Experience & Programming Manager

National-Trust; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Discounts on gym shopping cinema

Holiday allowance up to 32 days + buy‑

Flexible working whenever possible

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

Job summary

National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is seeking an Experience and Programming Manager to ensure exceptional visitor days across the Derwent, Wear & Coast portfolio. You will lead exciting activities that tell the stories of heritage sites and engage diverse audiences, while driving continuous improvement in events.

You will shape programs, manage a team, and collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver engaging, accessible experiences that resonate with

Qualifications

• Experience in devising and running programmes of experiences for visitors.
• Strong leadership with ability to develop and motivate a team.
• Skilled at setting strategic goals and delivering on time and budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead a programme of visitor experiences across the Derwent, Wear & Coast portfolio.
• Develop engaging activities that tell the story of the places and broaden audience reach.
• Identify opportunities to improve events and expand access to new and existing visitors.

Skills

Programme development

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Job description

We’re looking for an Experience and Programming Manager to help make sure that everyone who visits Derwent, Wear & Coast portfolio has a wonderful day.

What it's like to work here

Each property offers a unique visitor experience, from coastal heritage at Souter Lighthouse to the historic charm of Washington Old Hall, and the tranquil beauty of Crook Hall & Gardens. This variety ensures that no two days are ever the same, making this a dynamic and rewarding role.

Summary

***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY***

We’re looking for an Experience and Programming Manager to help make sure that everyone who visits Derwent, Wear & Coast portfolio has a wonderful day.

What it's like to work here

Each property offers a unique visitor experience, from coastal heritage at Souter Lighthouse to the historic charm of Washington Old Hall, and the tranquil beauty of Crook Hall & Gardens. This variety ensures that no two days are ever the same, making this a dynamic and rewarding role. For more information about the property group, see attached information sheet.

What you'll be doing

You'll be leading our work that aims to speak to, intrigue and involve both new and existing audiences. You’ll make sure we’re providing a good range of activities to tell the story of these places and help everyone to enjoy their day. And you’ll be constantly looking for new ideas and ways to improve on the last event, making sure that what we’re offering visitors is fun, absorbing and relevant. You'll also be thinking about the people who aren’t yet coming to visit, and how to find ways of reaching them and making them feel welcome.

Who we’re looking for

• experienced in devising and running programmes of experiences for visitors
• highly aware of the wider programming sector, up-to-date with trends and great examples
• an inspiring leader, skilled in developing and motivating your team, and setting strategic goals
• good at creating productive working relationships with a wide range of people, both internal and external
• a skilled project manager, able to make decisions and work effectively at pace, completing work on time and on budget
• highly experienced in managing operational risk.

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

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

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National Trust place

Gibside, Rowlands Gill, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE16 6BG

Documents

• Derwent Wear Coast property group summary (Annie edit).pdf
• Experience & Programming Manager - Grade 7.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 09 November 2026

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here .

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.