Director

Anderson Knight is delighted to be partnering with Historic Churches Scotland to appoint a new Director at an exciting and pivotal stage in the charity’s development.

Historic Churches Scotland is a national Building Preservation Trust dedicated to protecting and conserving Scotland’s most significant at-risk churches, ensuring they remain open, sustainable, and valued by local communities. As the organisation prepares for a new phase of growth and increased public engagement, they are seeking an experienced and inspirational leader to guide its strategic direction, fundraising, operational delivery, and stakeholder relationships.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a candidate with strong heritage, conservation, or property management experience, combined with excellent financial, governance, and people management skills.

Location – Scotland
Salary – £40,000-£50,000

Role Purpose
The Director will lead HCS to secure its mission through:
• Strategic leadership and advocacy
• Fundraising and partnership development
• Management of HCS properties, staff, and volunteers
• Oversight of organisational finances and governance

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership
• Lead the charity and develop its strategic direction
• Act as an ambassador for HCS, raising its profile nationally
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and funders
• Respond to debates about the future of redundant church buildings
• Develop and implement a long-term fundraising strategy
• Advise trustees on future property acquisitions and manage transfers
• Oversee maintenance and community engagement for HCS churches
Management
• Inspire and manage staff, consultants, and volunteers
• Support local “friends” groups to ensure churches are open and actively used
• Prepare budgets and resource plans to meet property needs
• Lead fundraising and grant applications
• Manage projects, contractors, and compliance to ensure quality and value
Governance
• Maintain strong relationships with trustees and support board activities
• Ensure good governance, risk management, and financial compliance
• Assist the Chair in recruiting and developing trustees

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience
A degree or professional qualification in art history, architectural history, architecture, surveying, conservation, or a related field is desirable. Candidates should have experience or exposure to:
• Scottish ecclesiastical heritage and current sector challenges
• Project management in heritage settings
• Working with building professionals, communities, and stakeholders
• Fundraising and managing funding bodies
• Financial management and compliance
• Staff and volunteer leadership
• Ambassadorial and communication work

Skills and Attributes
• Passion for HCS and Scotland’s ecclesiastical heritage
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication
• Practical problem-solving and diplomacy
• Strong self-management and ability to balance multiple priorities
• Negotiation skills and ability to manage conflicting interests

To apply or for further information, please contact Nicole Limmer at Anderson Knight on Nicole@andersonknight.co.uk or 0141 348 7762.