Work somewhere where a job is not just a ‘job’, where you can be part of a team with a passion for protecting and sharing Scotland’s heritage. Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, is one of Scotland’s most important heritage sites and easily accessible from Edinburgh by road and rail. Now cared for by an independent charity, we are seeking an exceptional individual to lead our historic collections and built heritage care, our visitor storytelling, and our community programmes.

In this interesting and varied role you will be responsible for the Trust’s heritage responsibilities, overseeing achievement of Museum Accreditation and all the work which goes into maintaining this designation of professional heritage care; the delivery and further development of an exceptional visitor experience; volunteering and educational visits. Overseeing a team of five, and working closely with the fundraising team to achieve your objectives, you will be a key member of our management team and will advise trustees on all heritage and community matters. As a small charity run by staff and volunteers, you should be personable and flexible in your approach to others, and be prepared to be bitten by our passion for Scott and Abbotsford.

Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust (PKHT) is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Grants Officer to lead the delivery of its historic building grant programmes, support traditional skills development, and engage communities with the region’s heritage. This senior, strategic, and hands-on role is central to the Trust’s mission to preserve, promote, and enhance the built heritage of Perth and Kinross.

About Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust

PKHT is an independent charity dedicated to conserving and promoting the historic environment of Perth and Kinross. Through innovative projects in archaeology, historic building conservation, traditional skills training and public engagement, the Trust connects people with their heritage while supporting regeneration, placemaking and community wellbeing.

Over the past three decades, PKHT has established itself as a trusted expert and advocate for heritage, delivering high-quality projects in partnership with local authorities, funders, community groups and national bodies. With a reputation for impact and innovation, the Trust is entering a new phase of development and is looking for a new senior staff member who can combine vision with practical knowledge to build on this success.

What will you do as the Senior Grants Officer?

The Senior Grants Officer will lead the Perth City Heritage Fund (PCHF) and Community Heritage Grant scheme, overseeing grant administration, project delivery, training and community engagement. You will manage and support staff, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure projects are delivered to the highest professional and regulatory standards. You will be responsible for:

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading the delivery of the PCHF, including grant assessment, administration, monitoring, and reporting.
• Managing a portfolio of conservation projects, including design teams, contractors, and end users, ensuring quality, budget, and timeline compliance.
• Co-managing the Outreach and Skills Officer and line manage the Assistant Grants Officer.
• Deliver and support traditional skills training, educational workshops, and community engagement activities.
• Representing PKHT in meetings with funders, statutory bodies, local authorities, property owners, and community partners.
• Ensuring projects comply with funding, legal, and health and safety requirements.
• Maintaining robust project records, monitor outcomes, and report to Trustees.
• Lead on delivery of the Community Heritage Grant scheme, empowering local groups to celebrate and preserve their local heritage.

What does Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust need from you?

Experience:

• Proven experience delivering and managing grant programmes, ideally in the third sector or heritage sector.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, and multiple projects to tight deadlines.
• Experience producing high-quality written work, including reports, evaluations, and funding submissions.
• Experience in community engagement leading to project development or successful funding applications.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Strong understanding of historic building conservation and traditional skills.
• Knowledge of heritage-led regeneration and the value of the historic environment.
• Awareness of relevant legislation, including the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004, Health and Safety, and grant compliance.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgment, and collaborate effectively with a small team.
• IT competence including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Desirable

• A degree or professional qualification in historic building conservation, architecture, town planning, heritage management, or a related discipline.
• Membership or working towards accreditation with a relevant professional body (e.g., IHBC, RIAS/RIBA, RICS, CIOB, RTPI).
• Experience managing historic building grant schemes.
• Familiarity with Scottish historic buildings, heritage issues, and Perth & Kinross.

What is in it for you?

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a respected heritage charity at a time of exciting change and development. As a Senior Grants Officer, you will:

• Work in a supportive and collaborative team committed to protecting and promoting heritage.
• Lead high-profile projects with tangible outcomes for communities, the environment, and local economies.
• Engage with partners, funders, and stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels.
• Receive 32 days annual leave (+1 day per year up to 5 years).
• Be auto enrolled into our pension scheme.
• Be entitled to flexible working arrangements.

This is your chance to be part of a heritage organisation making a lasting difference in the communities and built environment of Perth and Kinross.