Visitor Experience Officer

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.

This is a fixed term 3 days a week contract, due to end when the postholder returns to the role. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 6 - 8 months.

We're currently undertaking our pay review process and it is likely that this salary will be increased from 1st April 2025.

What it's like to work here

Reporting to the Site Manager, you will be part of an enthusiastic team working at Coleridge Cottage.

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.

Coleridge Cottage encourages visitors to find out how family life, friendships and the Quantock Hills inspired Coleridge's poetry, by reading all about the extraordinary man, relaxing by the open fire, writing with a quill pen, like the poet himself, and enjoying a poet's lunch in the tearoom.

What you'll be doing

This role is based at Coleridge Cottage in Nether Stowey, near Bridgwater. Working alongside the Site Manager, you will help deliver an engaging and memorable visitor experience for our visitors. This role offers an exciting opportunity to explore your interest in heritage management and understand how a property operates on a small scale.

Whilst working at Coleridge Cottage, you will get involved with every aspect of the daily operation from visitor experience to volunteer management, conservation, and our commercial spaces. As a part of a diverse team, you will be responsible for maintaining high standards of presentation and be managing the day-to-day operation independently one day a week.

Also, you will manage marketing and communications 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.

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
• 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)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as 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 Trust places