Summary

Come and join our team at Bodiam Castle as our new Programming and Partnerships Officer! 

We are looking for a proactive, creative individual who will plan, create and deliver the annual programme of events and activities at Bateman’s, and supporting the events at Bodiam Castle. You'll be a confident self-starter, who can work independently as well as part of a team. You'll need strong communication skills as you'll be liaising with a diverse range of people; including colleagues, volunteers, contractors and external stakeholders. You’ll plan and co-create an exciting year-round programme of visitor engagement and participation opportunities, ensuring that all departments, staff, volunteers and partners help with its delivery.  You'll use your understanding of audience and community needs to nurture and develop relationships with our existing partners, and actively work to create new ones, all of which are mutually beneficial, and help us deliver our vision and agreed business objectives for the property.  

This is a full time, permanent contract opportunity working 37.5 hours per week. The role requires a level of flexibility to work some weekends, bank holidays and school holidays in line with the needs of the property and events programme.

What it's like to work here

The Bateman’s and Bodiam Castle portfolio consists of two very different properties run by one passionate team.

Bodiam Castle is an impressive 14th century moated castle and one of the most famous castles in Britain. The spiral staircases and original features make for an ever-inspiring atmosphere with a strong spring and summer business appealing to tourists, families and school groups from the UK and overseas.

Ten miles away in Burwash nestles Bateman’s, the former home of Rudyard Kipling. This 17th century house remains much the same as the world-famous writer left it. Batemans has a real family feel, with a team who will give you a warm welcome. The garden and landscape at Bateman's provided the inspiration for Rudyard's medical tales in Puck of Pook's Hill and Rewards and Fairies.

Nestled in a peaceful corner of East Sussex with beautiful surrounding, this is a great place to live and work.

What you'll be doing

As Programming and Partnerships Officer, you'll be responsible for working with the property team to co-produce specific elements of a public engagement programme of visitor experiences and participation opportunities at Bateman’s and Bodiam Castle. Primarily based at Bateman’s, you’ll be working with the committed and talented teams across the properties to create a programme of events and activities that bring the stories, history, collections and conservation work of Bateman’s to life for our visitors. You'll explore opportunities for fresh and dynamic ways to present our property, both in-house, and by forging relationships with outside commercial and community partners. From coordinating with national teams about high level programming one day through to setting up events on the ground the next, each day is varied.

You'll ensure the highest standards of presentation are rigorously maintained, and our core offer is relevant and engaging for our audiences across the year. You’ll be passionate about creating experiences that welcome everyone and widen our audience, ensuring that diversity and accessibility are a strategic priority. Understanding how and why we engage with our supporters is key. Working with our spirit of place, you’ll work with all departments to link everything we do back to our cause and the on-going work we do. As a champion of exceptional visitor experiences, you’ll join a high performing team to give visitors a memorable day out.

Who we're looking for

We would love to hear from you if you are able to demonstrate the following: 

• Experience of delivering projects or activities within the arts, culture, heritage, natural environment, sports or visitor attraction sector.
• Experience of building partnership relationships and working in collaboration with community or commercial partners.
• Experience of working with and supervising volunteers.
• Strong organisational skills including setting priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Understanding of an audience-led approach and the ability to evaluate impact and use feedback to further develop an offer or event.
• Able to demonstrate excellent team working skills with an adaptable and empathic approach.
• Some knowledge and experience of managing budgets and maximising income.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Wherever you’re from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from you – and it doesn’t matter if you’re jam first, cream first, or even if you don’t like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.

Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.