Director recruitment

Welcome from the Chair of Trustees, Thomas Sheppard DL

Welcome to our candidate briefing site and thank you for taking the time to consider whether you might be the next leader of the American Museum and Gardens in Bath. If you think you might be the person we need, then we look forward to learning more about you.

Established in the 1950s by two visionary co-founders—one American, one English—our museum was created to celebrate the richness of American arts and crafts within the breathtaking English setting of Claverton Manor in Bath. Today, our story is still being written with our American-inspired gardens created by Oehme van Sweden and a loyal and growing audience for our collections, our programmes, and our exhibitions.

We are looking for an inspiring Director to define and lead the next chapter of this museum to tell a wider story of American history, culture, and creativity, captivating wider and more diverse audiences. We have significant momentum, and we need someone who can lead with authenticity, inspire with purpose, and help us deliver take the opportunities to add to our stories and grow our visitor numbers.

You will be leading a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, an engaged Board of Trustees and our partners, fundraisers, and loyal supporters in America. As the Chair of Trustees, I look forward to working with you to take this opportunity to add to our stories and grow our visitor numbers.

If you are ready to seize this opportunity and shape the future of a unique cultural institution, we warmly invite you to get in touch.