After four years as Executive Director, Dr Gillian Dow has been awarded a 12-month Leverhulme Research Fellowship, which she will take up in early 2019. After this fellowship, Gillian will be returning to her position as Associate Professor in the English department at the University of Southampton. We look forward to welcoming her back with colleagues and students in the coming years.

We are therefore seeking a new CEO who will join our small team and work closely with colleagues and the board of Trustees to shape the organisation for the future. Are you the person we might be looking for? If so, read on:

Chawton House, Hampshire is a registered charity caring for the Grade 2* Elizabethan manor house and estate once owned by Jane Austen’s brother Edward Knight. The buildings and landscape are historically significant and include a world-class library of early women’s writing c.1600-1830). As a whole, the unique collections provide increasing insight into the influences that shaped Jane Austen and her much-loved writing.

Chawton House is undergoing a major transition to become a significant cultural and literary destination, seeking to work in close partnerships across Hampshire as part of the ‘Jane Austen Country’ experience. It aims to build on all that has been achieved to date to develop a sustainable future for the charity, benefitting the local community, visitors from further afield, and audiences from across the globe.

This new role of Chief Executive will lead and deliver the transformation of the charity. Working with an ambitious Board of Trustees and a skilled and committed team of staff and volunteers, the post-holder will be responsible for devising the future vision and strategy, and implementing the business plan to deliver it. They will lead on securing the financial health of the organization, through the development of commercial income streams, fundraising activity and sponsorship.

To make a success of this role, you will need a strong track record in commercial delivery and fundraising. You will be able to demonstrate clear leadership skills in motivating and galvanizing staff and volunteers towards a collective purpose. Some experience in positive stakeholder management is essential.

Salary up to £55,000, depending on experience.

For a full job description and informal enquiries, please contact Jane Hammond jane.hammond@chawtonhouse.org

Applications should consist of a full CV, and a covering letter setting out why you are suitable for the role. The deadline for applications is 4pm on Friday 19 October 2018. First round interviews will take place on the 31 October; second round on 7 November.