Head of Public Engagement- Surrey/Manchester

Location:          Bridgewater / Wisley / flexible. (Hybrid/flexible working)

Hours:             37.5 pw

Contract:          Permanent

Are you passionate about engaging people with plants, gardens and heritage? Do you believe in the potential of gardens to inspire curiosity and generate positive change? Are you excited about engaging audiences in new and innovative ways?

Overview of the Role: 

We are looking for a Head of Public Engagement to join our dynamic and friendly team. This new role sits within our new Learning and Public Engagement division, and will work within our gardens and collections to engage people with horticulture, spark curiosity and inspire people to learn more.

The Head of Public Engagement is one of five new senior management roles within the division, revised to create a step change in RHS Learning and Public Engagement and to meet the RHS strategy goals. This is an exciting time to be joining the UK’s leading gardening charity, to inspire and empower more people to grow.

As Head of Public Engagement you will be responsible for:

• Leading the planning, direction and development of RHS-wide public engagement programmes including garden events, family activities, exhibitions and garden interpretation.


• Engaging people with growing at partner organisations around the UK


• Building and maintaining productive external relationships in the public engagement sphere


• Keeping the RHS up to date with the external events and engagement environment


• Monitoring and improving programmes


• Safeguarding

To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity, whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening – and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet.

And we couldn’t do this without our people. We’re proud of the knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas that each one of our team members brings. From working across our social media channels, to volunteering in the RHS Gardens, from serving customers in our garden centres to running national marketing campaigns, we believe that every member of the RHS team should have the opportunity to make a difference.

Details of our great benefits can be found here.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Please note:  We may review applications as soon as we receive then so if you see a vacancy that you are interested in, please apply straight away as the vacancy will be closed as soon as we hire the right candidate. Should you require any additional support with making your application please contact People Services on peopleservices@rhs.org.uk or 01483 226 530.