British School at Athens

Founded in 1886, the British School at Athens (BSA) is the UK’s research hub in the humanities and social sciences in Greece and its wider Balkan, European, Mediterranean and Levantine contexts. The BSA conducts, facilitates and promotes research of international excellence alongside offering targeted courses to develop the next generation of researchers and academics in those fields. It comprises a world class library, archive, the Fitch Laboratory for archaeological science, guesthouse and offices in Athens; a smaller guesthouse, library and museum in Knossos; and an office in London.

The BSA forms part of the British Academy’s network of British International Research Institutes (BIRI) which sustains and supports British research overseas. Its 135-year history brings a strong reputation, an unparalleled regional network, an accumulation of library and material resources, and a body of expertise that benefit both UK-based researchers and those who engage with the BSA as research partners. The School’s goals are achieved through science-based archaeological research; use of its archival, laboratory, library and museum collections by the scholarly community worldwide; an academic programme of seminars, lectures, and conferences; dissemination of research through the publication of its journals and monograph series; and the provision of internships and training courses for undergraduates, postgraduates, and schoolteachers.

The BSA is a diplomatic institution in the broad sense. It represents British academic interests overseas, supports the work of the British Embassy especially in cultural matters, and enhances the international visibility of UK research. Alongside cultural diplomacy, the BSA is committed to a wide range of public engagement, addressed to audiences and stakeholders in Greece, the UK and (via online outreach) worldwide.

The BSA wishes to appoint a new Director with ambition, energy and leadership skills, who will work with the School’s Council, staff and other stakeholders to articulate and develop a strategic vision for the future, positioning the BSA as a world-class institution in its fields of expertise for the next decade and beyond. As part of this process, a key requirement will be to ensure that the BSA is an intellectually vibrant, welcoming, inclusive and diverse centre for a wide variety of academics, students, and other visitors.

In this exciting and varied role, the Director will be responsible for the management of the BSA and its staff in both Athens and London, and for the well-being and development of all individuals within the BSA community. As research leader and mentor for researchers, the Director will determine, support and supervise the research strategy, programmes and projects of the BSA. The Director will maintain collaborative and productive relations with the British Academy, Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports, and other external stakeholders. S/he will also work closely with the BSA’s Council to develop and implement strategies to secure external funding from a wide range of sources in the UK, Greece, and other countries.

Good candidates will bring a record of distinction and achievement in research in one or more of the academic disciplines covered by the BSA. They will also possess leadership and management experience, including the ability to lead change in an academic or analogous setting, and the interpersonal skills associated with cultural diplomacy and public engagement. This Athens-based post is full-time and residential at the BSA, normally in the Director’s residence on-site. The post may be held on secondment from a UK university or other institution, or otherwise the Director may be employed directly by the BSA.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to The British School at Athens on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference WARABA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on 22nd October 2021.