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- Tasks: Lead policy and external relations to enhance the UK's heritage through strategic engagement.
- Company: Join the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the largest funder for the UK’s heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on heritage accessibility and community pride while collaborating with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in public policy and external affairs is essential; leadership skills are a must.
- Other info: Applications close on March 9, 2025; interviews on April 1, 2025.
The predicted salary is between 71918 - 80850 £ per year.
Vacancy Type: Permanent/Full Time
Salary: £71,918 to £80,850 (London: £75,386 to £84,318, includes London Weighting) (R7)
Location: Any of the Heritage Fund’s offices in the UK. Able to sustain regular travel to London (Hybrid Working)
Application Deadline: Sunday, March 9, 2025
Job Summary
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
As the largest funder for the UK’s heritage, our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.
We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to past.
Our mission is to use our expertise to support and champion the UK’s heritage and demonstrate the transformative potential of National Lottery funding through delivering our new strategy Heritage 2033. We ensure that money from the National Lottery makes a decisive difference for people, places and communities.
We are currently recruiting for a full time Director of Policy and External Relations on a permanent contract based in any of the Heritage Fund’s offices in the UK – able to sustain regular travel to London (Hybrid Working).
This is a key leadership role at the Heritage Fund. As the organisation’s senior policy and external affairs professional, the postholder will lead a team of policy and public affairs experts charged with advising on all aspects of public policy and practice where heritage can make a significant contribution. You will drive, inspire, co-ordinate and prioritise our engagement with policy work and provide expert advice, input and guidance on all areas relevant to our strategy. You will also oversee the Heritage Fund’s strategic approach to external relations, through public affairs and stakeholder engagement across the UK.
This includes providing input and advice on the needs and priorities for funding; providing staff, decision takers and applicants with policy and external relations advice and guidance; and acting as a visible advocate for the transformational effect of National Lottery funding.
As our senior policy and external relations lead, you will collaborate closely with colleagues within the wider team and across the organisation, including the CEO/Chair’s office.
If you are excited about helping ensure that heritage is inclusive and accessible to everyone, for now and future generations, then we want to hear from you.
- Applications close on 9 March 2025.
- Interviews are expected to take place on 1 April 2025.
Our Values
Our Values and Behaviours sit at the heart of our work and are central to how we recruit. How you demonstrate our Values is just as important to us as your skills and experience.
- Inclusive of all aspects of heritage, people and communities
- Ambitious for our people, communities and heritage
- Collaborative by working and learning together
- Trusted for our integrity, expertise and judgement
Flexible Working
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has offices all over the UK and we champion a flexible approach to working where this supports our business needs. We have formally adopted a hybrid working approach. This means that most employees will work from their contracted Heritage Fund office twice a week at minimum. Time spent on site visits to projects or other meetings based at another Heritage Fund or external office are counted as part of those two days. The other days in the week employees may work from home.
Disability Confident Employer
We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for every vacancy. We always endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and special requirements can be discussed and arranged before an interview.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund pledges to provide an inclusive working and learning environment for our people which prioritises fairness, equality, diversity and inclusion as well as dignity and respect for all. We will create a workspace where intimidation, discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation are not tolerated and actively prevented and opposed.
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Director of Policy and External Relations employer: The National Heritage Memorial Fund
Contact Detail:
The National Heritage Memorial Fund Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Policy and External Relations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the National Lottery Heritage Fund's current projects and initiatives. Understanding their strategic goals, especially around Heritage 2033, will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the heritage sector and public policy. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with individuals who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you internally.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of inclusivity, ambition, collaboration, and trust. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in similar environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current trends and challenges in heritage funding and public policy. Being knowledgeable about these topics will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations and demonstrate your expertise during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Policy and External Relations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Policy and External Relations. Understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and how your experience aligns with their mission and values.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in policy development, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership abilities and your commitment to inclusive heritage.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for heritage and its impact on communities. Make sure to address how you can contribute to the Heritage Fund's strategic goals.
Showcase Your Values: In both your CV and cover letter, reflect the values of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Emphasize your collaborative spirit, integrity, and ambition for inclusive heritage, as these are central to their recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Heritage Memorial Fund
✨Understand the Heritage Fund's Vision
Familiarize yourself with the Heritage Fund's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision of valuing and sustaining heritage for everyone.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a key leadership role, it's essential to demonstrate your ability to inspire and coordinate teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led policy initiatives or external relations in previous roles.
✨Highlight Collaborative Experiences
Collaboration is crucial in this role. Be ready to share specific instances where you've worked effectively with diverse stakeholders, showcasing your ability to build relationships and drive collective goals.
✨Prepare for Policy Discussions
Expect questions about current public policy issues related to heritage. Stay informed on recent developments and be ready to articulate your views on how heritage can contribute to community well-being and funding priorities.
