At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Glastonbury Abbey's strategic direction and community engagement initiatives.
- Company: Historic site with a rich heritage and vibrant visitor programme.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a significant cultural landmark and inspire thousands of visitors.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for heritage conservation.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to preserving history and engaging the community.
The predicted salary is between 66445 - 70137 £ per year.
Salary: £66,445 – £70,137 (FTE), depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, full time (37.5 hours per week). Flexible working will be considered
Location: Glastonbury, Somerset
Reports to: Chair of Trustees
Closing date: 13 February 2026. Interviews: 9–10 March 2026.
Glastonbury Abbey is recruiting a Director following the retirement of Janet Bell MBE, whose tenure has provided stability, growth and careful stewardship of one of England’s most important historic and spiritual sites. The Trustees now seek an exceptional leader to build on this strong foundation and guide the Abbey through its next phase of development.
An independent charity and scheduled ancient monument, Glastonbury Abbey welcomes nearly 180,000 visitors annually and operates without core grant funding. The Abbey comprises nationally significant archaeological remains, an accredited museum, historic buildings and 36 acres of landscaped grounds, alongside a vibrant programme of events, learning and community engagement.
Reporting to the Chair of Trustees and working with an experienced Senior Leadership Team, the Director will be responsible for strategic direction, financial sustainability, conservation and interpretation, and strengthening the Abbey's community engagement.
Director - Glastonbury Abbey in England employer: Glastonbury Abbey
Contact Detail:
Glastonbury Abbey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Glastonbury Abbey in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with others who share your passion for heritage and community engagement. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at Glastonbury Abbey!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Glastonbury Abbey’s history, its current projects, and future goals. Show us that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about the Abbey's mission and vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects. We want to see how you can guide the Abbey through its next phase of development.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining the team at Glastonbury Abbey. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Glastonbury Abbey in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director role at Glastonbury Abbey. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to guide an organisation through development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about Glastonbury Abbey and how your vision aligns with our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your strategic thinking skills. Share examples of how you've successfully led projects or initiatives in the past, especially those that involved financial sustainability or community engagement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Glastonbury Abbey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Glastonbury Abbey
✨Know Your Abbey
Before the interview, dive deep into the history and significance of Glastonbury Abbey. Familiarise yourself with its archaeological remains, museum, and community programmes. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams, managed projects, or driven strategic initiatives. Highlight how these experiences can translate to guiding the Abbey through its next phase of development.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Given the role's focus on financial sustainability, brush up on your financial management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, fundraising, and resource allocation. Consider bringing ideas on how to enhance the Abbey's financial position without core grant funding.
✨Engage with Community Initiatives
Glastonbury Abbey thrives on community engagement. Think about ways you've previously fostered community relationships or developed educational programmes. Be prepared to share your vision for enhancing the Abbey's community involvement and how you plan to strengthen those ties.