Summary
***INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY***
We're looking for an experienced Account Director to join our Communications and Fundraising Directorate on a fixed term contract for up to 7 months.
This is an exciting moment to join our team. Our new ten-year strategy calls for a bold shift in how we plan, prioritise, and deliver our work – and you’ll be at the heart of that transformation.
As a senior member of our Planning and Programmes team, you will lead a high-performing team to shape and deliver impactful campaigns that meet the needs of our audiences and our organisational goals. You’ll bring clarity, energy, and strategic direction to a fast-paced portfolio of work, helping us turn ambition into action.
This is a fixed term contract due to end when the previous employee returns from maternity leave. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 7 months.
Internally you’ll be known as Planning & Delivery Lead.
What it's like to work here
The National Trust is full of people who are passionate about nature, history and beauty, and we’ve got so much more we want to achieve. We’re for ever, for everyone and we really mean that. We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy access to our places, so we need to reach new audiences in ways that are meaningful and relevant to them without losing the hearts and minds of those that are already with us.
Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindonand there will be an expectation for you to attend the office. 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
Reporting to the Head of Planning and Programme, you’ll be a key leader within the Planning and Programmes team helping to shape, define and embed the team’s purpose, ways of working, and long-term ambition. You’ll bring clarity, structure, and momentum to its purpose and delivery.
You’ll lead a team responsible for the end-to-end delivery of our communications and fundraising campaigns from initial planning through to execution, ensuring our work is aligned with organisational goals and audience needs.
Working closely with the Audience and Engagement team, and in partnership with our Operations Lead, you’ll ensure campaigns are rigorously scoped, expertly managed, and delivered to the highest standards. You’ll define and champion the ‘how’ of delivery: building strong processes, enabling smart prioritisation, and ensuring our work is consistently well planned, well governed, and well executed.
You’ll be a trusted partner across the directorate, building strong relationships and creating the conditions for seamless collaboration and high-impact delivery. You’ll help us stay focussed, agile, and forward-thinking bringing fresh ideas, continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence to everything we do.
Who we're looking for
You'll bring;
1. experience in communications planning, multiple channel delivery and budget management in a communication, marketing or fundraising environment.
2. a strategic mindset with experience turning organisational plans into delivery plans.
3. leadership and people management experience with the ability to clearly communicate with and motivate and empower your team through delivery.
4. expereince as a relationship builder who can work, influence, negotiate and communicate effectively, including at a senior level.
5. delivery focused problem solving and experience developing and implementing efficient delivery processes.
6. experience in managing third party agencies and/or working in partnership.
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