At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead conservation strategies and advocate for Scotland's heritage.
- Company: National Trust for Scotland, a leading conservation charity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving Scotland's natural and cultural treasures.
- Why this job: Shape Scotland's heritage and make a lasting impact on future generations.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in conservation and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The National Trust for Scotland is the conservation and membership charity that protects and promotes Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations to access and enjoy. With around 350,000 members, it is the largest conservation charity in the country with responsibility for over 110 natural and designed-heritage sites across all Scotland, from the UNESCO‑recognised archipelago of St Kilda and the National Nature Reserve of Mar Lodge Estate in the Cairngorms, to Robert Adam’s Culzean Castle, Gardens and Estate in Ayrshire and Robert Smail’s Printing Works in Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders, the oldest working commercial letterpress printers in the UK. Established in 1931, the Trust acts as guardian of the nation’s magnificent heritage of architectural, horticultural, natural, historic, archaeological places and artistic treasures in its ownership and care, welcoming some 6 million people a year. As an independent and self‑financing charity through membership, enterprise and philanthropy, it acts on behalf of everyone to safeguard and speak up for the importance of our heritage.
The National Trust for Scotland is seeking an experienced and inspiring Director of Conservation & Policy, one of the Trust’s most senior and strategically influential roles. This position serves as the custodian and champion of the Trust’s conservation and policy functions, directing a broad portfolio that spans natural heritage, designed landscapes, collections, buildings, archaeology, national estate management, environmental sustainability, organisational risk, and the Trust’s ten‑year Corporate Strategy. This is a wide‑reaching remit that demands strategic leadership, expert judgement and strong external influence across a complex landscape of stakeholders, partners, policymakers and peers. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the Trust’s contribution to Scotland’s heritage, its environmental performance, and its national advocacy voice at a pivotal moment in our development as we deliver our strategy Nature, Beauty and Heritage for Everyone and prepare for our centenary in 2031.
Role Responsibilities
- Leading the development of strategies, standards, research and delivery plans across all conservation disciplines: Nature, Gardens & Designed Landscapes, Buildings, Archaeology, Collections and National Estates.
- Ensuring coherent, balanced and evidence‑based conservation approaches that reflect the scale and diversity of the Trust’s properties.
- Leading the direction of the conservation, research and maintenance of the Trust’s heritage buildings in collaboration with the property teams.
- Guiding the strategic development of the Trust’s estate, including acquisition, partnership opportunities and other approaches to safeguarding heritage.
- Driving the development and implementation of the Trust’s environmental sustainability policy and improving organisational environmental performance.
- Overseeing corporate policy development across conservation and access responsibilities, ensuring effective application and reporting.
- Leading the coordination and reporting of the Trust’s strategic risk management framework.
- Developing and reporting on performance against the Trust’s ten‑year Corporate Strategy.
- Advocating for the Trust’s conservation and policy positions nationally and internationally, influencing outcomes for Scotland’s heritage, people and places.
- Representing the Trust within major networks and partnerships and deputising for the Chief Executive where required.
Person Specification
- Senior leadership experience across multiple conservation disciplines in a large or complex conservation, heritage or land‑management organisation.
- Proven ability to develop organisational strategies and translate them into coherent, deliverable plans with clear priorities.
- Sophisticated planning and budget‑setting skills, balancing resources against need, ambition and organisational capacity.
- Leadership experience in good governance, including policy development, risk management and performance frameworks.
- A strong values‑driven leadership style with demonstrable success in inspiring, motivating and uniting diverse teams.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and the ability to influence at national policy level.
- Deep understanding of Scottish charity, regulatory and parliamentary environments.
- A passion for the Trust’s mission and an alignment with our commitment to conservation, public access, education, visitor experience and long‑term stewardship.
- Degree‑level education, ideally linked to a relevant aspect of conservation, land, or heritage‑property expertise and management.
- A UK driving license, and the ability to undertake travel across all of Scotland, including island travel.
National Trust, Director of Conservation & Policy employer: FWB
The National Trust for Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and shape the conservation of Scotland's rich heritage while working in a collaborative and values-driven environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, the Trust fosters a culture of innovation and inclusivity, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and engagement with passionate colleagues dedicated to making a meaningful impact on Scotland's natural and cultural landscape. Located across some of the most stunning sites in Scotland, employees enjoy not only a rewarding career but also the chance to connect deeply with the nation's heritage and contribute to its preservation for future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Trust, Director of Conservation & Policy
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like FWB that might not be advertised widely.
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We think you need these skills to ace National Trust, Director of Conservation & Policy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with FWB's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for National Trust, Director of Conservation & Policy.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research FWB and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that FWB is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of National Trust, Director of Conservation & Policy.
How to prepare for a job interview at FWB
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with FWB.
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When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at FWB.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of FWB. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
