Programming & Partnerships Manager

We have an exciting new opportunity for a creative and operational leader to drive and grow our diverse visitor programme. From our ground-breaking Folly! arts programme to our locally iconic Fountains by Floodlight event- we have a reputation for delivering exciting and dynamic activities and events. 

This role will take our programme further, developing exciting new ways for existing and new visitors to explore this iconic World Heritage Site, whether that be through cultural partnerships, arts commissioning or nature based seasonal activities. You'll be happy to 'muck in' too and support operational delivery throughout the year as and when it's needed, especially during our peak holiday times.

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week. This role has line management and volunteer management responsibility, will require some weekend working and will be part of a property Duty Management rota. 

Salary: £31,000pa

Contract: Permanent 

If you have any questions about the role, please do get in touch for an informal chat; Bec Evans: Rebecca.evans1@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Voted as the Which? best historic visitor attraction in England in 2022, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is one of 1154 sites globally recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and close to the city of Ripon, the estate is iconic in the North of England. 

The River Skell winds its way through an 800- acre estate of contrasts and surprises. The abbey ruins tell the story of 400 years of monastic life, years of riches, ruin and revival, brought to a close by the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. Studley Royal Water Garden, with its elegant canals, follies and eye-catchers was the height of fashion in Georgian times, with the designers cleverly incorporating the abbey ruins into their grand vision. 

Being part of a wider Visitor Operations and Experience team, you'll work to understand our audience needs and develop a varied and exciting programme of activities and events to deepen audience engagement with this special place. You will lead your programming team to actively seek new event and programming opportunities, collaborating with colleagues across the property as well as partnering with organisations to build a diverse visitor programming plan that is collaborative and forward thinking, co-creating when there is the opportunity to do so.  

In addition to playing a key strategic role, at times you'll need to support delivery too. We’re a busy and complex property, welcoming over 400,000 visitors per year, which can sometimes mean getting stuck in with the delivery, ensuring our visitors have an amazing experience with us. Providing a great visitor experience and looking after this special place is at the heart of what we do, and we’re passionate about getting the details right. Whether you’re giving our visitors a warm welcome, caring for our buildings or collections or improving conditions for wildlife, every contribution ensures that nature, beauty and history continues to thrive at this special place.  

To succeed in this role ideally you'll have:

• strong leadership skills, enabling good working relationships with those in your team and across the property- staff and volunteers alike
• experience of devising and delivering innovative programmes of engagement opportunities
• excellent organisational skills, and the ability to time manage projects successfully 
• strong interpersonal skills, able to build relationships with community groups and partners
• understanding of budget and operational risk management.