Associate Executive Director: Content and Engagement

Vacancy Filler; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent national museum in Portsmouth is looking for an Associate Executive Director to lead content and engagement strategies, manage teams, and inspire storytelling. This senior leadership position offers a salary range of £65,228 - £70,863, with a hybrid work option and various employee benefits. Candidates should have significant experience in the museum or heritage sector and strong leadership abilities.

Benefits

Group pension plan

25 days of annual leave

Flexible working/hybrid working

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts at shops and cafes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior role within a museum, heritage, or cultural organisation.
• Track record of developing content and engagement strategies.
• Strong leadership of multidisciplinary teams across multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a Content and Engagement Strategy.
• Inspire and manage cross-disciplinary teams.
• Champion storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Inclusive storytelling

Commercial acumen

Job description

Associate Executive Director: Content and Engagement

Associate Executive Director: Content and Engagement Salary (Grade 9): £65,228 - £70,863 per annum (dependent upon experience)Hours: 37.5 hours per week - permanent contractLocation: National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with the opportunity for hybrid working (a combination of working onsite and from home). Inspire the Nation. Lead the Storytelling. Shape the Future.The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) tells the extraordinary story of the Royal Navy-its global influence, rich heritage, and continuing relevance today. As a national museum with sites across the UK, we care for one of the world’s most significant maritime collections and tell stories that connect Navy to Nation, past to present.We’re seeking a visionary leader to join our Executive Board as Associate Executive Director: Content and Engagement-a newly created role with the opportunity to shape how we bring our collections to life, engage new and diverse audiences, and deliver meaningful impact through content, programming, and interpretation.This is a great opportunity to join the teamThis is a pivotal time for the museum and heritage sector-and an exciting moment to help shape NMRN’s future. In this strategic and creative leadership role, you will:Lead the development and delivery of a bold, inclusive Content and Engagement StrategyInspire and manage cross-disciplinary teams across Conservation, Collections, Research, and ProgrammingChampion digital and physical storytelling that resonates with audiences across generationsCollaborate with Marketing and Commercial colleagues to grow reach and maximise the brandContribute to organisational strategy as a member of the Executive BoardYou will report to the Executive Director of Museum Operations and work alongside other Associate Executive Directors and senior leaders across the NMRN group.What you can bring: You will be a collaborative, imaginative and driven leader with:Proven experience in a senior role within a museum, heritage, or cultural organisationA track record of developing and delivering content and engagement strategiesStrong leadership of multidisciplinary teams, ideally across multiple sitesCommercial acumen and experience creating both digital and onsite audience experiencesA deep commitment to inclusive storytelling and community engagementExcellent stakeholder management and communication skillsThis is a senior leadership role at a national institution, offering the opportunity to shape how we serve our audiences and preserve naval history for future generations.What we offer:The opportunity to be part of a friendly and diverse workplace within a unique heritage environment.Group pension plan with Royal London (6% employer contributions, 2% employee contributions and death in service benefit).25 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) pro rata for part time employees, increasing to 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) after 5 years’ service, pro rata for part time employees, with the option to purchase additional annual leave.Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay.Flexible working/hybrid working.Employee Assistance Programme.Paid professional membership fees.Free admission to other national museums and attractions within the reciprocal agreement.Discounts at our shops and cafes.Free and discounted tickets for family and friends.A range of other benefits including cycle to work, employer supported volunteering leave, mobile tech, etc.Paid reservist leave.If you would like to have an informal discussion regarding the role, or ask any questions, please contact Andrew Baines, Executive Director of Museum Operations: [e-mail] applicants are asked to apply via https://jobs.nmrn.org.uk/ by midnight on Sunday 17 August 2025. The selection processes will be held on site in Portsmouth on Wednesday 3 September 2025.If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process because of a disability, please contact the People team on [e-mail] for support.This post requires a DBS check as a requirement of working on the naval base, as well as the right to work in the UK. Please note we cannot currently sponsor work visas.