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- Tasks: Lead heritage engagement and create immersive experiences at a historic estate.
- Company: Leeds Castle, a stunning 900-year-old estate with a vibrant future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to ÂŁ85,000 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of one of England's most iconic destinations and inspire diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in heritage interpretation, audience development, and project management.
- Other info: Join a dynamic leadership 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
- 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
- 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.
For further information and details on how to apply, please visit here.
Closing date for applications: Friday 10th April 2026.
Heritage & Engagement Director in Maidstone employer: Leeds Castle
Contact Detail:
Leeds Castle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Heritage & Engagement Director in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the heritage and engagement sector, especially those connected to Leeds Castle. Attend events, join relevant groups, 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 for heritage! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, share your enthusiasm for storytelling and community engagement. Make it clear that you’re not just looking for a job; you want to make a real impact at Leeds Castle.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Leeds Castle’s current projects and future ambitions. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around accessibility and audience engagement. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Leeds Castle team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Heritage & Engagement Director in Maidstone
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 heritage projects or initiatives in the past. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to align your experience with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in audience development and fundraising, and don’t forget to mention any successful projects you've led. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Be Creative in Your Storytelling: This role is all about storytelling, so use your application to tell us your own story! Use engaging language and structure your application in a way that reflects your creative thinking. We love innovative ideas, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. 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
Dive deep into the history of Leeds Castle and its significance. Understand its stories, collections, and the unique 'Spirit of Place' that defines it. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to articulate your ambitious interpretive vision for the Castle. Think about how you can enhance storytelling and visitor experiences through innovative exhibitions and community engagement. Be ready to share specific ideas that align with their goals.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering a collaborative culture. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with curatorial, learning, and fundraising teams to achieve common objectives. They’ll want to see your leadership style in action.
✨Fundraising Know-How
Brush up on your understanding of fundraising techniques and be prepared to discuss how you've shaped projects that attract external funding. Bring examples of successful bids or partnerships you've developed, as this is crucial for the role.