Historic Churches Scotland – Director

Historic Churches Scotland is a charity and Building Preservation Trust dedicated to protecting and conserving Scotland’s most significant at-risk historic 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.

The Director will:

• Secure Historic Churches Scotland’s mission going forward through effective fundraising and partnerships.
• Manage the acquisition, repair, maintenance and opening of the churches in their care, maintaining and enhancing relationships with professional advisors and suppliers.
• Manage and develop the profile of the organisation through participating in national debate, developing a digital and media profile, and acting as an ambassador to audiences across the stakeholder
  environment.
• Recruit and manage the staff team and volunteers and ensure effective management of the organisation’s finances.

The successful candidate will ideally hold a degree or professional qualification in art history, architectural history, architecture, surveying, conservation of historic buildings, or a related discipline.

Equally important is demonstrable experience in, or significant exposure to, many of the following areas:

• Understanding the historical, cultural, and architectural significance of Scottish religious buildings and awareness of current sector challenges.
• Managing heritage projects, collaborating with building professionals throughout project lifecycles.
• Developing funding proposals and maintaining relationships with funders for both projects and ongoing activities.
• Engaging with local communities, organisations, and stakeholders, including religious bodies, at local, regional, and national levels.
• Supporting trustees, shaping agendas, and servicing meetings effectively.
• Strong financial management, including record-keeping and compliant reporting.
• Recruiting, leading, and developing staff and volunteers.
• Representing the organisation with confidence, acting as an ambassador both in person and across communication channels.

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

Download the full job specification here.

Salary: £40,000-£50,000 per annum

Status: Full time

Location: Scotland

Closing Date: Monday 9 February 2026

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