Short Description
Hay Castle Trust is a young charity with big ambitions, seeking an individual eager to grow alongside the organization.
Hay Castle, steeped in myth and history, was said to have been built by a Medieval giantess and was more recently inhabited by the self-declared King of Hay, who famously appointed his horse as Prime Minister. Today, after being rescued, restored, and renewed, the Castle stands as a unique centre where centuries of Welsh heritage meet the creative spirit of Hay-on-Wye and its surrounding rural communities. While firmly rooted in history, the Castle embraces the present with celebrations that are sometimes playful, always surprising, thoroughly contemporary, and often joyously unconventional.
This is no ordinary castle, and the role is no ordinary job. The Communications & Engagement Manager will have the opportunity to shape the position and make a significant impact on how the Trust connects with its audiences and builds community, both online and in person.
- Location: Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye
- Salary: £30,369 per annum pro rata (actual salary £24,295 per annum)
- Hours: 32 per week, to include weekend work (one weekend in three to be agreed)
About the Role
The Communications & Engagement Manager will play a central role in enhancing, protecting, and widening Hay Castle’s reputation among key audience groups. The position is designed to attract more visitors, strengthen engagement, and grow the Castle’s community—both onsite and online.
Strategy
- Collaborates with the Director and relevant Trustees to develop the Castle’s communications and audience development strategy.
- Leads the development of the Castle’s social media strategy.
Digital
- Creates engaging digital content to highlight the Castle and its programme of events.
- Manages all social media platforms, including:
- Planning and scheduling posts and content, ensuring consistency of tone and quality across all channels.
- Monitoring and responding to reviews and comments on platforms such as Google and TripAdvisor.
- Works with colleagues to promote activities effectively across digital channels.
- Supports the maintenance and development of the Castle’s website to ensure it remains up to date and engaging.
- Collaborates with the Director to produce quarterly newsletters that are accessible and engaging.
Media & Communications
- Oversees all external communications to protect and enhance the Castle’s reputation.
- Develops and implements a communications plan to raise awareness of the Castle and its events programme.
- Researches, writes, and distributes press releases to targeted media, including listings for Castle events.
- Organises publicity events for major exhibitions.
- Collates and analyses media coverage to evaluate the impact of marketing and communications activity.
- Coordinates with the Director on communications with Castle members.
Other Responsibilities
- Reviews and refines CRM systems and processes to improve management and segmentation of visitor and audience information.
- Works with the Director on development activities, including updating funders and highlighting supporter stories.
- Manages a delegated marketing budget.
- Oversees occasional communications volunteers and consultants.
Hay Castle Trust is a small and friendly team, where staff members collaborate and support one another by sharing responsibilities as needed.
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Experience managing social media platforms
- Strong organisational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
Desirable
- Experience with press/media relations
- Basic design or video editing skills
- Experience with CMS/CRM
- Understanding of cultural/heritage audiences
Don’t worry if you don’t tick every box on the job description. What matters most is that you’re creative, smart, confident with digital platforms, and can write in a way that engages people. We’re recruiting as much for attitude as experience, so if you’re full of ideas, love telling stories, and want to be part of our creative and ambitious team, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please send a CV and a cover letter to helen.furnell@haycastletrust.org. If you would like to include any examples of previous written, web or social media work, we would be happy to see these.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Y Gelli Gandryll, United Kingdom
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 10 October 2025
Website Link: https://www.haycastletrust.org/vacancies.aspx
