 1707, it has formed the focus for those interested in the material past for over three centuries. Today it comprises a Fellowship of about 3000, elected in recognition of their knowledge and expertise in the study and communication of the material past. Through its grants, publications and programme of events, the Society plays a significant role in encouraging and nurturing scholarship nationally and internationally. As an independent leading non-governmental organisation in its sector, the Society is uniquely placed to encourage and facilitate public debate on the management, conservation, presentation, and wider understanding of cultural heritage. In addition, the Society owns and manages Kelmscott Manor in Oxfordshire, country home to William Morris, which houses an exceptional collection relating to the Arts and Crafts Movement.

The Society promotes its charitable objectives by organizing lectures, meetings, and conferences, publishing a journal and books, running an academic library and curating its collections, and seeking to communicate the subject to a wide public. Over the past few years, it has increasingly focused on engaging and educating a wider public by opening up its collections through exhibitions, by increasing online access, and through developing Kelmscott Manor as a visitor attraction and educational centre. In pursuit of these aims the society has also recently introduced an Affiliate Membership scheme which is open to those with a more general interest in the material past. Widening knowledge and participation in its areas of interest is thus at the core of our recently adopted strategy.

The Society of Antiquaries is now seeking a General Secretary & Chief Executive Officer. The coming years have the potential to be some of the most critical in the Society’s history. The job is an exciting and challenging one, leading a key organisation with a long history through an important period of change. The new General Secretary & Chief Executive Officer will have the opportunity to work with an excellent dedicated staff and elected officers to implement a shared vision for the Society of Antiquaries in its fourth century of existence.  Candidates will possess strong strategic and business planning experience and will be an inspiring team leader and a compelling communicator. Exemplary stakeholder management and ambassadorial skills will also be required, as will a commitment to promoting equality and diversity and a sound understanding of cultural heritage.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Society of Antiquaries on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EARAVA1. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Monday, 20th November 2023.

Through its grants, publications and programme of events, the Society plays a significant role in encouraging and nurturing scholarship nationally and internationally.