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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the conservation and heritage sectors, especially those connected to the National Trust. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your love for Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to conservation – it’ll make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the National Trust’s current projects and challenges. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help tackle these issues. Tailor your responses to show you understand their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our job board for new opportunities that match your skills and interests. We’re all about connecting passionate individuals with meaningful roles!
We think you need these skills to ace National Trust, Director of Conservation & Policy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in conservation and policy. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for Scotland’s heritage shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about conservation and public access, so share your personal connection to the mission of the National Trust.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s absolutely necessary!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at FWB
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the National Trust for Scotland's mission and key projects. Understanding their conservation efforts and how they impact Scotland’s heritage will show your genuine interest and alignment with their values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your senior leadership experience in conservation or heritage management. Be ready to discuss how you've developed strategies and led diverse teams, as this role demands strong leadership and the ability to inspire others.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your experience in stakeholder engagement and influencing policy. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've successfully navigated complex relationships and advocated for conservation initiatives at a national level.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Articulate your approach to developing coherent, evidence-based plans. Discuss how you balance resources against organisational needs and ambitions, as this will be crucial for the role's responsibilities in shaping the Trust’s ten-year Corporate Strategy.
