Strategic & Curatorial Leadership: Executive Management: Stakeholder & Partnership Development: Team Leadership & Development: Public Engagement & Advocacy: Essential Skills & Experience: Desirable: Values & Behaviours: Please send your CV and cover letter to: [email protected] by 23:59 on 8 November 2026.Job Summary
Job Description
- Lead the gallery's curatorial direction, ensuring exhibitions and displays meet the highest scholarly and artistic standards.
- Shape a programme that balances permanent collection interpretation with major temporary exhibitions of local, national and international significance.
- Embed the narrative of prophecy, spirituality, and artistic innovation into permanent and temporary exhibitions.
- Oversee acquisitions, conservation, and research to enhance the gallery's standing as a centre of excellence for Islamic art.
- Develop and deliver the gallery's strategic plan in collaboration with the Board.
- Ensure strong governance, financial management, and accountability to stakeholders.
- Lead fundraising and development efforts, securing sponsorships, philanthropic gifts, and grants.
- Represent the gallery locally, nationally, and internationally as its principal ambassador.
- Build and sustain relationships with cultural institutions, collectors, artists, scholars, and Art and Museum leaders across the Islamic world and beyond.
- Cultivate partnerships with international museums for exhibition exchange and scholarly collaboration.
- Recruit, inspire, and manage a multidisciplinary team including curators, educators, and operations staff and volunteers.
- Build a culture of collaboration, partnership, and professional excellence.
- Support continuous professional development, including staff exchanges with partner museums locally and internationally.
- Champion the gallery's mission through public speaking, media engagement, and thought leadership.
- Ensure exhibitions and programmes are accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.
- Position the gallery as a hub for dialogue, education, and cultural connection.Job Requirements
- Senior leadership experience in a gallery, or Arts institution.
- Demonstrated curatorial expertise in Islamic art, history, and heritage.
- Strong track record in strategic planning, programme delivery, and organisational leadership.
- Proven ability to secure funding from public, private, and philanthropic sources.
- Exceptional communication and advocacy skills.
- Understanding of cultural diplomacy and intercultural engagement.
- On-site role in Bradford.
- International network of contacts in the Islamic art world.
- Multilingual is advantageous.
- Experience of leading large-scale exhibitions and cross-cultural projects.
- Deep respect for the spiritual, cultural, and historical significance of Islamic art.
- Commitment to excellence, authenticity, and cultural integrity.
Strategic, visionary, and able to balance tradition with innovation.
- Inclusive and collaborative leadership style.How to Apply