Trustee Vacancy

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust cares for some of the world’s most important Shakespeare heritage sites and collections. We share them with audiences from across the world through our museum engagement, scholarship and educational outreach programmes which reach millions of children and young people in person and online each year. Our mission is simple but vital: to inspire and delight people of all ages with the life, work, and legacy of William Shakespeare.

We are now welcoming expressions of interest from people who would like to join us as Trustees.

Why Join Us?

As a Trustee, you will help shape the future of an independent charity with international reach. This is a chance to:

• Play a central role in caring for and making accessible Shakespeare’s historic homes and collections
• Support innovative learning programmes and research
• Help us thrive as a charity that relies on visitors, donors, and supporters
• Be part of a Board that is passionate about heritage, culture, and learning

Who we’re looking for

We're about to enter a new phase of the Trust’s strategic development in which we’ll be investing in our future by launching a multi-year capital and conservation programme and collaborating in a major, new development in our town.

We’re therefore especially interested in hearing from people with relevant recent experience or insight in:

• Law
• Fundraising and philanthropy
• Commercial development

Just as important are your values: we want Trustees who are curious, collaborative, and committed to making Shakespeare’s legacy accessible to everyone. We are especially keen to broaden the diversity of our Board to reflect the communities we serve locally, nationally, and internationally.

What’s Involved

Our Board usually meets four times a year in Stratford-upon-Avon, with additional opportunities to contribute through committees, events, or project work. Trustees are not paid, but the role offers rich rewards: the chance to influence strategy, champion Shakespeare’s heritage, and work alongside talented colleagues and partners. The initial term is for 3 years but is then renewable.

How to Express Your Interest

There is no closing date – we welcome expressions of interest at any time.

If you’d like to explore becoming a Trustee, please send us:

• A short CV or résumé
• A brief statement (no more than one page) telling us why you’re interested, what skills you’d bring, and how you’d like to support the Trust

Please email your expression of interest to [email protected].

If you’d like an informal conversation first, please contact Kirsty Wood, Executive Office Manager ([email protected]) – we’d love to hear from you. We can also arrange a conversation with a current trustee.

Help Us Keep Shakespeare’s Story Alive

By joining our Board, you’ll be helping to safeguard Shakespeare’s heritage and inspire future generations around the world.