Associate Director of Strategy, Planning and Governance
The contract is full time and permanent, and the annual salary is £77,816. The employer, British Museum, is a Non-Departmental Public Body, which means it is part of central government accountable to the public through Parliament. You will be based at British Museum. It is located in Greater London.
Closing date 08-09-2026
This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the world's leading cultural institutions. As Associate Director of Strategy, Planning and Governance, you will work closely with the Museum's senior leadership team and Board of Trustees to develop and deliver an ambitious organisational strategy that supports long-term transformation and growth.
Leading strategy, business planning and governance across the Museum, you will ensure that priorities are translated into measurable outcomes, performance is effectively monitored, and decision-making processes are transparent, efficient and compliant. Acting as Board Secretary, you will also oversee governance arrangements at the highest level, supporting Trustees and senior stakeholders through a significant period of organisational change and redevelopment.
About you
We are looking for a strategic leader with a strong background in governance, policy, strategy or corporate planning within a complex organisation. Comfortable operating at executive and board level, you have a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, provide sound advice and navigate competing priorities with confidence and diplomacy.
You combine excellent judgement with outstanding communication skills, producing high-quality reports, papers and briefings that drive effective decision-making. A collaborative and resilient people manager, you enjoy building relationships across diverse teams and are motivated by helping organisations deliver meaningful change and achieve ambitious goals. Experience within the public, charity, cultural or heritage sectors would be advantageous.
Key areas of responsibility
- Lead the development and delivery of the Museum's organisational strategy, ensuring priorities are translated into clear objectives, programmes and measurable outcomes.
- Oversee annual and multi-year business planning, aligning strategic priorities, resources and performance across all directorates.
- Act as Board Secretary, supporting the Board of Trustees and committees through effective governance, planning and decision-making processes.
- Establish and maintain strategic performance reporting, providing insight and assurance to senior leaders and Trustees on progress against objectives.
- Lead and develop governance and information governance teams, ensuring compliance, risk management and organisational accountability remain at the highest standard.
The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago. This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working. As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane - who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.