Chair of the Rome Advisory Committee

Play a key role in the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association as Chair of the Rome Advisory Committee, supporting the preservation and development of the Keats-Shelley House and its collections.

• Location: Rome
• Salary: Reasonable expenses paid

The Keats-Shelley Memorial Association (KSMA) is seeking a visionary Chair for its Rome Advisory Committee (RAC) to provide essential leadership and strategic guidance for our activities in Italy. Founded in 1903, the Association maintains the historic Keats-Shelley House in Rome, a museum dedicated to the lives and works of the Younger English Romantic poets.

This voluntary role is a unique opportunity for an individual based in Rome to support the work of KSMA and the Museum Director, fostering a collaborative environment, ensuring that the Committee’s advice is evidence-based and aligned with their charitable mission to preserve the memory of poets such as Keats, Shelley and Byron.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive networks, a deep understanding of the cultural landscape and a passion for Anglo-Italian cultural relations. You will lead the Committee and, alongside the Director, represent the Association in diplomatic and cultural circles.

Who we are

The Keats-Shelley Memorial Association (KSMA) was established in 1903 to support the Keats-Shelley House at 26 Piazza di Spagna, Rome — the historic Palazzo where John Keats died in 1821. Today, it stands as a celebrated museum housing one of the world’s most extensive collections of memorabilia, letters and paintings related to Keats, Shelley and their circle.

As an independent UK charity, KSMA relies primarily on admissions, memberships and donations to maintain the House and its world-class collections. Beyond its physical presence in Rome, the Association plays a vital role in Anglo-Italian cultural relations through a diverse range of activities.

The Association publishes a bi-annual academic journal, The Keats-Shelley Review and hosts prestigious prizes including the Keats-Shelley Prize and the Young Romantics Prize.

The House serves as a vibrant cultural hub, offering outreach programs, lectures and educational events. Our mission remains dedicated to preserving the works and appreciation of the Romantic poets for global audiences while ensuring the long-term conservation of our historic heritage assets.

About the role

The Chair of the Rome Advisory Committee provides leadership to the Committee and acts, alongside the Director, as a vital link to the UK Board of Trustees, supporting the Association’s charitable objectives in Italy.

This is an opportunity to support the Director and the creative ambitions of the Association, providing in-person support and helping the organisation build even stronger connections and networks within Rome and the wider region.

The Committee exists to support the Museum Director by offering considered, expert advice on matters where external perspective, specialist knowledge, or strategic reflection is beneficial. The Rome Chair only holds executive responsibility through their appointment of a Trustee on the board of the UK charity.

The Rome Committee is advisory only, with the focus of the Chair role being on governance, strategic support and high-level liaison.

Key responsibilities:

• Leadership: Lead the Rome Advisory Committee (RAC) in accordance with its Terms of Reference, ensuring meetings are inclusive and well-ordered.

• Strategic liaison: Act, with the Museum Director, as a link between the RAC and the UK Board, relaying recommendations and strategic insights.

• Advisory support: Provide informed advice to the Museum Director on matters relating to KSMA’s activities and presence in Rome.

• Governance: Manage potential conflicts of interest and support the induction and periodic review of Committee members. Serve as a legal representative for the Italian branch together with the Director of the Museum and the Treasurer; in the absence of the Director, where circumstances require an exceptional local intervention, the Rome Chair is expected to oversee legal and tax matters supported by and in conjunction with the Executive Committee (UK Chair, Cosec, Vice Chair and Treasurer). The role is not expected to be operational.

• Trusteeship: Serve as a registered Trustee on the UK Board for the duration of the three-year term (with the option to serve a further 3-year term).

Accountability

• The Rome Chair is accountable to the UK Board of Trustees.
• The Rome Chair reports to the Board on the activities, advice and recommendations of the Rome Advisory Committee.
• The Chair works closely with the Director of the Museum and reports to the UK Chair.

Who we are looking for

The Rome Chair must live in and be based in Rome and be a fluent Italian speaker.

We are looking for a dedicated individual with a clear passion for the works of the Romantic poets and a commitment to preserving their legacy. The ideal candidate will possess the professional standing and diplomacy required to represent the Association effectively in international circles.

Skills and experience:

• Proven leadership: Experience chairing boards or high-level committees, demonstrating sound judgment and the ability to build consensus.
• Strategic vision: Ability to provide credible strategic advice relevant to KSMA’s cultural and heritage mission.
• Communication skills: Exceptional facilitation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Governance expertise: A strong understanding of advisory committee practices and the responsibilities associated with charity governance.
• Cultural knowledge: Knowledge of the Italian cultural context or experience working internationally is highly advantageous.
• Ambassadorial experience: Comfortable in a public-facing role, with the ability to bring value through connections in diplomatic, government, or financial circles.

Candidates must be able to devote the necessary time, including travel between the UK and Rome and have arrangements to guarantee their presence in Italy.

Time commitment

The Rome Advisory Committee meets at least four times a year on agreed-upon dates.

The meeting schedule includes several specific requirements and practices:

• Annual meeting: One of the Rome meetings is designated as the Annual Meeting, which is held on the date closest to June. The UK Annual meeting and AGM are held in September.
• International meeting: An international meeting is held in Rome each October where the entire KSMA community comes together to discuss the strategic direction of the charity.
• Scheduling: Meeting dates for the full calendar year ahead are typically set during the November Committee meeting.
• Additional meetings: Beyond the scheduled quarterly sessions, the Committee meets whenever the General Director, the Rome Chair, or the Trustees request a meeting to discuss specific items.
• The time commitment is 1 -2 days per month.

Terms of the appointment

• The Chair is appointed by the UK Board of Trustees.
• Length of term and eligibility for re‑appointment shall be in accordance with KSMA’s Constitution or Board‑approved policy. (a 3-year term with a further 3 years if reconfirmed).
• Effectiveness will be reviewed periodically by the Board.
• The Rome Chair is expected to travel to the UK once per year for the AGM, for which reasonable expenses will be covered.

The role is advisory and non-fiduciary regarding day-to-day management, focusing instead on high-level guidance and ambassadorial support.

To view the role description and person specification, please go to the ‘How to Apply’ tab above, fill in your details and download the candidate pack.

For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:

David Hingley | david@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07534 244249