At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative vision and engage diverse audiences through innovative programming.
- Company: Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, a globally significant cultural institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000 and the chance to shape cultural dialogue.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader in redefining the future of Shakespeare's legacy.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading creative programmes and engaging diverse communities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Creative Director
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Salary: Up to £100,000 dependent on experience
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is entering a transformative new chapter – one defined by creative ambition, cultural leadership, and global relevance. As the world’s leading centre dedicated to William Shakespeare, the Trust holds the largest publicly accessible collection of Shakespeare-related material and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to the playwright’s family homes.
We are now seeking our inaugural Creative Director to shape and deliver a bold, inclusive creative vision that inspires audiences of the future. This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead a globally significant cultural institution into its next era: connecting people, ideas, and communities through the life, works, and legacy of Shakespeare.
Set in the heart of stunning Stratford-upon-Avon, the Trust is a place of discovery, dialogue, and imagination. From immersive exhibitions and participatory programming to groundbreaking research and community partnerships, we are redefining what it means to be a museum of Shakespeare – for everyone.
The Role
As Creative Director, you will:
- Lead content creation and delivery – from exhibitions and interpretation to outreach and audience engagement.
- Shape a strategic, inclusive learning programme that fosters critical thinking and creative expression.
- Establish and grow a dynamic research function, translating academic excellence into public impact.
- Steward our Designated Museum collections, including archives, library, and objects of global significance.
- Champion innovative, audience-led programming in collaboration with artists, educators, and communities.
- Act as a visible ambassador for the Trust – locally, nationally, and internationally.
About You
We’re looking for a visionary leader with:
- A deep appreciation of the transformative power of museums and heritage in shaping cultural dialogue.
- Experience in leading creative programmes, curating collections, and engaging diverse audiences.
- The ability to unite content, collections, research, and learning into a cohesive, future-facing vision.
- A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion – amplifying underrepresented voices.
Whether you come from a museum, heritage, cultural, or academic background, you’ll bring the imagination, leadership, and collaborative spirit to guide the Trust into its next chapter.
Our Values
We are outward-facing, ambitious, innovative, collaborative, excellent, and responsible. We champion equality and strive for diversity in all we do and we especially welcome applications from those underrepresented at senior leadership levels in our sector.
You can find out lots more information about this opportunity by clicking Apply and navigating the details in the microsite using the tabs at the top of the page.
If after reading the information available, you would like a confidential conversation about the opportunity, contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson:
Rebekah Herz-Bauman, Partner –
Jennie Wood, Research Lead –
Closing date: Monday, 3rd November
Creative Director employer: Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Contact Detail:
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Creative Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow creatives. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work and demonstrates your vision. Make sure it reflects your unique style and approach to creativity, as this will help you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust and its mission. Understand their values and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show them you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the Trust's exciting new chapter.
We think you need these skills to ace Creative Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Shakespeare and cultural leadership shine through. We want to see how your vision aligns with our mission to inspire audiences and redefine the museum experience.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading creative programmes and engaging diverse audiences. We’re looking for someone who can unite content and collections, so be specific about how you've done this in the past.
Emphasise Inclusivity: We value equity, diversity, and inclusion, so don’t shy away from discussing how you’ve amplified underrepresented voices in your previous roles. Show us how you plan to foster a welcoming environment for all at the Trust.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
✨Know Your Shakespeare
As a Creative Director, you’ll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of Shakespeare's works and their cultural significance. Brush up on key themes, characters, and historical context to show your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to articulate your creative vision for the Trust. Think about how you would connect Shakespeare’s legacy with modern audiences. Bring examples of past projects that reflect your innovative approach and ability to engage diverse communities.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your experience in working with artists, educators, and community partners. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully led collaborative projects in the past and how you plan to foster partnerships that amplify underrepresented voices.
✨Be an Ambassador
Since the role requires acting as a visible ambassador for the Trust, think about how you can represent the institution both locally and internationally. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your public speaking skills and your ability to engage with various stakeholders.