Summary

The National Trust’s public profile has arguably never been higher. We now have more members than at any time during our entire history, along with record numbers of visitors. As our profile has risen, so too has the level of interest and scrutiny in what we do and why we do it.

We’re rarely out of the headlines and as one of the biggest and best-known charities in the country, almost everyone will have a view on some aspect of what the Trust does. That’s why we need a razor-sharp communications expert to help us communicate our story in a clear, consistent and compelling way to a broad range of audiences.

Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon, however there will be an opportunity to explore and agree remote working arrangements which strike the right balance for you and the Trust. The role will involve travel to our head office or regional hubs to meet with stakeholders and to carry out work.

What it's like to work here

You and your team of two communications officers will ensure the complex world of the Trust is simplified and the direction the organisation is taking is more widely understood and supported. That means championing our “Everyone Welcome” and urban heritage communications plan, and developing corporate communication stories around membership, fundraising and advocacy. It also means working at a high level on some of the most exciting and reputationally significant areas for the Trust.

What you'll be doing

You’ll be responsible for delivering the external corporate narrative for the Trust, stripping away the complexity to create a clear and compelling vision of what the Trust is, why it does it and how it does it. You will work closely with the Internal Communications team on all major announcements and you will lead on communication around our work on urban heritage. 

Being a great influencer and negotiator, you’ll establish effective releationships with your key stakeholders both internally and externally. Your stakeholders will range from members of the executive board to regional directors and corporate partners where you will provide specialist support, guidance, co-ordination and advise on media handling.

In this role managing and protecting our corporate reputation is key. You will be handling high profile and complex media enquiries and you will lead on the charity’s crisis communication planning.

You’ll be creative and innovative in your approach evaluating the strategic performance of the external communications team, establishing key performance indicators and measuring the impact of free media on the charity. 

Who we're looking for

We’re looking for someone who has:

• A proven track record of devising and delivering strategic communication plans for a large and complex organisation
• Extensive experience of managing reputational issues and dealing with national journalists
• A proven track record of working collaboratively with senior stakeholders
• Diplomatic but robust ability in pointing out reputational risk
• Ability to spot and cultivate opportunities for positive media coverage
• Ability to strip down complex information into simple, compelling narratives
• Extensive experience in a communications team 
• Evidence of line managing a team 
• Experience of messaging which is simple and effective

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.