Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to drive strategic vision for Fishbourne Roman Palace.
- Company: Join a passionate organisation dedicated to preserving UK heritage and archaeology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for community engagement and cultural impact.
- Why this job: Make a difference in heritage while fostering innovation and inclusivity in a vibrant setting.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in heritage or cultural sectors, with strong operational skills.
- Other info: Applications close on 4th August 2025; apply online now!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Director
Trustees wish to appoint an experienced leader who has a proven track record of driving change within a varied and fast-moving environment. The successful candidate will bring a passion for UK heritage, and specifically for the history and archaeology of Sussex. They will be able to lead a team of passionate and knowledgeable individuals, developing strong internal and external relationships and helping develop and implement a strategic vision for Fishbourne Roman Palace which ensures its successful and impactful future. We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to set the Palace’s strategic vision and provide its operational oversight. This is a pivotal role for a seasoned professional with a passion for heritage, strong operational acumen, and a proven track record of driving organisational change through inspiring leadership.
Key Accountabilities
Strategic Leadership and Organisational Alignment:
- Support the Society’s Chief Operating Officer and the Chair of the Committee of Fishbourne Roman Palace in shaping and delivering a long-term strategic vision for the Palace, aligning operations with the wider aims of the Society and positioning the property as a thriving and sustainable cultural destination.
- Develop and implement business planning, budget management and operational strategies, underpinned by robust KPIs and performance metrics, with regular reporting to the Committee of Fishbourne Roman Palace and the Society’s Council of Trustees.
- Provide and deliver strategic leadership and vision of the Palace’s multi-faceted heritage offer, its internationally important archaeological collections and its operational management.
- Build and strengthen a sustainable volunteer workforce, integrating volunteers into the core operational model and enhancing and promoting impactful community engagement.
- Lead, develop and inspire a cross-functional team, embedding a high-performance culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, innovation and trust.
- Drive cultural change across teams and stakeholders, fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking environment that embraces continuous improvement.
Team Leadership and Cultural Development:
- Collaborate closely with Society colleagues to ensure joined up thinking and shared delivery of goals across all areas of the organisation.
- Champion the Society’s reputation as a leading authority on the archaeology and history of Sussex, fostering academic partnerships and promoting research and active study.
- Lead the strategic growth and development of the Palace’s education programme, and develop innovative, inclusive, and engaging approaches to bring the stories of Fishbourne Roman Palace to life through dynamic programming and exhibitions.
- Champion excellence in visitor experience, ensuring the Palace is accessible, engaging and welcoming to diverse audiences.
- Lead on the delivery of an innovative commercial strategy, developing new income streams and a profitable retail café and events offer. Identify opportunities for commercial growth, process improvement, and innovation to increase efficiency, resilience and visitor satisfaction.
- In conjunction with the Society’s Chief Operating Officer, develop and deliver a successful fundraising strategy along with the associated relationships with national funding bodies to ensure the long-term, financial sustainability of the Palace.
Operations, Risk and Resource Management:
- Lead on risk management strategies, ensuring business continuity, compliance, and effective mitigation planning.
- Hold responsibility for the highest standards in facilities management, health and safety, safeguarding, and emergency response planning.
- Ensure the responsible and strategic management of resources, including financial oversight, staff development, infrastructure, and conservation priorities.
Academic Excellence, Visitor Experience and Commercial Innovation:
- Forge and nurture strategic partnerships with local authorities, cultural institutions, community organisations, and educational bodies to enhance the profile, reach, and impact of the Society’s heritage properties, ensuring they remain deeply connected to and reflective of the communities they serve.
- Develop and support inclusive programming initiatives that improve wellbeing and foster community transformation.
- Represent the Society externally at a strategic level, cultivating partnerships and advocating for our mission and values with stakeholders, funders and wider heritage sector.
How to Apply
Click on the 'Apply on website' button below to apply online. The closing date for applications is Monday 4th August 2025.
Director employer: SUSSEX ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Contact Detail:
SUSSEX ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the heritage and archaeology sectors. Attend relevant events, seminars, or workshops to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the history and archaeological significance of Sussex, particularly Fishbourne Roman Palace. This knowledge will not only enhance your application but also demonstrate your genuine passion for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you have successfully driven change in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire teams and foster a high-performance culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current strategic goals and challenges facing Fishbourne Roman Palace. Understanding these aspects will allow you to propose innovative ideas and solutions that align with the organisation's vision during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Director position. Pay close attention to the key accountabilities mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in heritage management, leadership, and strategic planning. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive change and lead teams effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for UK heritage and your vision for Fishbourne Roman Palace. Address how your background aligns with the organisation's goals and how you can contribute to its future success.
Highlight Leadership Experience: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership experience and any successful initiatives you've led in previous roles. Showcase your ability to inspire teams and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.
How to prepare for a job interview at SUSSEX ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
✨Show Your Passion for Heritage
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for UK heritage, particularly the history and archaeology of Sussex. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your connection to this field, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Vision
Prepare to discuss your approach to developing and implementing a long-term strategic vision. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully aligned operations with broader organisational goals in previous roles.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Emphasise your experience in leading diverse teams and fostering a high-performance culture. Discuss specific instances where you inspired change and collaboration among team members to achieve common objectives.
✨Prepare for Operational Challenges
Anticipate questions about operational management and risk strategies. Be prepared to share your insights on maintaining high standards in facilities management and ensuring compliance while driving innovation and efficiency.
