Senior Programming & Partnerships Officer

NATIONAL TRUST; Ormskirk; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Programming & Partnerships Officer to lead visitor programming and partnerships across multiple sites. This role offers a unique opportunity to create unforgettable experiences while working closely with community and commercial partners. You will be responsible for developing engaging programs, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. With a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, the organization values contributions from all individuals. If you are a creative leader with a passion for connecting people with nature and culture, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Gym membership discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

Qualifications

• Experience in working with partners to create high-quality events.
• Ability to analyze audience data to improve engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of audience-focused visitor programs.
• Manage budgets and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Partnership Development

Creative Leadership

Audience Analysis

Event Planning

People Skills

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to lead on programming and partnerships within the Formby and Central Lancashire Portfolio. We're looking for a talented individual with a commitment to creating unforgettable visitor experiences and delivering outstanding service.

The Formby and Central Lancashire Portfolio includes five National Trust sites. You'll work most closely within the operations at Formby, Rufford Old Hall, and Gawthorpe Hall overseeing the key areas of visitor programming and building great relationships with partners. You'll be an integral part of the wider portfolio team.

Throughout 2025, there is a conservation and car park relocation project taking place at Formby. You'll work with the property and project teams to help mitigate the impact of this for visitors to the site.

What it's like to work here

Reporting to the Visitor Operations & Experience Manager, you'll be working alongside the wider property team and will be part of the Duty Manager rota. This is an operational leadership role where you'll be the main point of contact for issues, incidents, or emergencies for the property on a set day. Full training and induction will be provided.

You'll understand and help to deliver and develop the day-to-day operations. Working across the portfolio, you’ll have overall responsibility for programming and building successful partnerships.

From the dynamic dunescapes of Formby to the timeless Tudor charm of Rufford Old Hall, you will have the opportunity to work across a variety of National Trust sites. Splitting your time across the key properties within the portfolio, you'll ensure that each location is appropriately supported and operating to the agreed standards.

What you'll be doing

As the Senior Programming & Partnerships Officer you will take the lead in developing and implementing our Programming and Interpretation plans.

Leading the development and delivery of audience-focused visitor programs, you'll work in collaboration with both internal teams and external partners, ensuring engaging and memorable experiences for all. You'll shape the strategic direction of visitor interpretation, ensuring activities align with audience interests and support a high-quality visitor journey.

Managing budgets and driving income, you'll enhance operational success, while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. You'll also manage and support the property teams with the delivery of seasonal programming.

Who we're looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

1. used to working with partners (community or commercial) to produce high-quality events and activities for people, to do with the arts, culture or natural environment
2. a creative leader, adept at finding new ways to connect people with nature and places
3. able to build, maintain and develop productive partnerships in order to give all kinds of people ways to get involved
4. someone with great people skills
5. experienced in analysing audience data, and using it to improve and develop ways to connect people to the arts, culture, nature or the outdoors

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
• 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