Visitor Experience Officer

Summary

Being a Visitor Experience Officer for the National Trust is all about people – connecting with them, inspiring them, and making sure they have the best possible day when they come to visit.

If you love working with all kinds of people, and you’re excited by the Trust’s cause – to protect and care for places so that people and nature can thrive – then this could be the job for you.

What it's like to work here

Coleridge Cottage was home to Samuel Taylor Coleridge and his young family from 1797 to 1799. Coleridge’s poetry has remained amongst the most celebrated in the English language. Inspired by family life, friendships and the surrounding countryside, Coleridge wrote his most famous poetry, including ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’, ‘Frost at Midnight’ and ‘Kubla Khan’. Coleridge’s time at Nether Stowey was arguably his most creative and the Cottage is among the most significant literary shrines in the British Isles. 

Set on the edge of Exmoor, overlooking the Bristol Channel, Dunster Castle has been here for around a thousand years. These days this busy historic property welcomes around 200,000 people a year who come to enjoy its stunning setting and host of things to discover and do.  

For more information about our properties please visit:

coleridge-cottage

dunster-castle 

What you'll be doing

Working alongside the Visitor Operation and Experience Manager and Site Manager, you will help deliver an engaging and memorable Visitor Experience across the portfolio.

As a part of a diverse team, you will support the day-to-day operation and the running of events. You will ensure all lines of communication with visitors, from the website to the signage and posters around the property, have an accurate and consistent message which aligns with the spirit of place. Also, you will be responsible for maintaining high standards of presentation and create meaningful interpretation that ensures visitors get the most out of their experience. 

Coleridge Cottage offers an exciting opportunity to develop a working knowledge of property operations across multiple departments. Being so small, you will get involved with every aspect of the operation from Visitor Experience, including marketing and communications and events, to volunteer management, conservation, retail and food and beverage. Using your excellent customer service skills, you will ensure that a visit to Coleridge Cottage is memorable and inspiring.

This role is based in the Dunster Portfolio with responsibilities at both Coleridge Cottage, Nether Stowey and Dunster Castle. You will be working across two sites and be passionate about Visitor Experience, the day-to-day operation and marketing. A driver’s licence is essential to work across both sites. 

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you’re:

• used to multiple deadlines and managing your own workload
• skilled in organisation and planning, with a good eye for detail
• in tune with the aims and ethos of the National Trust
• good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
• a hard-working and committed team player
• comfortable with IT: Microsoft Office, as well as web and social media
• experienced in producing interpretive materials, such as displays and exhibitions, and marketing or promotional materials
• familiar with health and safety procedures

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)

• 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

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.