Current vacancies

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Full role description

We are searching for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees for the American Museum & Gardens (AM&G) who’ll provide strategic leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees.  We’re looking for someone who will help us achieve our mission to educate, stimulate, and inspire our visitors to further the understanding of American history and culture.

We’re in a period significant growth with a key focus on achieving financial sustainability.  Building on successes of the past several years, the new Chair will be instrumental in supporting our continued growth including ambitious capital plans to further develop our historic rooms, displays of decorative art and folk-art collections, temporary exhibitions and learning programmes. They will also bring an in-depth understanding of the importance of good governance for our future success.

The role of the Chair is to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees of The American Museum & Gardens. The Chair will hold the Board and the Director to account for AM&G’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring each Trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of AM&G. 

The Chair will ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations and to make sure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document. 

The Chair’s role is also to monitor and, where appropriate, challenge the leadership of AM&G, ensuring that the Board functions as a unit and works closely to achieve agreed objectives. The person appointed will work in partnership with the Trustees, Director and Leadership Team to support AM&G’s employees and volunteers, optimising the relationship between the Board of Trustees and the team. 

The new Chair will be responsible for leading the recruitment of a new Director to ensure a smooth succession when the incumbent (as Executive Chair, and always envisaged as a relatively short-term appointment) steps down at the end of 2025.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet requirements of the role, together with a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to [email protected] or by post to The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD. Please email as above if you require any further information. Closing date for applications: 31 December 2024 at 5pm