Head of Advocacy and Communications

The Head of Advocacy and Communications is responsible for the way we communicate the work and values of our organisation, and Edinburgh as a World Heritage Site. Maximising the impact of our reputation, profile and engagement and articulating the social, economic and environment values that inscription brings to the city are key objectives of the role. The postholder will lead and provide strategic direction, advice and delivery for our communications, advocacy and engagement activities and programmes. They will also help develop research programmes and support colleagues in the dissemination of information aimed at moving World Heritage issues further up the public and political agenda.

Part of the Management Team, the Head of Advocacy and Communications supports the Director, senior managers and the Board of Trustees in the leadership and direction of the charity, helping to formulate and execute the organisational strategy and ensuring that Edinburgh World Heritage meets the goals of strategies and grant programmes.

Main responsibilities:

1\. Advocacy

• Develop and deliver a compelling advocacy plan and narrative .


• Create a research programme for EWH and the Site, working with core partners, universities, agencies and the wider sector.


• Maintain and enhance Edinburgh World Heritage’s position as an authoritative voice for heritage, conservation and place\-making issues in Edinburgh.


• Maintain, support and build relationships with key decision\-makers in the city, including city leadership, local councillors, MSPs, MPs and others.


• Support the work with Historic Environment Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council to implement the World Heritage Site Management Plan.

2\. Communications

• Develop and drive EWH’s communications strategy ensuring a compelling narrative for all organisational activities.


• Design, manage and execute programmes to build public awareness of the World Heritage Site and its outstanding universal value and EWH ’s work in protecting and promoting the Site.


• Maintain and build Edinburgh World Heritage’s profile and awareness of its purpose, work and key activities including brand management.


• Manage key stakeholders and media contacts.


• Develop and enhance EWH ’s digital and social media presence including use of AI processes to increase /support workflow.


• Act as a prime contact for media with responsibility for Corporate Office Response and “rapid reply” management.

3\. Engagement

• Develop and deliver EWH ’s engagement strategy and action plan, supporting the work of the Fundraising and Engagement Manager and others, as appropriate.


• Engage with local communities across the site and beyond including formal processes such the WHS Management Plan Oversight Group.


• Consolidate and develop engagement resources and opportunities, targeting new audiences.

4\. Fundraising

• Lead and support with colleagues the design and execution of EWH’s fundraising strategy.


• Design and execute campaigns to attract individual donors and corporate partners.


• Build and cultivate relationships with existing donors and funders.


• With others, pilot and develop new funding streams and activities.


• Collaborate with programme leads to identify fund development opportunities and impact stories.

5\. Team Management and Collaboration

• Support the Board, Director and Heads of Departments to deliver Edinburgh World Heritage strategy and programmes


• Lead on internal communications, ensuring effective knowledge sharing across departments


• Champion collaborative working and manage organisational resources


• Line manage and mentor the Engagement team; currently Fundraising and Engagement Manager and Communications and Digital Media Officer (more roles including volunteers/students may be added).


• Brief the Director, Heads of Departments and Board on key communications issues as required.

6\. General

• Support the Director and other senior managers to deliver Edinburgh World Heritage strategy, WHS Management Plan and various work programmes.


• Brief the Director, senior managers and Board on key operational issues as required.


• Assist as necessary across the business in an open and flexible manner to help ensure that Edinburgh World Heritage remains a sustainable and respected organization.


• Work with the WHS Steering Group and WHS Core Partners (City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Environment Scotland) to ensure clear messaging and transparent internal and external messaging.


• Ensure timely and accurate monitoring and evaluation of budget and activities as appropriate.

For further information and job description email Director@ewht.org.uk

How to Apply:

Please send a current CV and a Supporting Statement of no more than two A4 pages to: Director@ewht.org.uk

Please title the email as “Head of Advocacy and Communications – Your Name” and make sure that documents sent are clearly identifiable. We accept either Word or PDF formats.

www.ewh.org.uk

• Closing Date \- Friday 12 June 2026

Pay: £42,299\.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edinburgh

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