Programme Officer

We have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Officer to work on a transformation programme involving the most significant houses and collections in the National Trust’s care.

The National Trust looks after places that contain the work of some of the world’s most recognised and celebrated artists, architects, designers and master craftsmen and were homes to some of the most revered individuals in British history such as Winston Churchill, Bess of Hardwick, and Beatrix Potter.

Working as a key member of the programme team, you will support the Senior Programme Manager in all aspects of programme management, ensuring that there are good systems in place that are fit for purpose, and developing these where required. You'll also project manage some small/medium projects within the programme.

This is a two-year fixed term contract, and we'll consider flexible working patterns.

What it's like to work here:This is an exciting time to be working at the National Trust. Our houses and collections are much loved by our existing visitors. We wish build on this success by both improving our offer for those that already visit and by making our places relevant and accessible for all.

The National Trust is full of people who are passionate about nature, history and beauty. The Programme Officer is a national role within the Curation and Experiences Directorate. The National Trust is a matrix organisation, so you’ll be able to draw on the skills and talents of other consultancy staff who are specialists in every field of our work. You will also work directly with 28 properties which are distributed across England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon, however there will be an opportunity to explore and agree hybrid working arrangements which strike the right balance for you and the Trust. The role will involve travel to our head office to meet with stakeholders and to carry out work.

What you'll be doing:Your primary role will be to ensure that we have excellent systems in place to provide great programme management and support the way we use these. Working closely with the Senior Programme Manager, you will be involved in almost all aspects of a complex programme, helping to ensure that it runs efficiently and delivers its aims. This will include developing robust systems to track results and measure benefits, leading on the delivery of our communications strategy, and managing some small/medium projects within the programme.

• An understanding of programme and/or project management principles and practice – including project management lifecycles, processes, practices and governance requirements
• A track record of successful project and/or programme delivery – delivering projects and/or programmes to scope, time, and quality, including the related financial management
• Knowledge of communications processes – leading the delivery of the communications plan, co-ordinating and managing communications activity with a wide range of stakeholders
• Experience of benefits management – setting up and managing the ways that we track results to measure the benefits we are delivering, ensuring that the programme has the right reporting structures and managing the delivery and collation of reporting
• Stakeholder management skills – ability to inspire teams to deliver project objectives and work with a wide range of people across multiple roles, job areas, and levels of seniority

The packageThe 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 properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Perks at work discounts i.e. 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 locations

• Independent financial advice