Director – CLAY

We are seeking exceptional candidates to become the first Director of CLAY 1A, a groundbreaking museum and visitor attraction opening in 2028 in the emerging cultural destination of Ipswich.

Based on the universal material of clay and the universal theme of home, CLAY 1A is creating a new visitor experience that remodels the traditional relationship between curator, visitor and collection.

Visitors will enjoy interactive displays that spark their curiosity and stimulate all five senses. Everyone can relate to the universal theme of home and the universal material of clay, which connects local heritage to global cultures, and connects industry to creativity and everyday life.

This highly ambitious project is enabled by an extraordinary act of philanthropy and backed by influential trustees, with a big heart for the Ipswich community. If you have the vision and skills to help deliver the attraction and establish a successful and sustainable operation, we want to hear from you.

We have secured a £20 million lead gift from a local philanthropist, plus a £2.28 million regeneration grant that recognises the benefits CLAY 1A brings to Ipswich. This will fund the creation of the attraction, with at least £9 million retained as an endowment to support CLAY 1A’s ongoing operation.

Our experienced project team is completing architectural designs, Bompas and Parr are devising two spectacular immersive experiences to bookend the visit, and we are working with the local community to develop innovative approaches to the main gallery displays.

Preliminary works have started to convert a magnificent historic building on the Ipswich waterfront.

We see the Director’s key responsibilities as:

• Strategic planning and management: To work with the trustees, and the management team once appointed, to develop strategies for commercial, fundraising and public programmes; and to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Team leadership: To appoint the future management team and operating team, and motivate and equip them to deliver.
• Commercial focus: To set and hit income targets. CLAY 1A is a start-up operation in a pretty tough location. It will be gifted an endowment but it is not expected to benefit from public sector funding.
• Project delivery: To contribute to delivery of the project, as a member of the project steering group – with particular input to development of exhibition proposals and the visitor experience.
• Advocacy and profile: To manage and develop CLAY 1A’s strategic relationships; representing CLAY 1A externally with stakeholders including local government, creative sector, local business sector, educators and funders; and to raise the profile of CLAY 1A and awareness of the project’s benefits and impacts.
• Governance and risk: To ensure strong financial management of the Foundation with future planning, risk and compliance.

We are open to candidates from a range of sectors including but not limited to museums, art galleries and other visitor attractions.

Please send your CV and covering letter to carolyn by 9am on 18 September 2026.