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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead heritage engagement and create immersive experiences at a historic estate.
- Company: Leeds Castle, a 900-year-old iconic destination in Kent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to ÂŁ85,000 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a historic site while engaging diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in heritage, audience development, and fundraising.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to sustainability and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 ÂŁ per year.
Where 900 years of history meet a creative, bold & imaginative future. Leeds Castle—an extraordinary 900‑year‑old Estate, with Grade I Listed Castle, invites an exceptional heritage leader to shape the next chapter of one of England’s most iconic destinations. With a rich legacy of female ownership, a vibrant tradition as a Glamorous Retreat, and a modern role as a leading visitor attraction and independent charity, this is a rare opportunity to support a nationally significant heritage estate through transformation.
Your Mission
- As Heritage & Engagement Director, you will lead the interpretation, curatorship, public engagement & fundraising that bring the Castle’s stories, landscape and collections to life for a broad range of audiences.
- Define and deliver a fresh, ambitious interpretive vision that deepens understanding of Leeds Castle’s Spirit of Place and elevates our storytelling across the Castle, gardens, estate and wildlife.
- Lead curatorship and collections activity, ensuring rigorous stewardship, research, documentation and conservation of our historic interiors and artefacts.
- Create compelling exhibitions and visitor experiences, including new multimedia, interactive and nature‑based experiences aligned with our Whole Estate Plan.
- Work with Learning Manager to build on successful schools’ offer.
- Drive audience engagement, expanding accessibility, community partnerships and participation while embedding robust evaluation and audience insight.
- Oversee fundraising strategy, supporting the team to build a strong prospect pipeline and secure major grants—including a significant future bid to support essential Castle repairs and accessibility improvements.
- Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team across Curatorial, Learning, Fundraising and Community Engagement, nurturing a collaborative culture that embraces curiosity, innovation and long‑term stewardship.
About You
- You will be a proven heritage or cultural sector leader with demonstrable experience of delivering impactful interpretation, exhibitions and storytelling.
- A strong background in audience development, accessibility, community engagement and partnership working.
- Credible curatorial and collections management expertise, with the ability to set strategy and maintain high standards.
- Experience leading major projects, budget management and cross‑disciplinary teams.
- Understanding of fundraising techniques and experience of shaping projects that appeal to external funders.
- A collaborative, imaginative, and strategic mindset—bringing creativity, rigour and the distinctive “Leeds Castle twist” to everything you do.
- Passion for heritage, people and creating experiences that surprise, delight and endure.
- An ability to shift between strategic thinking and putting your shoulder to the wheel in a fast paced, ambitious and high performing team.
Why Now?
- Leeds Castle is at an exciting point in its journey: Major conservation projects underway.
- Growing fundraising successes, including NLHF support.
- New ambitions to enhance biodiversity, improve accessibility, and develop nature‑based visitor experiences.
- Expanding accommodation, events and learning programmes.
- A commitment to sustainability and long‑term estate planning.
You will join a dynamic Senior Leadership Team shaping a resilient, imaginative and people‑centred future for this remarkable estate.
Closing date for applications: Friday 10th April 2026
Heritage & Engagement Director in Kent employer: Leeds Castle
Contact Detail:
Leeds Castle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Heritage & Engagement Director in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the heritage and cultural sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to 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 love for heritage and community engagement. Share your ideas on how you can elevate storytelling and audience participation at places like Leeds Castle. Let them see your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their current projects, challenges, and future goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, applying directly shows your commitment and interest in the role. So, take that extra step and let’s get you closer to that Heritage & Engagement Director position!
We think you need these skills to ace Heritage & Engagement Director in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Heritage: When writing your application, let your love for heritage shine through! Share specific examples of how you've engaged with cultural projects or initiatives in the past. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the unique aspects of Leeds Castle and the Heritage & Engagement Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in curatorship, audience engagement, and fundraising. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. Remember, we’re looking for clarity in your vision as much as in your writing!
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Leeds Castle!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds Castle
✨Know Your Heritage
Before the interview, dive deep into Leeds Castle's history and its significance. Understand its stories, collections, and the current projects underway. This will not only show your passion for heritage but also help you connect your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Engagement Strategies
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully engaged diverse audiences in the past. Think about innovative ways you've enhanced accessibility or built community partnerships, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to share your experiences leading multidisciplinary teams. Highlight how you've fostered collaboration and creativity in previous roles, as this will resonate well with their emphasis on nurturing a dynamic team culture.
✨Fundraising Know-How
Brush up on your fundraising strategies and be prepared to discuss how you've secured major grants or developed compelling projects for funders. This is crucial for the role, so having concrete examples will set you apart.