Gallery Manager

The Head of Gallery will lead the gallery’s strategic growth. They will guide the gallery’s exhibitions, community engagement, scholarship and financial sustainability, with the aim of presenting Islamic art as a source of beauty, meaning and intercultural understanding.

Strategic & Curatorial Leadership:– 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.

Executive Management:– 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 sponsor ships, philanthropic gifts, and grants.– Represent the gallery locally, nationally, and internationally as its principal ambassador.

Stakeholder & Partnership Development:– 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.

Team Leadership & Development:– 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.

Public Engagement & Advocacy:– 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.

Essential

Skills & Experience:

– 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.

Desirable:– International network of contacts in the Islamic art world.– Multilingual is advantageous.– Experience of leading large-scale exhibitions and cross-cultural projects.

Values & Behaviours:– 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.

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