Founded in 1932, the Courtauld is an internationally renowned centre for the teaching and research of history of art and a major public gallery, working to advance how we see and understand the visual arts. As both a university and a public gallery, the Courtauld combines world-class research, teaching, and conservation with an internationally renowned collection, including masterpieces from the Renaissance to the present day. The Courtauld’s commitment to public engagement and lifelong learning underpins its mission to make art accessible and inspiring to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
With a vision to become the world’s most ambitious, dynamic and innovative centre for the visual arts, the Courtauld is entering an exciting new phase through the launch of Open Courtauld. Building on existing achievements in the fields of school-level art education and adult learning programmes, Open Courtauld will be a major new department dedicated to embedding lifelong learning as one of the Courtauld’s core activities and as a major income stream for the organisation. Open Courtauld represents a transformative expansion of the Courtauld’s educational offer, combining in-person and digital programmes to create new pathways into the visual arts for people of all ages, from schoolchildren to retirees. This ambitious new department will become a vibrant third pillar of the Courtauld’s work, complementing its famous academic institute and celebrated gallery.
The Director of Open Courtauld will take the lead in developing this bold new strategy for lifelong learning. You will provide strategic, visionary and entrepreneurial leadership to develop and deliver innovative learning opportunities that reflect the Courtauld’s academic rigour and commitment to accessibility. The successful candidate will combine credibility in the field of lifelong learning or cultural engagement with entrepreneurial flair, commercial acumen and confident, outward-facing leadership. They will bring experience of senior management, people leadership, and complex programme oversight, alongside a strong track record in strategy development, digital innovation, business planning, and income generation. They will be able to inspire and manage staff, build relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders, and guide the department through a period of significant growth and organisational development. Above all, the Director will bring energy, vision, and a commitment to the Courtauld’s mission, leading Open Courtauld in its ambition to become the world’s leading centre for lifelong learning in the visual arts, accessible to learners of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Courtauld on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EBXAA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 28th January 2026.