Project Manager, Cultural Prospectus for Sussex (UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Overview of the Opportunity

The University of Sussex is looking for a creative and organised Project Manager to lead the development of a Cultural Prospectus for Sussex, funded through the Arts Council England South East Investment programme.

This role sits within the Library, Culture & Heritage Division and will play a central part in shaping how the value and future potential of culture across East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove is communicated. The prospectus will support regional planning ahead of the formation of the Mayoral Combined County Authority.

You will coordinate partners from across the cultural, civic, and community sectors to deliver a clear, compelling and evidence-based document within agreed timelines and resources.

What You Will Be Responsible For

As Project Manager, you will:

• Plan and deliver the Sussex Cultural Prospectus from concept through to publication
• Coordinate contributions from cultural organisations, local authorities, and creative practitioners
• Manage timelines, outputs, and reporting against project milestones
• Oversee budget tracking and ensure effective use of project funding
• Develop communications approaches to share outcomes with stakeholders
• Build productive relationships beyond the cultural sector to strengthen regional collaboration

About You

We are seeking someone who is proactive, inquisitive, and confident working with multiple partners. You should be comfortable leading a project independently while maintaining strong collaborative relationships.

You will ideally demonstrate:

• Experience of strategic project management
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Confidence working across complex partnerships
• Experience managing or monitoring budgets
• Interest or experience within the arts, heritage, or creative industries
• Understanding of public participation or community engagement in culture
• Knowledge of the Sussex cultural landscape would be advantageous but is not essential.

About the Division

The Library, Culture & Heritage Division, established in 2024, brings together:

• University of Sussex Library
• The Keep archive service (with local authority partners)
• Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts

This integrated structure supports research, public engagement, and cultural collaboration across the region. The Division is currently shaping its long-term strategy, making this a particularly exciting time to join.

The University Library is a major UK research resource and plays a key role in supporting teaching, knowledge creation, and preservation.

Why Join Sussex

Our campus sits beside the South Downs National Park and is easily accessible by rail and bus, with Falmer station only a short walk away.

Sussex is an internationally recognised research university where collaboration, creativity, and inclusion are central to how we work. Staff benefit from a supportive environment, flexible working options (where operationally possible), and a comprehensive reward and benefits package.

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This post may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, depending on the salary offered and individual circumstances. The role is aligned to SOC code 2440 – Business and Financial Project Management Professionals.

For official guidance on eligibility and salary requirements.

• Skilled Worker visa: Your job eligibility
• Going rates for eligible occupation codes
• When a Skilled Worker visa salary can be lower
• These resources explain that roles must usually meet the relevant occupation “going rate” and minimum salary thresholds to qualify for sponsorship.
• All work for the University must be undertaken within the UK and applicants must demonstrate their right to work.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Sussex welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. UK public sector organisations are expected to promote equality, remove discrimination, and improve opportunity for all groups under the Equality Act framework.

Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Equality Duty overview

Key Details

• Closing Date: 15 February 2026 (3:59 PM)
• Expected Start: March 2026
• Duration: 6 months (fixed term)

For informal enquiries, applicants may contact the hiring manager listed in the vacancy. Full application instructions are available via the University’s vacancies page.

If adjustments are required during the recruitment process, candidates are encouraged to request support through the recruitment team.