Director, General Management, Non-Profit & Social Impact

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.

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

• 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
• Oversee maintenance and community engagement for HCS churches

• 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

• 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

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
• Working with building professionals, communities, and stakeholders
• Fundraising and managing funding bodies
• Financial management and compliance, and staff and volunteer leadership

• 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 (phone number removed)