At a Glance
- 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 £85,000 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic leadership team committed to sustainability and innovation.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ 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
Leeds Castle offers a unique opportunity for the Heritage & Engagement Director to lead transformative initiatives within a historic estate that blends 900 years of heritage with modern engagement strategies. The company fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing ample opportunities for professional growth while championing sustainability and community involvement. With a commitment to enhancing visitor experiences and accessibility, Leeds Castle stands out as an exceptional employer dedicated to preserving its rich legacy and inspiring future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Heritage & Engagement Director in Maidstone
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Leeds Castle.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Leeds Castle.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Leeds Castle.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Leeds Castle. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Heritage & Engagement Director in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Leeds Castle. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Heritage & Engagement Director, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds Castle
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Leeds Castle. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
