Director of Conservation & Policy

The National Trust for Scotland is the conservation and membership charity that protects and promotes Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations to access and enjoy. With around 350,000 members, it is the largest conservation charity in the country with responsibility for over 110 natural and designed-heritage sites across all Scotland, from the UNESCO-recognised archipelago of St Kilda and the National Nature Reserve of Mar Lodge Estate in the Cairngorms, to Robert Adam’s Culzean Castle, Gardens and Estate in Ayrshire and Robert Smail’s Printing Works in Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders, the oldest working commercial letterpress printers in the UK. Established in 1931, the Trust acts as guardian of the nation’s magnificent heritage of architectural, horticultural, natural, historic, archaeological places and artistic treasures in its ownership and care, welcoming some 6 million people a year. As an independent and self-financing charity through membership, enterprise and philanthropy, (and not a department of government), it acts on behalf of everyone to safeguard and speak up for the importance of our heritage. 

The National Trust for Scotland is seeking an experienced and inspiring Director of Conservation & Policy, one of the Trust’s most senior and strategically influential roles. This position serves as the custodian and champion of the Trust’s conservation and policy functions, directing a broad portfolio that spans natural heritage, designed landscapes, collections, buildings, archaeology, national estate management, environmental sustainability, organisational risk, and the Trust’s ten‑year Corporate Strategy. 

This is a wide‑reaching remit that demands strategic leadership, expert judgement and strong external influence across a complex landscape of stakeholders, partners, policymakers and peers. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the Trust’s contribution to Scotland’s heritage, its environmental performance, and its national advocacy voice at a pivotal moment in our development as we deliver our strategy Nature, Beauty and Heritage for Everyone and prepare for our centenary in 2031. 

As Director of Conservation & Policy, you will be accountable for: 

• Leading the development of strategies, standards, research and delivery plans across all conservation disciplines: Nature, Gardens & Designed Landscapes, Buildings, Archaeology, Collections and National Estates. 

• Ensuring coherent, balanced and evidence‑based conservation approaches that reflect the scale and diversity of the Trust’s properties. 

• Leading the direction of the conservation, research and maintenance of the Trust’s heritage buildings in collaboration with the property teams. 

• Guiding the strategic development of the Trust’s estate, including acquisition, partnership opportunities and other approaches to safeguarding heritage. 

• Driving the development and implementation of the Trust’s environmental sustainability policy and improving organisational environmental performance. 

• Overseeing corporate policy development across conservation and access responsibilities, ensuring effective application and reporting. 

• Leading the coordination and reporting of the Trust’s strategic risk management framework. 

• Developing and reporting on performance against the Trust’s ten‑year Corporate Strategy. 

• Advocating for the Trust’s conservation and policy positions nationally and internationally, influencing outcomes for Scotland’s heritage, people and places. 

• Representing the Trust within major networks and partnerships and deputising for the Chief Executive where required. 

We are seeking an accomplished leader who can demonstrate: 

• Senior leadership experience across multiple conservation disciplines in a large or complex conservation, heritage or land‑management organisation. 

• Proven ability to develop organisational strategies and translate them into coherent, deliverable plans with clear priorities. 

• Sophisticated planning and budget‑setting skills, balancing resources against need, ambition and organisational capacity. 

• Leadership experience in good governance, including policy development, risk management and performance frameworks. 

• A strong values‑driven leadership style with demonstrable success in inspiring, motivating and uniting diverse teams. 

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and the ability to influence at national policy level. 

• Deep understanding of Scottish charity, regulatory and parliamentary environments. 

• A passion for the Trust’s mission and an alignment with our commitment to conservation, public access, education, visitor experience and long‑term stewardship. 

Essential Requirements 

• Degree-level education, ideally linked to a relevant aspect of conservation, land, or heritage-property expertise and management. 

• A UK driving license, and the ability to undertake travel across all of Scotland, including island travel. 

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of Scotland’s heritage at scale and to make a meaningful contribution to national conservation outcomes. With major conservation projects underway, modernisation programmes being delivered, and ambitious plans for membership, volunteering and advocacy growth, you will join at a moment of momentum and possibility.