Communications and Engagement Manager
Organisation
Hay Castle Trust
Location
Hay-On-Wye
Description
Hay Castle Trust is a young charity with big ambitions, and we’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us.
Hay Castle was built by a Medieval giantess and was most recently occupied by the self-declared King of Hay, who appointed his horse as Prime Minister. Rescued, restored, and renewed, Hay Castle now serves as a unique centre where centuries of Welsh heritage meet the creative spirit of Hay-on-Wye, and its surrounding rural communities. We’re steeped in history, but not stuck in it. We celebrate our years in ways that are sometimes playful, always surprising, thoroughly contemporary and often joyously offbeat.
We are not any old castle, and this is not any old job. As our Communications & Engagement Manager, you’ll have the chance to shape the role and make a real impact on how we connect with our audiences and build our community, both online and in person.
The overall purpose is to
enhance, protect, and widen Hay Castle’s reputation among key audience groups
help to attract more visitors
engage and grow the Castle’s community (including online)
The role will include
Strategy
work with the Director and relevant Trustees to develop the castle’s communications and audience development strategy
develop the Castle’s social media strategy
Digital
develop digital content to engage people in the Castle and its programme of events
manage the Castle’s social media platforms including:
planning and timetabling posts and content – ensuring consistent tone of voice and standards across all channels
monitoring and responding to reviews and comments on Google and Trip Advisor
working with colleagues to ensure effective promotion of activities across digital platforms
help to keep the Castle’s website up to date and engaging
collaborate with the Director to produce engaging and accessible quarterly newsletters
manage Hay Castle’s overall external communications so as to protect and enhance its reputation
Media & communications
develop a communications plan to raise awareness of the Castle and its programme of events
research, write and distribute press releases to targeted media – including listings for Castle events
organise publicity events for major exhibitions
collate and analyse media coverage and evaluate impact of marketing and communications activity.
collaborate with the Director on scheduling communications with our membership
Other
review and refine the Trust’s CRM systems and processes to more effectively manage and segment audience/visitor information
collaborate with the Director on development efforts – including updating funders and telling supporter stories
manage delegated marketing budget
manage occasional communications volunteers and consultants
We are a small and friendly team, picking up roles to support each other from time to time.
What we are looking for
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.
Link
https://www.haycastletrust.org/vacancies.aspx
Salary
£30,369 per annum pro rata
Closing Date
October 10, 2025
