Head of Marketing, Communications and Engagement – Immediate Start

The Cheltenham Trust is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Marketing, Communications and Engagement to lead and shape our communications strategy at our not-for-profit charity.

This senior leadership role will shape and deliver a Trust-wide strategy to enhance brand visibility, grow audiences, and drive commercial and fundraising success across our venues and programmes.

We’re seeking a strategic and creative leader with a strong track record in marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement, ideally with experience in the cultural, leisure or charitable sectors.

Our Organisation

The Cheltenham Trust is the lead provider of culture, heritage, leisure and sport in Cheltenham, and we recognise that we need the right people, with the right skills, to help achieve our vision, goals and potential growth.

The Trust is an independent charity that manages five iconic and contemporary venues at the heart of Cheltenham including the Pittville Pump Room and Heritage Cafe, Cheltenham Town Hall and the Garden Bar, The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, Leisure at Cheltenham, and the Prince of Wales stadium. We deliver a wide range of services and activities including hires and events, festivals and shows, exhibitions, leisure, cafes and in-house catering.

The Role

As a key member of the Executive Management Team, reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead and deliver both strategic and operational marketing, communications, and engagement initiatives across the Trust. This role is pivotal in increasing visibility of the Trust’s social impact and wellbeing outcomes and in supporting sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Reputation management – Lead on all media and PR activity, building strong relationships with press, influencers, and broadcast media.
- Provide expert advice to the CEO and executive team on reputation, messaging and stakeholder communications.
Stakeholder engagement – Lead the evolution of the TCT brand, ensuring consistency, visibility, and impact across all communications and platforms.
- Develop and manage the internal communications strategy to engage and inform staff, trustees and stakeholders.
Strategic marketing and communications – Develop and implement a dynamic, Trust-wide marketing and communications strategy aligned with the business plan.
Campaign management – Create and deliver marketing campaigns that drive awareness, engagement, footfall, and revenue across venues and programme activities.
Revenue Growth – Supporting income generation, funding opportunities, donations and sponsorship.
- Develop and grow corporate partnerships and sponsorships, securing external funding and strategic collaborations.
- Promote and grow the Trust’s donation and membership schemes.
- Support the preparation of fundraising bids.
Leadership and team development – provide leadership to the Marketing Team, supporting professional development and building a positive team culture.
Customer experience – Oversee audience development strategies to attract and diversify participation.
Impact measurement – Manage all digital channels, websites, and CRM systems; analyse engagement data and ensure quality user experiences.
- Monitor team performance and outcomes aligned to KPIs and strategic goals.

About You

The successful candidate will bring strategic vision, brand expertise, excellent communication skills and a commercial mindset, with a passion for arts, culture, health and community engagement.

Essential Skills & Experience:

Educated to degree level in a relevant subject, or significant equivalent experience.
Professional qualification in marketing, communications or related field.
Minimum five years of experience in a senior communications or marketing leadership role.
Proven success in delivering marketing, PR, fundraising or brand strategies that support business growth and audience development.
Demonstrated experience in reputation and stakeholder management.
Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent copywriting, editorial, digital marketing skills and verbal communication skills.
Strong commercial acumen and ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
Experience in using digital marketing tools and CRM systems with proven results.
Experience managing agencies or third-party suppliers.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

Membership of a professional body.
Experience working in or with arts, heritage, leisure or charitable organisations.

The Package

• Permanent contract

• Salary up to £55,000 dependent on experience

• Career development opportunities

• 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Holiday purchase scheme

• Fantastic employee leisure membership discounts

• Staff discounts including cafes and bars

• Employee assistance programme

Early applications are encouraged, and applicants may be invited to interview prior to the closing date. We may close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed before closing date.

The Cheltenham Trust

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Head of Marketing, Communications and Engagement