Heritage jobs in Sussex

Heritage jobs in Sussex with The Sussex Archaeological Society and its trading company Sussex Past. Scroll down for a list of current available roles. Please note: We are currently unable to accept work experience placements.

Casual Visitor Services Assistant

Michelham Priory, Near Hailsham

Variable hours

£12.21 per hour

Job description – click here

Come and join our visitor services team at Michelham Priory as a Casual Visitor Service Assistant. In this role you will be welcoming and supporting our visitors at this historic site.

We are looking for excellent customer service skills, good communication skills and the ability to operate our tills are essential. Some weekend working will be required as our properties operate over 7 days a week.

If you wish to apply for the role then please complete an application form or upload your CV to our recruitment portal here: https://hr.breathehr.com/recruitment/vacancies/41732

Closing Date: Monday 7th July, 9am

The Sussex Archaeological Society is a registered charity and pursues a policy of equal opportunities. We encourage and welcome applications from all backgrounds and all parts of the community. All applications are judged on merit.

Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO

Salary range £80,000 per annum, pro rata
24 hours per week, permanent
Based in Lewes

Recruitment Pack – click here

The Board of Trustees seeks a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee the Society’s daily operations, ensuring the delivery of financial efficiency and effectiveness, use of sustainable practices and attainment of the highest standards of visitor engagement and historic property management. Initially reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees (whilst the CEO position is vacant), the COO will lead a skilled senior management team focused on optimising business performance across all of the Society’s heritage properties and commercial ventures. The COO will play a vital role in implementing the Society’s strategic plan, ensuring the organisation remains agile, effective, and responsive to sector and wider trends. The postholder will also deputise for the CEO as and when required.

In addition to the above, you should have:

– Proven experience leading complex, multi-site operations within the heritage, tourism, or visitor attraction sector.
– Expertise in financial management, including budgeting, reporting, cost control, and driving commercial performance across diverse income streams.
– Skilled in developing visitor-focused strategies that enhance engagement, education and enjoyment, with an understanding of audience development and appreciation for archaeology, history, and collections.
– In-depth knowledge of heritage property management, including conservation, maintenance, and the protection of historic buildings and assets.
– Strong track record in governance, risk management, safeguarding, and health & safety compliance, with experience collaborating effectively with Trustees, senior leaders, and external stakeholders.

If you are interested in applying for this role, further information including an application form and job description are available on our recruitment portal here: https://hr.breathehr.com/v/chief-operating-officer-deputy-41824

Closing Date: Midnight on Monday 4^th August 2025

The Sussex Archaeological Society is a registered charity and pursues a policy of equality and diversity. We encourage and welcome applications from all backgrounds and all parts of the community. All applications are judged on merit.

Director of Fishbourne Roman Palace

Salary range £50,000-£55,000 per annum
Full-time, permanent
Based at Fishbourne Roman Palace

Recruitment Pack – click here

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.

In addition to the above, you should have:

– Experience of leading cultural and/or organisational change, with a focus on inclusion, innovation, and high performance.
– Strong commercial awareness, with experience identifying and delivering growth, service improvements, and operational efficiencies.
– Experience in developing, and delivering, fundraising activities including grant applications, and wider income generation, experience of capital projects, site development or heritage-led regeneration would be an advantage.
– Experience of developing and managing partnerships across sectors including local authorities, community organisations, and cultural bodies.
– Proven ability to manage financial resources effectively, including budgeting, reporting, and income generation.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jean Sanderson on 01243 785859.

Closing Date: Midnight on Monday 4th August 2025