Project Manager – Home, Identity & Belonging Full Time NEW

Contract: Freelance, fixed-term (16 months), 3 days per week. Fee: £35,556.

Location: Leicester/Leicestershire  

About the Project 

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Freelance Project Manager to lead the delivery of an 16-month heritage initiative celebrating the rich histories and lived experiences of South Asian communities in the Leicester and Leicestershire. This strategic project will create a lasting legacy through the collection, preservation, and sharing of oral histories, personal archives, and cultural narratives via digital platforms and through a programme of activities and events.  

Home, Identity and Belonging: A British South Asian Journey is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to collect, preserve and share personal stories, oral histories and materials, culminating in an exhibition that celebrates the experiences and contributions of British South Asians. 

Key project outcomes include: 

• Collecting and transcribing oral histories to preserve intergenerational narratives. 
• Archiving personal materials such as photographs, letters, and documents. 
• Producing a temporary exhibition at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery and a regional touring exhibition. 
• Commissioning a short documentary film to complement the exhibition. 
• Recruiting and training volunteers to support heritage collection and community engagement. 
• Delivering an inclusive public programme of events, workshops, and activities. 
• Developing a schools’ outreach programme with tailored educational resources. 
• Creating meaningful content for a permanent, accessible digital archive to ensure these histories are preserved and shared with future generations. 

This is a high-profile opportunity to shape a community-led heritage project with long-term cultural impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

Heritage Collection & Archiving 

• Lead the collection, documentation, and transcription of oral histories. 
• Oversee and action the acquisition and cataloguing of personal materials from community members. 
• Ensure archival processes align with sector best practices and long-term preservation standards. 

Exhibition & Film Production 

• Manage all logistical aspects of the temporary and touring exhibitions, working closely with venue partners, and technical teams. 
• Coordinate with museum and gallery teams to ensure seamless exhibition delivery. 
• Commission and supervise the development of a high-quality short documentary film. 

Strategic Project Management 

• Develop, implement, and monitor detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets. 
• Lead on stakeholder engagement and cultivate strategic partnerships with museums, archives, and community organisations. 
• Ensure effective delivery of all workstreams and alignment with project objectives and funder expectations. 

Community Engagement & Volunteer Leadership 

• Design and deliver a dynamic community engagement programme to foster broad participation and co-creation. 
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers, embedding skills development and sustainability. 
• Build meaningful relationships with South Asian communities to drive ownership and relevance. 

Education & Learning 

• Develop an innovative schools’ programme, in collaboration with schools, aligned to curriculum needs and informed by the archive. 
• Produce accessible learning resources that inspire intergenerational understanding and cultural pride. 

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting 

• Lead project evaluation capturing outputs and outcomes for communities and stakeholders. 
• Work with the contractor appointed to undertake the external evaluation. 
• Provide clear, timely reporting to funders and governance structures. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Demonstrable experience in oral history collection and transcription. 
• In-depth knowledge of archival standards and heritage documentation. 
• Proven track record of leading complex, multi-partner projects within the arts, heritage, or cultural sectors. 
• Strong logistical and operational planning expertise, particularly for exhibitions and public programming. 
• Experience in designing and delivering inclusive community engagement activities. 
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and partnership building skills. 
• Leadership experience in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers. 
• A deep understanding of working collaboratively with diverse communities, especially South Asian communities in the UK. 
• Experience developing educational resources for schools and learning settings. 

Desirable 

• Experience working with museums, archival institutions, or digital heritage platforms. 
• Understanding of film production processes or experience collaborating with filmmakers. 

How to Apply 

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience. 

Applications must be sent to office@uksada.co.uk by 8th May. 

• If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with Nisha on 07813 164887.