Head of Communications & Media

National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty; Swindon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Free entry to National Trust places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance

Job summary

The National Trust invites applications for a strategic and inspiring Head of Communications & Media to lead how we engage audiences, influence conversation and build support for our cause. You will develop and deliver a multi‑channel communications and media strategy that raises awareness and inspires action, making us visible, relevant and culturally significant.

You will lead teams across the Communications and Fundraising Directorate, manage media relations, social media, reputation and

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop creative concepts and campaigns that deliver strategic impact and public engagement.
• Experience operating at a senior strategic level in communications and/or earned media.
• A track record of building, leading and developing high-performing teams that deliver exceptional results.
• Influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to advise, challenge and gain commitment from senior leaders.
• Experience of managing organisational reputation, including navigating complex issues, assessing risk and overseeing crisis communications.
• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive leadership, creating environments where diverse perspectives are valued, people feel a strong sense of belonging, and teams are empowered to perform at their best.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver a creative communications strategy that supports our priorities and helps us connect with new and emerging audiences.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with ambassadors, partner organisations, senior media professionals and other key stakeholders, creating opportunities to extend our reach and amplify our impact.
• Lead and inspire a team, providing coaching and support, advise senior leaders on media and social media engagement, and help strengthen trust in our organisation.

Job description

We're looking for a strategic and inspiring Head of Communications & Media to lead how the National Trust engages audiences, influences conversation and builds support for our cause.

As a senior communications leader, you’ll develop and deliver a multi-channel communications and media strategy that builds awareness and inspires action. You’ll know how to create ideas, stories and moments that make us visible, relevant and culturally significant.

Leading teams across communications, social media, the Film & Locations Team and the Images Team, you'll help reach new and emerging audiences, build influential partnerships and develop compelling narratives that deepen engagement with nature, beauty and history.

You’ll provide strategic leadership for media relations, social media, reputation management and crisis communications, while advising senior leaders on high-profile opportunities and challenges.

The National Trust's commitment is "For everyone, for ever." Bringing that promise to life starts with the people that work here. It means building teams with a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It means creating an inclusive environment where everyone is able to thrive.
Our roles are open to all. However, we particularly welcome applications from people of colour and people of the global majority because they are underrepresented at the Trust.

What it's like to work here

You'll join our Communications and Fundraising Directorate, working closely with colleagues across communications, marketing, digital, campaigns, internal communications, government affairs and advocacy. You'll influence organisational thinking and work with teams across our regions and countries.
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 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

You'll shape and deliver a creative communications strategy that supports our priorities and helps us connect with new and emerging audiences. Using audience insight and performance data, you'll ensure communications activity delivers meaningful outcomes.

You'll develop and maintain strategic relationships with ambassadors, partner organisations, senior media professionals and other key stakeholders, creating opportunities to extend our reach and amplify our impact. Working across multiple channels, including social media, you'll oversee the delivery of inspiring stories that build support for our work.

You'll lead and inspire a team, providing coaching and support. You'll advise senior leaders on media and social media engagement, help manage complex and sensitive issues, oversee crisis communications strategy and help strengthen trust and confidence in our organisation.

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;

• Proven ability to develop creative concepts and campaigns that deliver strategic impact and public engagement.
• Experience operating at a senior strategic level in communications and/or earned media.
• A track record of building, leading and developing high-performing teams that deliver exceptional results.
• Influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to advise, challenge and gain commitment from senior leaders.
• Experience of managing organisational reputation, including navigating complex issues, assessing risk and overseeing crisis communications.
• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive leadership, creating environments where diverse perspectives are valued, people feel a strong sense of belonging, and teams are empowered to perform at their best.

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)
• 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.

National Trust place

Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NA

Documents

Head of Communications & Media - Grade 3.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Closing Date: 04 October 2026

Interview Dates: 22 or 23 October 2026 at our Savoy Hill House office in London

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.