Senior Programming & Partnerships Officer

Are you passionate about dynamic and inspiring events and programming? Do you have a talent for spotting and telling stories of intriguing social histories or great conservation? We’re looking for someone fanatical about connecting people with our causes, who also enjoys getting involved in all areas of the business and supporting this busy visitor operation.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 16th April.

In the Surrey Hills, just 25 miles from London, Polesden Lacey was the weekend retreat of Margaret Greville. From brewer’s daughter to fabulously wealthy friend of Kings and Queens, her countryside home is brimming with opulence and luxury and overflowing in rich social history. 

It’s an exciting time to come and work here. One of the National Trust’s most popular properties in London and the Southeast, we have ambitious plans to take our programming and events to new levels. There is lots to work with, from Mrs. Greville’s intriguing story and connections, to her lavish interiors and impressive art collection, manicured gardens and Please Grounds, not to mention glorious views of the surrounding Surrey Hills. The property also boasts one of the Trust’s busiest Cafés and a large National Trust shop. There’s also a great sense of team spirit and close links to the local community. 

You'll work collaboratively with the Visitor Experience and other teams to create and deliver an exciting programme of in-house and partnership events, activities and programming. 

Ranging from woodland trails to innovative exhibitions, outdoor jazz afternoons to open-air cinema, these will need to help connect people to the story of the house and its surroundings, inspire them with our conservation messaging and sometimes just offer lots of fun. Some of these activities will be delivered by you and a team of volunteers, and others will be delivered by partner organisations with whom you’ll establish and nurture relationships.

With over 380,000 visitors a year, you need to be visible, engaging and inspiring. Whilst Programming and Partnerships will be your primary focus, as part of the property’s Visitor Experience team you’ll also need to be passionate about welcoming visitors, acting as Duty Officer on busy operational days. This involves working weekends and occasional evening shifts.

You'll also be managing budgets, reviewing and analysing visitor figures and trends and keeping an eye on what other places are offering. 

We really want to hear from you if you have 

•  experience working within a busy, dynamic, visitor-focused site

•  a passion for crafting high-quality programme plans involving events and activities that reflect our diverse visitor profile and seasonal challenges

•  proven ability developing and maintaining partnerships to enhance the visitor experience and member value

•  an instinct for creative leadership, confident innovating new ways to connect people with stories and place, art, culture, nature or the outdoors

•  strong people skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the property team, community or commercial partners