Communications and Advocacy Director, National Trust

Salary: £94,500 – £105,000 dependant on experience

Closing Date: 10 May 2026

Interview Date: 1st stage interview – week commencing 08 June, 2nd stage interview – week commencing 15 June 2026.

Summary

We’re looking for a Communications and Advocacy Director to lead our integrated external and internal communications, media engagement, multimedia production, and advocacy and policy functions. You’ll be responsible for work that inspires millions, protects our reputation and maintains public trust, advocates for our cause among policy and political audiences, and brings our charitable purpose to life for people from all walks of life. You’ll manage talented people, collaborate across the organisation and with partners from across the UK, and help drive our strategy and public impact. You’ll need to be comfortable in a large variety of situations and a job that throws up new challenges every day. Internally you’ll be known as Campaign & Communications Director.

What it’s like to work here

You’ll join a supportive, collaborative senior leadership environment at one of the most recognised and trusted charities in the UK. Your skill and expertise will be critical to our success and you’ll have real influence. Reporting directly to the Director of Communications & Fundraising, you’ll be a key member of the Communications and Fundraising Senior Leadership Team, working alongside experienced, strategic leaders who share a strong sense of purpose, partnership and ambition. Together, you’ll help shape the organisation’s direction, impact and reputation, while contributing to a leadership community that is committed and forward‑looking. Your contractual location will be one of our offices in either Swindon or London and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office regularly. However, there is flexibility on where you are based at other times. You will be required to work at a National Trust location for 40‑60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.

What you’ll be doing

In this senior leadership role, you’ll lead our communications, campaigning and advocacy functions, integrating disciplines to maximise impact and ensure consistent, compelling storytelling across all channels. You’ll guide and inspire expert teams, fostering collaboration, and a culture of learning and innovation. You’ll shape and protect our reputation, advise our Executive Team, Director General and senior leaders, and build strong internal and external partnerships. You’ll oversee high‑quality multimedia output, drive behaviour changes campaigns, strengthen our national media presence, and ensure an audience‑first approach that supports deeper engagement, participation and support. You’ll champion joined up working across marketing, fundraising, public engagement and regional teams, helping deliver outstanding audience experiences. As a visible, strategic leader, you’ll play a key role in bringing our strategy and values to life for staff, volunteers and the public.

Who we’re looking for

• Extensive knowledge and experience of communications and/or advocacy campaigns and a track record of successful implementation.
• Confidence as a decision‑maker and able to deal with high‑stakes situations, listening and acting swiftly when issues arise.
• Understanding of how institutions and major brands work, and the communications methods that protect and enhance them.
• Sound knowledge of audience insight and evaluation and experience applying it to improve performance.
• Proven feel for the zeitgeist and understanding of how an established institution can respond to emerging trends while staying true to its purpose and values.
• Strong grasp of diversity and inclusion issues and their application for diverse audiences and in the workplace.
• Previous experience collaborating and co‑creating with internal and external partners and suppliers.
• Creative thinker who is able to identify and manage opportunities both day‑to‑day and for the long‑term.
• Significant and extensive experience of leading a communication, campaigns or related function in a large and complex organisation or agency and proven ability to realise multiple business benefits from communications and campaigns.
• Extensive experience of reputation management, including advising senior stakeholders on building a media presence and managing contentious issues and crisis communications.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places