We are looking for someone who has a vision for the future of the British Museum and its purpose as a national and a global museum in the 21st century. Developing and articulating that vision will require creativity, charisma and a passion for the British Museum. But that alone is not enough. The next Director must also have a track record of successfully running a complex organisation, and of commanding the respect of a large and diverse staff, which has a body of curatorial and collection care staff at its core but also includes a wide array of other functions, from security and visitor services to HR and IT. The next Director must also be willing and able to communicate the purpose of the Museum to the media and to the public. 

The Board of Trustees go into this recruitment campaign with an open mind. We are agnostic about the type of candidate we are looking for, whether that is someone from within or outside the museums sector. I would encourage anyone who thinks they have the knowledge, skills, energy, and temperament to run one of the world’s greatest museums to apply. Show us how you can seize the opportunities available to the Museum and how you can help address the challenges it is facing.