This is a pivotal leadership role created to ensure continuity and strategic direction during a period of organisational transition. The Deputy Director will:
· Provide operational leadership of the Wordsworth Trust following the Director’s temporary secondment to a major development project.
· Take on senior-level responsibility for the Trust’s curatorial, programming and learning strategies.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership
· Support the Board and the Director in implementing the Trust’s vision and strategy.
· Deputise for the Director as required, including representing the Trust at external meetings and events.
· Work with colleagues on the Trust’s Senior Management Team – Head of Visitor Experience, Finance & Operations Director, Development Manager – to deliver the Trust’s strategy and manage its operations.
· Liaise with the Director on the development project to ensure alignment between operational delivery and capital development.
2. Curatorial, Programming and Learning
· Develop a strategy for exhibitions, events, and learning programmes across the organisation.
· Develop strategic academic partnerships and funded projects.
· Take overall responsibility for the development, care, and interpretation of the Trust’s collections, including Dove Cottage and its garden.
· Provide strategic oversight and line management to the Curator, Education Development Manager (job share), Events Officer and PA to the Director
3. Organisational and Staff Development
· Work with senior management colleagues to foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working culture.
· Contribute to workforce planning, staff development, and succession planning.
· Ensure effective internal communication and cross-departmental collaboration.
4. Financial and Operational Management
· Work with the Finance & Operations Director to monitor budgets and contribute to financial planning.
· Ensure compliance with relevant policies, procedures, and sector standards.
· Support income generation, including fundraising and commercial activities.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy
· Working with the Director and the Development Manager, maintain and develop relationships with funders, donors, partners, and the local community.
· Support communications and advocacy efforts to raise the Trust’s profile.
· Represent the Trust at senior-level meetings, stakeholder events, and sector forums.
6. Governance and Reporting
· Prepare reports and presentations for the Board of Trustees.
· Contribute to policy development, risk management, and strategic decision-making.
7. Environmental Responsibility
· Ensure the Trust is an environmentally responsible organisation, committed to addressing the climate crisis and reducing its carbon footprint.