Museum Director

National Maritime Museum Cornwall is seeking an inspirational, commercially minded and energetic Museum Director to lead the next phase of its development, shaping its strategic direction, strengthening its cultural and educational impact, and ensuring its long-term financial sustainability.

Located on Falmouth's waterfront, National Maritime Museum Cornwall is an award-winning independent museum and visitor attraction, recognised for its exhibitions, events and educational programmes. The museum is a major centre for maritime history and is home to the National Small Boat Collection.

Following the retirement of its previous Director, the museum is seeking an experienced leader to build on its achievements and guide the organisation through its next chapter.

About the role

Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the Museum Director will be responsible for developing and implementing the museum's new strategy, balancing its cultural and educational objectives with the commercial requirements of a successful visitor attraction.

The Director will represent the museum locally and nationally, develop relationships with key stakeholders and provide leadership to its multidisciplinary team.

With approximately two-thirds of the museum's income generated through visitors, commercial expertise and experience managing visitor attractions will be essential.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement the museum's strategic vision and future direction.
• Ensure the museum achieves its cultural, curatorial and educational objectives.
• Strengthen commercial performance and long-term financial sustainability.
• Provide leadership and direction across the organisation.
• Represent the museum and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees to deliver the museum's strategic priorities.
• Build on the museum's reputation as a leading cultural and maritime heritage attraction.

Experience and requirements

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven strategic leadership experience within the heritage sector.
• Significant experience managing visitor attractions.
• Strong commercial and business management expertise.
• Understanding of cultural, curatorial and commercial museum operations.
• The vision and determination to lead an organisation in a changing heritage environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Personal integrity, ambition and the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• An appreciation of maritime heritage and the maritime world.

Salary and benefits

The position offers a salary of approximately £75,000 per annum.

• A relocation package may be available for the ideal candidate.