At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation and growth of Dundee Heritage Trust, shaping its strategic direction.
- Company: Dundee Heritage Trust, a respected charity preserving Scotland's rich heritage.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a lasting impact and lead significant projects.
- Other info: Join a committed team with a major capital investment programme underway.
- Why this job: Be a pivotal leader in transforming heritage experiences and securing financial sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in strategic management and income generation.
The predicted salary is between 85500 - 104500 £ per year.
Dundee Heritage Trust (DHT) is a highly regarded heritage charity responsible for some of Dundee’s most significant and internationally recognised attractions, including RRS Discovery, Discovery Point and Verdant Works. Through its heritage, collections, learning and visitor experiences, the Trust connects people with Dundee’s rich industrial and maritime history and creates opportunities for learning, inspiration and engagement.
The Trust is now seeking a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation into an exciting new phase of transformation, growth and development. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering the Trust’s strategic direction, strengthening financial sustainability, growing audiences and income, and maximising the impact of its world-class heritage assets.
Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will provide strong, visible and collaborative leadership across DHT, working closely with the Chair, Trustees, Executive Management Team and wider staff team. They will ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable, operationally effective and focused on delivering its charitable objectives, while creating a positive and high-performing culture where people are valued, empowered and accountable.
A major priority for the incoming CEO will be leading the Trust through a significant period of transformation, including the Discovery Point Transformed project, representing an investment of approximately £11 million. This ambitious project provides an opportunity to transform the visitor experience at Discovery Point, strengthen the Trust’s commercial and learning offer, attract new audiences and help secure the long-term future of RRS Discovery. The CEO will play a key role in ensuring this investment delivers lasting heritage, visitor, community and financial benefits for the organisation.
Financial sustainability and growth will also be central to the role. The CEO will work closely with the Finance, Commercial and Development teams to strengthen and diversify income streams across admissions, commercial activity, grants, donations and high-net-worth fundraising. They will provide strategic oversight of financial performance, cash, reserves and investment, while identifying new opportunities for sustainable growth and ensuring that commercial activity remains aligned with the Trust’s charitable purpose.
To succeed in this role, you will be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of strategic and organisational leadership, financial management, income generation and people development. You will bring the ability to balance commercial opportunities with charitable purpose and will be comfortable operating at Board level and working across a diverse range of stakeholders.
You will be a strategic and creative thinker who can translate ambition into practical delivery, combined with strong communication, influencing and decision-making skills. Experience within the arts, culture, heritage, museum, visitor attraction, charity or wider not-for-profit sector will be highly relevant, alongside experience of leading change, major projects, fundraising and developing sustainable income.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious and values-led leader to shape the future of one of Scotland’s most distinctive heritage organisations. With significant heritage assets, a committed team and a major capital investment programme underway, the incoming CEO will have a unique opportunity to protect the past, transform the present and build a sustainable future for Dundee Heritage Trust.
Interview Date: W/C 12th October
Application Deadline: Tuesday 06/10/2026
Chief Executive Officer in Dundee employer: ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
The Royal Yacht Britannia offers a unique opportunity to work in a historic and prestigious environment in Edinburgh, where employee safety and well-being are paramount. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and professional development, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while providing exceptional service to visitors. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values collaboration and offers the chance to be part of a renowned attraction, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
Contact Details:
ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Dundee
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.
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Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Dundee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
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Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Executive Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
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Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
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