Join the Team

Chair of the Board of Trustees

As the Thackray Museum of Medicine looks to build on a period of bold strategic growth since a major redevelopment (reopening in May 2021), we are seeking an experienced, ambitious and community-minded Chair to lead our Board of Trustees.

Term: Minimum three years from 12 May 2026, renewable (maximum six years)
Commitment: Approx. 1–1.5 days per month (voluntary; reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed).
Your location: Ideally Leeds (nationwide considered); Board meetings four times a year (three may be hybrid; in-person presence preferred).

The Role:

The Chair will lead and steward an engaged, forward-thinking Board to support the CEO and senior team as the Museum consolidates recent gains and secures long-term resilience. You will ensure excellent governance, provide constructive challenge and support to the CEO, strengthen relationships with funders and partners, champion the Museum’s commitment to equity and community co-curation, and be an ambassador for the organisation locally and nationally.

We are conscious of our ability to best represent our incredibly diverse and culturally-rich local communities; to that end, we are keen to gain interest from a global majority candidate.

For full details of the role please download the full appointment brief.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send an up-to-date CV, a Supporting Statement (no more than two A4 pages) outlining your interest and relevant experience, in confidence to Jenny Hills at [email protected].

For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill at [email protected] with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence. There is also the opportunity for suitable interested candidates to speak to the Thackray’s CEO, current chair or other trustees in advance of submitting an application.

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026.
First stage interviews: w/c 13 April 2026 (tbc).
Second stage interviews: w/c 20 April 2026 (tbc).