Interim Director of International - 12-month fixed-term contract

Do you have senior-level experience leading international strategy and driving growth across multiple markets?

Have you worked within a membership-led or purpose-driven organisation, balancing member value with commercial ambition?

Have you built or led international or regional teams, translating strategy into delivery in complex, matrix environments?

If so, this interim role could be an excellent fit for you.

Our client

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body, and a cultural organisation, driving excellence in architecture (https://www.riba.org/ ).

We are proud to partner with RIBA to identify talent for their Interim Director of International - 12-month fixed-term contract.

For nearly 200 years, RIBA has been dedicated to serving its members and society, striving to create better buildings, places, and stronger communities. Committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive culture, RIBA is a place where everyone can thrive and make a difference.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join this renowned organisation at an exciting time and contribute to the successful delivery of its ambitious international strategy.

The opportunity

RIBA is seeking an experienced Interim Director of International to lead the implementation of its newly approved International Strategy.

This is a senior, strategic leadership role, responsible for bringing coherence, focus and momentum to RIBA’s international activity during a critical phase of growth and transformation. Over the next 12 months, the postholder will work closely with the Executive Director for Membership Experience and the wider Executive team to move RIBA from strategy into execution - establishing regional infrastructure, driving international growth, and aligning activity across membership, products and services and fundraising.

This role is intentionally interim: it is about setting direction, building structure, and creating momentum, while helping shape the longer-term international operating model.

Practical details

·         Contract: 12-month fixed-term (interim)

·         Salary: c. £105,000 per annum

·         Location: Hybrid with regular presence in RIBA’s offices in either London or Liverpool.

·         Travel: Regular international travel (typically c. once per month)
 

Key responsibilities

·         Lead the implementation and delivery of RIBA’s International Strategy, translating vision into clear priorities, plans and measurable outcomes.

·         Provide strategic leadership across RIBA’s international activity, ensuring alignment across membership, commercial, education, cultural and professional programmes.

·         Establish and shape regional infrastructure, including working alongside the Executive Director to appoint and support RIBA’s first Regional Director (Gulf).

·         Act as the senior point of coordination for all international activity, reducing duplication, improving collaboration and ensuring a joined-up approach across directorates.

·         Drive international membership growth and retention, shaping and delivering a compelling international member value proposition.

·         Identify and oversee commercial, partnership and fundraising opportunities internationally, including products, services, training, standards and major projects.

·         Lead and inspire a diverse, remote, cross-cultural and matrix-managed international team, setting clear objectives, KPIs and performance expectations.

·         Build and maintain senior relationships with international stakeholders, partners, volunteers and elected members.

·         Ensure strong governance, financial oversight and compliance across international operations.

·         Represent RIBA internationally, reinforcing its reputation as a leading global professional and cultural body.
 

What we’re looking for

This role will suit a senior leader who has done something similar before - someone comfortable operating at a senior level, navigating complexity, and delivering growth in an international context.

You will bring:

·         Proven experience in a senior international leadership role, ideally spanning multiple regions.

·         A strong track record of delivering growth - across membership, commercial income, partnerships or market development.

·         Experience of building or reshaping international or regional structures, including working with in-country teams.

·         Commercial acumen alongside an understanding of membership-led or purpose-driven organisations.

·         Strategic gravitas: confidence operating with executive teams, boards and senior stakeholders globally.

·         The ability to lead through influence in a matrix environment, aligning diverse teams around shared priorities.

·         Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capability.

·         Cultural intelligence and experience working across different regulatory, governance and operating environments.
Experience in the Gulf region is highly desirable, given the organisation’s immediate priorities. Broader international exposure across regions such as Asia, the Americas or Europe is equally valued.

Interested?

For a confidential conversation with FJWilson Talent (RIBA's recruitment partner) please contact us on 0203 195 3600, or email us at resourcingteam@fjwilson.com

*Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.*

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