Seeking Director

The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, a world-leading art museum situated on the campus of the University of East Anglia, invites applications for the post of Director.

One of the most prominent university art galleries and a major national centre for the study and presentation of art, the Sainsbury Centre opened in 1978 in the innovative Norman Foster building commissioned by Robert and Lisa Sainsbury, following the gift of their extraordinary art collection to the university in 1973. Today the Centre boasts not only a first-class collection, including the Collection of Art Nouveau donated by Sir Colin and Lady Anderson and the University’s Abstract and Constructivist Collection, but also, following a recent capital project, the largest climate-controlled exhibition space in the east of England, and a growing sculpture park.

The Director is responsible for the effective leadership and management of the organisation within the context of the University of East Anglia. Working closely with UEA’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Arts and Humanities and the Chair of the Sainsbury Centre Board, they will lead the strategic direction of the Centre, building on what has been achieved to date, ensuring that it is fit for the 21st century in a changing landscape. They will be responsible for the artistic development of the Centre and its Sculpture Park, continuing to raise its reputation locally, nationally and internationally, and in keeping with the Centre’s Founders. They will take care of the management and conservation of the Collection and strategic acquisitions. They will be expected to deliver on the potential that the Sainsbury Centre has to contribute to and benefit from its position as a leading university museum through research, teaching and learning, attracting new audiences and a higher profile, and acting as an Ambassador for the Centre and the University.

In the new Director, the University and the Board seeks an inspirational, ambitious, innovative leader who can take the Centre on the next stage of its journey. They will be an effective manager of people and resources who can foster an environment where creativity, novelty, and innovation can thrive. They will have significant senior leadership experience in the museum and/or heritage sector and will have sufficient breadth to embrace a diverse and multi-disciplinary approach to the work of the Centre. They will have the credibility to operate effectively within an academic and creative context, a good understanding of working with national strategic bodies, and will be committed to the vision of the Centre’s founders and to the university’s mission and values.

Salary: competitive 

For further information, please contact Liz Amos of Liz Amos Associates: liz.amos [​at​] lizamosassociates.com / T +44 (0) 203 004 4702.