Head of Archaeology

About the role

Archaeology and the historic environment are core to the work of the Trust. As Head of Archaeology you'll be both ambassador and advocate for your area of expertise and responsible for our standards of professional practice. We will look to you not only to build and sustain our professional reputation but also to show us how best to balance the challenges of sustainable conservation with the need for public involvement and enjoyment.

You'll work at a strategic level within the National Trust, having professional oversight of our extensive portfolio of archaeological assets. You'll have a direct impact on our long-term aims and objectives, championing the role of archaeology and the historic environment, while helping to expand and improve the technical capability of our archaeologists and other specialist advisers. You'll also be responsible for making sure we maintain accurate records and archives of our assets. By doing so, you'll make sure that we're providing our properties and key sites with the archaeological advice they need and deserve - expert, in-depth, up-to-the-minute advice. And where you see room for improvement, where you see gaps in knowledge, you'll coach and mentor colleagues, transferring important skills and expertise. As the public face of archaeology here at the Trust, you'll actively contribute to the profession and be involved in public speaking and networking. We'd like you to be out in the field too, working on important projects, ranging from vernacular buildings to World Heritage Sites.

As we are looking to attract the very best in the field, flexibility will be given in terms of the location. In addition, access to our car lease scheme may be available or a mileage allowance paid.

To find out more about Archaeology at the National Trust and our consultancy which is home to leading experts in the field, please visit http://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/uploads/nt--head-of-archaeology.pdf

About you

This is a challenging and demanding role, one that calls for a very special individual. As an archaeology professional with significant practical experience, you'll use all your knowledge and insight to help shape our agenda in this important area. A creative thinker, you've a proven track record of managing people and programmes in a multi-disciplinary environment. You've the know-how and enthusiasm to influence and negotiate at all levels, getting colleagues and peers to buy into your insightful and ambitious ideas. Whether you're dealing with our internal consultancy team or academic bodies and interest groups, you pride yourself on your excellent people skills. You also have the natural drive to make things happen - and fast. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable, you'll always be ready to share your knowledge and experience, and build our conservation expertise.

Incredibly rewarding

We expect a lot, but we'll offer a great deal in return, starting with stimulating and challenging work and the opportunity to help us achieve our bold ambitions. We value your contribution, recognise the importance of a work-life balance, and are committed to your continued development. You can also look forward to free admission to all our incredible places, plus a helpful 20% off at our shops, cafes and restaurants. But they're just the benefits we can tell you about here. There are lots more at www.nationaltrustrewardsandbenefits.org.uk

About us

Here at the National Trust, we want even more people to enjoy our extraordinary places. We want people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved with them, be inspired by them, and love them as much as we do. That's why we're looking for professionals with the intelligence and application to make our vision a reality. We want people brave enough to take risks. To deliver innovation. To influence and shape our future direction. It's exciting - and not exactly what you'd expect from the National Trust. And yes, while we've come a long way already, we appreciate that there's more we want to do, more we must do. We want everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to feel like a member of the National Trust and, by 2020, five million will be.

Apply

It's impossible to think of a more exciting opportunity at a more exciting time for the National Trust. To find out more about the role, and to apply online, please visit http://bit.ly/KipvCE . Closing date: 6 June 2012. Provisional interview date: late June 2012 (to be confirmed).

Please note that the interview process is likely to incorporate an initial telephone screening element plus two interview stages.