Advertised from 3 February 2026

Role

Background to The Crichton Trust

The Crichton Trust is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status, established in 1996 to promote, regenerate and care for The Crichton and other buildings of historic interest throughout Dumfries and Galloway. 

The Trust has the overall strategic responsibility of ensuring that the site is managed and developed to an appropriate standard. Our mission is to preserve, enhance and interpret the historic character of The Crichton and develop it with a clear identity as a place of educational, commercial, recreational, cultural and artistic excellence taking account of accessibility and stakeholder and community needs for the benefit of Dumfries and Galloway. 

Key Responsibilities and Objectives

Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Trust, accountable to the Board of Trustees for its people and resources, ensuring effective delivery of operational, financial, legal and regulatory responsibilities, and inspiring the management team to embrace the challenges faced. Work with the Board to shape, grow, and deliver an innovative, sustainable strategy that secures long-term success—acting as custodian of The Crichton’s place and story; protecting the charity’s ongoing wellbeing; safeguarding the site’s environmental, cultural, and heritage value; and driving The Crichton’s evolution into a thriving hub for economic activity that supports the region’s economic development.

Lead the development and delivery of The Crichton’s strategic partnerships, maximising engagement with key partners and stakeholders to position The Crichton as a vital infrastructure asset for the South of Scotland and nationally, and to drive sustainable growth through collaborative, whole-system approaches that realise shared ambition and opportunities.

We are especially interested in candidates who bring:

• A genuine commitment to, and understanding of, the organisation’s mission 
• Proven CEO-level leadership experience, preferably within the non-profit sector 
• Extensive senior operational experience in a non-profit environment 
• Strong knowledge of charity governance and regulatory requirements 
• A track record of successfully managing diverse income streams

Application notes

Closing Date: Friday 27th February 2026 at 5pm 

Interview Dates: Stage 1 - Friday 13th March. Stage 2 - Tuesday 17th March 2026 

To apply, please visit: https://awsexecutive.com/ceo-the-crichton-trust/