About the job
We’re looking for an Interim Head of Internal Communications and Engagement (IC&E) to lead our staff and volunteer communication and engagement at a pivotal time for the National Trust. You’ll champion clear and inspiring internal communication, helping motivate a range of internal audiences to deliver our new strategy and embrace our new values while feeling valued, listened to and responded to.
You’ll lead an IC&E network and collaborate with many of the most senior leaders in our organisation to support new ways of working while carefully calibrating communications to improve clarity, relevance and accessibility.
This is a 6-month fixed term contract interim position.
What it’s like to work here
You’ll join an experienced and supportive Campaigns and Communications leadership team that’s passionate about our charity’s cause. You’ll champion getting the right information and content to the right people, at the right time and in the best way to unlock engagement at scale. The work you lead will directly shape the culture and experience of our staff and volunteers.
Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office. However, there is flexibility on where you are based at other times. You’ll 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.
You’ll be joining a team that values different perspectives and lived experiences, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong.
What you’ll be doing
Reporting to the Campaigns and Communications Director, you’ll lead and inspire a medium-sized team within a wider internal communications network. You’ll develop and lead our IC&E strategy, ensuring staff and volunteers clearly understand our priorities while feeling their voice and views matter in how we deliver our work. Working in partnership with the Executive Team and other directors, you’ll ensure communications are clear, timely and tailored to the needs of our diverse audiences. As with external communications, IC&E methods are designed to help audience action – our staff and volunteers feeling engaged, enthused, valued, committed to us and our cause.
You’ll oversee the effective planning and leadership of the IC&E team, aligning priorities, carefully managing resources, and inspiring the team to deliver high quality, inclusive communication and engagement activity. You’ll maintain and continuously improve our channels and content, creating a culture of listening and ‘you said, we are’ responses through insight, feedback and engagement. As profession lead, you’ll champion best practice and develop strong external relationships to stay connected to the latest thinking.
Who we’re looking for
Applications from National Trust redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the criteria below:
* Experience leading internal or external communications at a senior level
* Strong strategic thinking and planning skills
* Strong influencing and communication skills, including copywriting and briefing
* Experience in communicating change effectively and with empathy, enabling agency in change processes wherever possible
* Senior leadership and people management skills with experience of people recruitment and development to ensure high levels of performance and aspiration
Additional criteria for all other applicants
* Ability to influence and negotiate at all levels
* Knowledge of internal communication and staff and volunteer engagement best practice
* Ability to prioritise and manage multiple competing demands while delivering high quality work at pace.
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
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