Director

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required. 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.