We are seeking a Trustee with experience or specialist knowledge in museums, archiving, collections management, or heritage practice to join our Board at a pivotal point in our development. This newly created role reflects the significant growth our charity has experienced over the last year and will support our pathway toward Museum Accreditation. You will help guide our collections strategy, strengthen documentation processes, and provide expert insight as we work toward meeting national standards.

Our organisation has recently secured grant funding to support museum development activities, and this Trustee role will play an important advisory role in ensuring that work aligns with best practice and accreditation requirements. The grant supports the organisation’s wider projects, while this board role focuses on strategic oversight, governance and help directing our museums back office team.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of our next chapter and help shape a growing heritage charity. You will gain experience in governance, influence long-term planning, and contribute directly to the development of our collections and public heritage offer. This is an excellent role for those building their career who wish to gain experience in areas that are less accessible to them, or someone nearing or in retirement who wish to continue their skills.

The role requires at least a monthly time commitment to help direct our volunteer back office team. We have a preference for someone based in or near Essex to support in-person engagement in Southend-on-Sea.

SKILLS#

A knowledge of jazz music is welcome but not required. Just as a museum curator wouldn’t be expected to know every object in detail, this role focuses on governance, collections management, and strategic guidance. We have in-house expertise at The Jazz Centre to provide in-depth knowledge of jazz, so the Trustee’s role is to support best practice and accreditation rather than be a genre expert.

Experience in museums, archiving, collections care, or heritage sector practice.

Knowledge of Museum Accreditation standards (governance, collections, access) is highly desirable.

Understanding of cataloguing, documentation systems, archiving processes, or object handling.

Ability to support the development of heritage policies, procedures, and collection plans.

Strong communication and strategic thinking skills.

Willingness to collaborate with other trustees and contribute actively to board discussions.

Capacity to commit time monthly and support the charity’s museum development journey and volunteer team.