Summary
We’re looking for a Head of Systems Change & Strategic Partnerships to join our Access & Conservation directorate.
In this role, you’ll lead major national initiatives that drive long‑term change for heritage conservation and access. You’ll shape strategic policy thinking, build powerful partnerships and develop innovative approaches that influence national systems and enable better outcomes for communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Working closely with colleagues, funders and sector partners, you’ll create the conditions needed for collaboration, investment and large‑scale programme development, ensuring that cultural heritage plays a central role in resilient, thriving places.
What it's like to work here
You’ll join a collaborative, forward‑thinking directorate that brings together expertise in heritage and nature conservation, access, partnerships and systems change. The work spans national strategy, policy influence and direct engagement with communities, funders, regulators and government. You’ll work alongside a wide network of internal teams—from regional operational colleagues to senior leaders, while also representing the organisation externally with national partners, think tanks, central government, local authorities and other civic and environmental organisations. This is a supportive environment where we learn from one another, value diverse perspectives and are united by our commitment to improving access to heritage and nature for everyone.
As this is a national role, there is flexibility on your contractual place of work. Our hybrid working policy means you can balance office and home working with site visits and meetings at other National Trust places. We’ll talk about this in more detail at interview, but you should expect to be at a National Trust office or site for 40–60% of your working week.
What you'll be doing
You’ll provide strategic leadership that helps shape the policies and practical approaches needed to drive a societal shift in how heritage can contribute to better places and improved outcomes for all. Working with strategic partners and funders, you’ll co‑design major systems‑change initiatives, develop scalable models, and establish clear metrics to evaluate impact.
You’ll lead on thought leadership and innovation, commissioning research, piloting new approaches and building an evidence base that strengthens national policy and practice. You will convene partners, facilitate collaboration and build communities of practice that connect insights, share learning and help embed systemic change across the sector.
Internally, you’ll guide a national team and work across disciplines to solve complex problems, championing approaches that support community connection and heritage resilience. Externally, you’ll represent the organisation at high‑level forums, consultations and working groups, using evidence and compelling narratives to influence policy and shape frameworks for delivery.
You’ll also work with our fundraising team to identify and secure new funding opportunities, oversee programmes with significant budgets and work closely with finance and fundraising colleagues to develop new investment models. Throughout, you’ll take a long‑term perspective, scanning for emerging trends, shaping strategy and ensuring the organisation is well‑positioned to respond to future challenges.
Who we're looking for
You’ll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by different roles, sectors or career paths, and the judgment to apply them effectively at scale;
1. Good knowledge of heritage conservation, regeneration and reuse, or similar relevant field.
2. Good knowledge of influencing external change at a national level.
3. Experience of working in partnership with communities, including building trusted relationships and ensuring community voice informs strategy, programme design and decision-making.
4. Ability to think strategically, identify opportunities for large-scale impact, and translate vision into actionable plans.
5. Good understanding of planning and heritage policy, environmental legislation, and land-use frameworks, with experience in influencing their development and implementation.
6. Strong communication, presentation, and public speaking skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues persuasively to a wide range of audiences.
7. Strong ability to build and maintain high-value relationships with diverse stakeholders, demonstrating strong negotiation and influencing skills.
8. Ability to motivate and lead staff in own and others’ teams and across multiple organisations to deliver strategic goals.
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