Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff works in close partnership with the Director General providing strategic support across the breadth of their activities.

You'll lead the team in the Director General’s office in this new role. You’ll be a key contact to the National Trust Chair providing support and guidance to ensure the Chair’s focus and that of the Director General are aligned.

We’re Europe’s largest conservation charity. We look after nature beauty and history for everyone to enjoy. We do it with the help of millions of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Without this we couldn’t care for the miles of coastline, woodlands, countryside and the hundreds of historic buildings, gardens, and precious collections we protect.

The primary areas of accountability in this role are as follows:

You’ll support the Director General. You'll be a sounding board and confidant. You'll ensure their time and activity is focussed on matters of strategic importance. But more than that you will work to champion their agenda in driving through key priorities – either through your direct support or through brokering the appropriate resources.

You’ll build key relationships across the organisation. You’ll be on top of what is happening ‘where’ and ‘when’, and use this knowledge to decide when get involved and when to step back. You’ll filter and triage information from all areas of the business. You’ll know when to resolve things yourself, when to point people elsewhere and when to escalate. To be successful you’ll be seen as an enabler not an additional layer.

Line managing the team who support the Director General, you’ll galvanise them and ensure their skills are being efficiently utilised. They'll be clear on the part they play individually and as a team in managing the Director General’s time and work - and in communicating with Executive Team. You’ll provide key support and development in their careers.

Deputising for the Director General means both attending meetings in their place, and using delegated authority on occasions to make decisions on their behalf. Although the primary focus is internal you may need to support external activities and or represent senior leaders on an occasional basis.

We’ll assess applications against the following areas so it’s crucial that your c.v. and/or cover letter are clear about how you match the requirements.

• A senior level background demonstrating gravitas and experience operating within or around Executive levels in a sophisticated, multi layered organisation.
• Emotional intelligence with competence in networking, building relationships and influencing.
• Politically savvy – can grasp and contribute to a leader's vision but also map strategic insight into operational execution.
• Strong verbal and written communication. Can simplify complexity.
• A leader of people – coaches, develops, and empowers
• Comfortable using your power and influence to lead from behind.

You'll champion and support our cause, our values, and our strategy - with passion and authenticity. You’ll need to understand the environment in which we operate. That’s more important than the sector in which you are currently working.

Please note the following dates:

Initial interviews will take place with the Director General on Wednesday 31st May via video conferencing

Second interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 6th June in London at our Grosvenor Gardens office.