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- Tasks: Lead Historic Churches Scotland in preserving and promoting Scotland's heritage.
- Company: Join a passionate charity dedicated to safeguarding at-risk churches.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to make a real impact, and work with diverse communities.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader shaping the future of Scotland's ecclesiastical heritage.
- Qualifications: Experience in heritage, conservation, or property management is essential.
- Other info: Exciting growth phase with opportunities for public engagement and community involvement.
Anderson Knight is thrilled to partner with Historic Churches Scotland (HCS) to appoint a visionary new Director at a pivotal moment in the charity’s journey. Historic Churches Scotland is a national Building Preservation Trust dedicated to safeguarding Scotland’s most significant at-risk churches, ensuring they remain open, sustainable, and cherished by local communities. As HCS enters an exciting phase of growth and increased public engagement, the charity seeks an inspiring and experienced leader to steer its strategic direction, fundraising, operations, and stakeholder relationships.
This senior leadership role is ideal for someone with a strong background in heritage, conservation, or property management, complemented by exceptional financial, governance, and people leadership skills.
Location: Scotland
Salary: £40,000–£50,000
Role Purpose
The Director will champion HCS’s mission by providing strategic leadership, enhancing fundraising efforts, managing the charity’s properties and teams, and ensuring robust governance. Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Leadership
- Shape and drive the charity’s long-term vision and strategy
- Act as a national ambassador for HCS, raising its profile and influence
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, funders, and communities
- Lead debates and policy discussions on the future of redundant church buildings
- Develop and implement a long-term fundraising strategy
- Advise trustees on property acquisitions and oversee transfers
- Ensure HCS churches are well-maintained and actively engaged with local communities
- Inspire and lead staff, consultants, and volunteers
- Support local “friends” groups to keep churches open and thriving
- Oversee budgets, resources, and project management to deliver quality and value
- Lead fundraising campaigns and manage grant applications
- Coordinate contractors and compliance processes
- Work closely with trustees to support effective board governance
- Ensure robust risk management, financial control, and compliance
- Assist the Chair with trustee recruitment and development
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience:
A degree or professional qualification in art history, architectural history, architecture, surveying, conservation, or a related field is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate experience or exposure to:
- Scottish ecclesiastical heritage and sector challenges
- Project management in heritage or conservation settings
- Working with building professionals, communities, and stakeholders
- Fundraising and engagement with funding bodies
- Financial management and compliance
- Leadership of staff and volunteers
- Ambassadorial and communication roles
Skills and Attributes:
- Passion for HCS and Scotland’s ecclesiastical heritage
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Practical problem-solving with diplomacy
- Strong self-management and ability to balance multiple priorities
- Negotiation skills and ability to manage diverse interests
How to Apply
For further information or to apply, please contact Nicole Limmer at Anderson Knight.
Director in Edinburgh employer: Anderson Knight
Contact Detail:
Anderson Knight Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director in Edinburgh
✨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 professionals 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 meet potential employers or stakeholders, make sure to express your enthusiasm for HCS’s mission. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their vision and engage with local communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching HCS thoroughly. Understand their current projects, challenges, and successes. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and are familiar with their processes. Let’s get you that Director role!
We think you need these skills to ace Director in Edinburgh
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 historic churches 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 steer our strategic direction, so connect your past roles to the responsibilities of the Director position.
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 and make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Anderson Knight
✨Know Your Heritage
Make sure to brush up on your knowledge of Scottish ecclesiastical heritage and the specific challenges faced by Historic Churches Scotland. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams, managing projects, and engaging with stakeholders. Think about times when you inspired others or successfully navigated complex situations—these stories will resonate well during the interview.
✨Fundraising Focus
Since fundraising is a key responsibility, come ready with ideas or strategies you've used in the past. Discussing your approach to developing long-term fundraising strategies will demonstrate your proactive mindset and commitment to HCS's mission.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about HCS’s future plans and community engagement strategies. This not only shows your interest but also gives you insight into how you can contribute to their vision.
