Head of Special Events
Location: Maidenhead, with a minimum of 2 days a week in the office
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £64,000-£67,000, depending upon experience
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week Mon – Fri
What You'll Be Doing
In this unique, busy and exciting role, you’ll lead the planning and delivery of some of the organisation’s most high-profile ceremonial, commemorative and engagement activity on a global level. From major international anniversaries to Royal VIP visits, you’ll shape and oversee moments of real significance, ensuring they are delivered with precision, impact and the highest standards of protocol. As the organisation’s expert on special and ceremonial events, you’ll provide trusted advice and briefings to senior leaders and external event partners and contributors, while managing complex activity across the UK and internationally.
Alongside this, you’ll develop a strategic approach to events and engagement that aligns with The CWGC’s priorities and enhances our global reputation. Building strong relationships with Royal Households, governments, embassies and international partners will be crucial to your success, as will your ability to navigate diverse cultural settings. This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic insight, diplomacy, planning and relationship-building, with front line delivery, in a highly visible role. This role works directly with the Director General and her Chief of Staff and is part of The Office of The Director General.
What You Need To Have
- Experience leading high-profile national or international events involving senior stakeholders
- Strong understanding of protocol, diplomacy and ceremonial planning in particular in military, diplomatic or Royal events
- Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships
- Ability to operate independently and make sound decisions under pressure
- Ability to efficiently lead and coordinate cross‑organisational, multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex events within limited timeframes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Fluent in a second language, particularly French or Dutch (desirable but not essential)
- Willingness to travel internationally and work flexibly
Who We Are
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is an organisation dedicated to honouring and caring for the graves and memorials of servicemembers who died in the two World Wars. The work of the commission is not only out on the field, but in our head office too, which contributes to the meaningful commemoration of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
What We Offer
-
25 days annual leave, rising by 1 day per year of service up to a maximum of 30
-
1 privilege day, half day on Maundy Thursday, paid public holidays and paid time off between Christmas and New Year
-
Generous Pension Scheme, with CWGC contributing up to 10%
-
Life Assurance
-
Employee Assistance Programme
-
Cycle To Work & Electric Vehicle schemes
-
Shopping discounts
How To Apply
If you believe your skillsets align with this opportunity, we welcome your application by clicking the apply now button.
This role will close when we have received a reasonable number of suitable applications.
We believe creating a diverse environment enriches our organisation and strengthens our mission, therefore, we welcome applications from everybody. Join our inclusive environment where every individual is welcomed, recognised and valued.
