Vacancy: Honorary Secretary
The Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain (SAHGB) is seeking a new volunteer Honorary Secretary to take up this important role from Summer 2026.
The post’s core responsibility is to lead the delivery of the Society’s programme of activities. But the role has a wide-ranging and dynamic brief, with considerable scope for creativity and innovation. The postholder – fully supported by a paid General Manager – will work closely with the Chair and Trustees, and with the Society’s voluntary team of Officers/Leads.
The Hon. Secretary is accountable to the Board of Trustees and as such has the task of enacting policies in accordance with the Society’s strategic objectives. The role is line-managed by the Chair of Trustees.
Role + Responsibility / Job Tasks:
Vision and Leadership
● Serve as a visible face of the Society’s activities and champion its initiatives, acting as an advocate for architectural history in the UK, in all its forms and settings
● Work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees to help devise and deliver on the Society’s strategy
● Work in conjunction with the Programme Lead and other volunteers to deliver an engaging events programme – digital and physical – for the membership, professional audiences (including CPD), and the general public
● Promote the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda, working closely with the Society’s ED&I Networks to create an inclusive and accessible organisation
● Facilitate strategic partnerships in the service of the Society and the discipline, nationally and internationally, with organisations in cognate sectors, in conjunction with the Chair and Board of Trustees
● Lead a Management Team of voluntary Officers/Leads in order to deliver the Society’s programme, convening regular Management Team meetings. Help recruit and coordinate voluntary Officers/Leads to increase the capacity and effectiveness of the Society
● Work in line with the Society’s Manual of Operating Procedure and provide feedback to the Chair for its annual review and updating
● Help maintain an open and inclusive environment for volunteers and members to engage with the Society’s work
Finance, Fundraising and Membership
● Work closely with the Society’s Honorary Treasurer and General Manager to agree an Annual Budget for expenditure and income
● Champion the Society’s membership recruitment. Promote and enhance its member benefits
● Work with the Board of Trustees to optimise the Society’s fundraising strategy
Learning, Education and Research
● Work closely with the Society’s Education Officer/Lead to deliver on the core educational mission
● Help to devise and develop a more rounded lifelong learning offer
● Support and enable the Society’s international engagement aspirations
Digital, Content and Communications
● Oversee all the Society’s content and communications (except the Society’s journal, Architectural History) digitally and in print
● Ensure there is effective publicity for the Society’s events programme, in conjunction with the Programme Lead
● Coordinate the Society’s ceremonial activities, including the appointment and briefing of the Annual Lecturer; and manage the Society’s growing and internationally respected Awards Programme by overseeing the appointment of judges and convening judging panels
● Work closely with the Editor and Editorial Board of Architectural History to co-ordinate the journal’s activity with that of the wider Society, while ensuring the Editorial Board’s autonomy
Person Specification
● Knowledge and experience of the higher education, architectural history, and heritage sectors
● Experience in researching and practising architectural history in a professional setting, and a growing or established profile in architectural history (through publishing, consultancy, media etc)
● Alignment with the Society’s mission, purpose, vision and values
● Efficient in handling managerial and organisational tasks
● Knowledge and experience of working with digital tools and products
● Clear and collegial communication and management style
● Experience of managing a small team, especially of volunteers
● Skills in public and/or professional programming
● Experience of devising and delivering strategy to budget
● Experience of fundraising and development
The role of Honorary Secretary is unpaid, but all travel expenses will be refunded. The
postholder stands for re-election by the membership each year, but it is envisaged that they will stay in post for a three-year period, which may then be renewable once (subject to member approval). There will be occasional work commitments both in the evening and during the working day.
Application Timetable:
To apply, please send a CV and a short letter explaining your interest in the role to Dr David McKinstry, Chair, SAHGB, at david.mckinstry@sahgb.org.uk by Monday 22 June 2026. Interviews will take place in early July 2026. References may be requested following the offer of a post.
