Appointment of Chief Executive:
The Unicorn Preservation Society (HMS Unicorn)
Salary: £65,000 + benefits (18-month contract)
Place of Work: HMS Unicorn, South Victoria Dock Road, Dundee DD1 3BP
The Unicorn Preservation Society, known as UPS, is an exceptional charity responsible for a unique and precious 200-year-old heritage asset: HMS Unicorn. The UPS was formed in 1968 to conserve and preserve HMS Unicorn as a Museum and Heritage Asset. The Society operates and maintains HMS Unicorn as a museum and vibrant visitor attraction in Dundee.
We are in one of the most exciting phases in the history of the ship readying it for migration to a sustainable, secure berth. UPS raised c£1m funding various preliminary works and investigations. These preliminary works and investigations were essential to develop the evidence needed for applications for major funding that will ultimately see the ship as an integral part of Dundee’s exciting water-front development.
During 2023, the Society was awarded major funding of more than £1m to undertake hull significant strengthening work as a precursor to being moved into her new home. More recently, the NLHF has awarded c£800k of Development funding to plan Delivery of HMS Unicorn into a secure location, subject to match funding,
The Society is looking for a committed individual who can provide both strategic and operational management by promoting a compelling vision of UPS’ strategy to stakeholders & partners and by providing effective leadership to the UPS staff and maintaining strong relations with funders, external partners and beneficiaries.
The successful candidate will:
* Empathise with the vision, mission and aims of the Society to inspire others
* Have excellent communication skills
* Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders across a wide range of backgrounds and interests
* High level of business acumen
* Experience of working with public sector funders
* Prioritise & deliver on a multitude of different activities
* Motivate the staff team
* Exercise sound and independent judgement
* Ideally have a good understanding of the principle of heritage conservation and a track record of delivering major projects in heritage
Please download further details of the position from our website:
www.maryleboneexecutivesearch.com/jobs
For an informal confidential discussion call Richard Evans on 07958 984161 or 020 3126 4858 or Sean Bonnington on 07796 546555
Apply online with a full Curriculum Vitae detailing your skills and experience together with a 2 page Covering Letter clearly outlining your motivation to undertake the role and how you meet the competencies required for the position as stated in the Person Specification.
Closing date for applications: 10 October 2025
Long List interviews: 13 – 23 October 2025
Final Panel Interviews: 30 October 2025
Start Date: 1 February 2026
To find out more visit: www.hmsunicorn.org.uk