Project Director

Job Summary This role will lead the Development Phase of the Black Robin Farm project, a new cultural destination near the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs in the South Downs National Park. This phase will develop the detailed design of the oldest parts of the site and the programme of activities. Job Description The Project Manager will be initially responsible for the Development Phase of Towner's Black Robin Farm project ('the Project'), according to the detail outlined in Towner's National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF)…

Job Summary

This role will lead the Development Phase of the Black Robin Farm project, a new cultural destination near the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs in the South Downs National Park. This phase will develop the detailed design of the oldest parts of the site and the programme of activities.

Job Description

The Project Manager will be initially responsible for the Development Phase of Towner’s Black Robin Farm project (‘the Project’), according to the detail outlined in Towner’s National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Round One application.

The post holder will be the main point of contact between the Project’s professional team, Towner and our assigned NLHF Investment and Engagement Managers. They will provide administration support and compile the Agendas for the Project Board, and Chair meetings with the Professional Team, and an Activities Working Group, as well as attending all other relevant internal and external meetings specific to the redevelopment of Black Robin Farm.

The Project Manager will work cross functionally and closely with the Design Team; Operations Team and Towner Executive, who are responsible for the wider Project to ensure it meets the requirements of all stakeholders. In addition, the post-holder will be a member of Towner’s Senior Management Team (SMT) and will work closely with SMT colleagues and other key staff to ensure that the development of BRF’s programme, outreach, project communications and audience development plans support Towner’s wider strategic goals.

The role will work closely with the Executive Team to develop a comprehensive transition plan to ensure a smooth progression from a one site to two site operation. If the NLHF Round Two Delivery Phase application is successful, the role will continue and the post-holder would support the implementation of this transition plan.

Job Requirements

• Plan and take management responsibility for a successful Development Phase of the Project, which will culminate in the submission of our Round 2 Delivery Phase application to the NLHF in February 2027.

• Develop and maintain the strong working relationship with the NLHF, acting as their main point of contact, providing regular progress updates on all aspects of the Project, including match-funding and the development of design work (to RIBA Stage 4).

• Work closely with the Executive on all aspects of the project, retaining particular responsibility for the development of activities within the project, ensuring full integration of heritage and learning aims with the overall capital plan objectives. This will include refining project briefs, updating the programme, attending Design Team meetings and ensuring regular open communication with all Project stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

• Ensure the successful development of an Activity Plan, working alongside specialist consultancy support, the Director of Development, Head of Learning, Audience Development Manager, Volunteer Development Manager and Heritage Curator & Interpretation Manager in iterating and championing the plan across the organisation.
• Support the recruitment of and ongoing line management of the other NLHF funded roles for the duration of the Development Phase project.

• Oversee the implementation and embedding of the Business Plan, Conservation Management Plan and Black Robin Farm Management & Maintenance Plan with the Project – and ensure alignment with the Towner Strategy 2026-2030.
• Liaise closely with the Executive in relation to budget management, working with the Finance Manager responsible for the Project budgets.