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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a charity dedicated to preserving Scotland's historic churches.
- Company: Historic Churches Scotland, a national Building Preservation Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of ÂŁ40,000-ÂŁ50,000 and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in protecting Scotland's heritage and engaging with local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in heritage, conservation, or property management is essential.
- Other info: Join at a pivotal time for growth and increased public engagement.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 54000 ÂŁ per year.
Anderson Knight is delighted to be partnering with Historic Churches Scotland to appoint a new Director at an exciting and pivotal stage in the charity’s development. Historic Churches Scotland is a national Building Preservation Trust dedicated to protecting and conserving Scotland’s most significant at-risk churches, ensuring they remain open, sustainable, and valued by local communities. As the organisation prepares for a new phase of growth and increased public engagement, they are seeking an experienced and inspirational leader to guide its strategic direction, fundraising, operational delivery, and stakeholder relationships. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a candidate with strong heritage, conservation, or property management experience, combined with excellent financial, governance, and people management skills.
Salary: ÂŁ40,000-ÂŁ50,000
Role Purpose
- The Director will lead HCS to secure its mission through:
- Strategic leadership and advocacy
- Fundraising and partnership development
- Management of HCS properties, staff, and volunteers
- Oversight of organisational finances and governance
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the charity and develop its strategic direction
- Act as an ambassador for HCS, raising its profile nationally
- Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and funders
- Respond to debates about the future of redundant church buildings
- Develop and implement a long-term fundraising strategy
- Oversee maintenance and community engagement for HCS churches
Management
- Inspire and manage staff, consultants, and volunteers
- Support local “friends” groups to ensure churches are open and actively used
- Prepare budgets and resource plans to meet property needs
- Lead fundraising and grant applications
- Manage projects, contractors, and compliance to ensure quality and value
Governance
- Maintain strong relationships with trustees and support board activities
- Ensure good governance, risk management, and financial compliance
- Assist the Chair in recruiting and developing trustees
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
- A degree or professional qualification in art history, architectural history, architecture, surveying, conservation, or a related field is desirable.
- Experience or exposure to:
- Scottish ecclesiastical heritage and current sector challenges
- Project management in heritage settings
- Working with building professionals, communities, and stakeholders
- Fundraising and managing funding bodies
- Financial management and compliance and staff and volunteer leadership
Skills and Attributes
- Passion for HCS and Scotland’s ecclesiastical heritage
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication
- Practical problem-solving and diplomacy
- Strong self-management and ability to balance multiple priorities
- Negotiation skills and ability to manage conflicting interests
To apply or for further information, please contact Nicole Limmer at Anderson Knight.
Director employer: Anderson Knight
Contact Detail:
Anderson Knight Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the heritage and conservation sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for Scotland’s ecclesiastical heritage. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and engage with local communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Historic Churches Scotland thoroughly. Understand their current projects, challenges, and successes. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re the right fit for leading their strategic direction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the heritage sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for Scotland’s ecclesiastical heritage shine through. We want to see how much you care about preserving these significant buildings and engaging with local communities.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in heritage, conservation, or property management. We’re looking for someone who can lead us strategically, so connect your past roles to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured writing that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and ideas. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary to convey your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure everything is processed smoothly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Anderson Knight
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with Scotland's ecclesiastical heritage and the current challenges facing the sector. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your understanding of the context in which Historic Churches Scotland operates.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in managing staff, volunteers, and stakeholders, as well as your ability to inspire and motivate others towards a common goal.
✨Fundraising Focus
Be ready to discuss your experience with fundraising and partnership development. Think of specific strategies you've implemented before and how you can apply them to help Historic Churches Scotland grow and engage with the community.
✨Master the Financials
Brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to talk about budgeting, resource planning, and compliance. Showing that you can oversee organisational finances effectively will be crucial for this senior leadership role.
