At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead audience development and income generation strategies for a cultural institution.
- Company: Horniman Museum and Gardens, a unique attraction in south east London.
- Benefits: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for creativity and impact.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Play a key role in celebrating the Horniman's 125th anniversary and major projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in audience engagement, fundraising, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Us
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a unique attraction in south east London where global cultures and the natural world are brought together for everyone to enjoy. The Museum holds internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as a popular natural history gallery and Aquarium. The 16 acres of beautiful Gardens feature a tropical Butterfly House and offer stunning views across London.
About the Role
We are looking for an ambitious and strategic leader for a fixed term maternity cover with a strong track record in audience development, communications and income generation to join the Horniman’s senior management team. During 2026-2027 the Horniman is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and the completion of a major capital project, Nature + Love, culminating in the reopening of the natural history gallery in early 2027. Successful delivery of the communications, fundraising, digital, visitor experience, commercial and events programming plans for this landmark project are central to this maternity cover role.
Key Responsibilities
- To provide strategic leadership to the commercial; digital; events programming; fundraising and membership; marketing and communications; and visitor experience teams.
- To oversee and champion the Horniman’s audience, brand, marketing and communications, digital and income generation strategies, in support of the Forward Plan and the Horniman mission.
- To lead on the successful brand positioning of the Horniman as a leading cultural institution and visitor attraction, with the aim of extending and diversifying our audiences and income streams.
- To contribute to the strategic direction and effective management of the Horniman as a member of the Senior Management Team, helping create inspirational and resilient forward plans and supporting budgets and a happy and productive workforce.
About You
You will have experience of leading successful campaigns that grow and engage audiences and generate commercial and/or fundraising revenue in a cultural, heritage or visitor attraction organisation. You will demonstrate strong communication and influencing skills including negotiation, presenting and writing for a variety of audiences and have a keen interest in creative programming and strategies that welcome audiences. You will possess excellent people management skills, enjoy juggling multiple tasks in a busy environment and have a proven ability to work at the senior level this post demands.
Key Qualities, Skills, and Experience
- Excellent project, people and team leadership skills, able to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams and work as part of a successful leadership team.
- Strong communication and influencing skills – including negotiation, presenting and writing for a variety of audiences.
- Strong financial management expertise – able to set and manage budgets and meet financial targets effectively.
- A strategic operator who is also happy to be flexible and hands-on operationally.
- A creative thinker with an entrepreneurial attitude, and a results-driven focus.
- An empathy with the Horniman mission, values and charitable purpose and a commitment to equity and diversity.
The closing date for completed applications is 10am on 24 July 2026. First round interviews will be held on 05-07 August 2026.
The Horniman is an equal opportunities employer and we value and celebrate diversity. We want to better represent the communities in which we work but recognise that there is still much work to do in this area. We welcome and encourage all applicants and particularly encourage you to apply if you are from a community that is often disadvantaged by society or of minority background.
Director of Audiences & Income (Maternity Cover) employer: Horniman Museum and Gardens
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage while ensuring a welcoming environment for visitors. With a strong commitment to employee development and a supportive work culture, staff enjoy flexible part-time hours that accommodate work-life balance, along with the chance to engage with a diverse community in a beautiful setting. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the heart of our vibrant museum.
Contact Details:
Horniman Museum and Gardens Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Audiences & Income (Maternity Cover)
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When you spot a temporary role at Horniman Museum and Gardens that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Audiences & Income (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Horniman Museum and Gardens. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Horniman Museum and Gardens.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Horniman Museum and Gardens!
How to prepare for a job interview at Horniman Museum and Gardens
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Horniman Museum and Gardens resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
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Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
