Ipswich Heritage Harbour Project

Ipswich Maritime Trust (IMT) is seeking an experienced heritage project manager to lead the implementation of the Ipswich Heritage Harbour Project.

The right candidate will be well-organised, with good people and communication skills, and a self-starter, in addition to having the qualifications outlined below.

About IMT:

IMT’s mission is to promote and preserve the extraordinary maritime heritage of Ipswich, and to give local young people the chance to engage in that heritage and to participate in the recreational, educational and vocational opportunities offered by Ipswich’s proximity to the sea. IMT is a registered charity and was formed in 1982.  See http://ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk/

About the Project:

The objective of the Ipswich Heritage Harbour Project (IHHP) is to celebrate and enhance Ipswich’s status as a heritage harbour, and to use its heritage as a source of positive value for the community.  It is a collaboration involving several local stakeholder organisations, spanning government, business and local heritage organisations. 

Its scope includes:

• Heritage – working with tangible things such as heritage boats, our collection of historic photos and artefacts to increase the profile of our maritime heritage on the waterfront and elsewhere;

• Youth – a schools outreach programme to deliver maritime heritage events in schools and to get schoolkids out on the water, plus a bursary scheme to support young adults pursuing their maritime ambitions; and

• Events – a series of events designed to promote our maritime heritage, culminating in a major maritime festival in Ipswich    

In support of each of these areas, IMT will use the 2025 sailing season to prepare for its acquisition of the sailing barge Victor. Victor will in this season be co-managed by its current skipper and IMT’s Head of Sailing, who will also be funded by the Project, and will be used as a platform for heritage, cultural and school events within the Project.

The Project is expected to evolve into a multiyear programme, and has recently received funding for its first year, which will be used as a proof-of-concept and mobilisation phase, under the leadership of the Project Manager and the IMT trustees and IHHP partners.  This first year of funding aligns with the initial contract period for the PM, as per this advert.

Duties of the Project Manager:

• Oversight, coordination and implementation of all project activities

• Direct lead on:

  • Heritage activities (excl Barge Operations),

  • Festival preparations and other events

  • Young persons bursary scheme

• Oversee Schools Coordinator (direct lead on Schools programme)

• Coordinate and liaise with Head of Sailing (direct lead on Victor operations)

• Oversee Admin Assistant

• Maintenance and population of M&E framework

• Manage relationships with key donors, with the Chairman

• Progress reports to IMT board, IHHP Working Group and Festival Working Groups

• Support the Treasurer in all matters relating to financial management

• Manage and coordinate volunteer pool, in conjunction with Trustees

Reports to: Chairman, IMT

Qualifications required:

• Experience of project management in the heritage sector and large events essential

• Affinity with maritime heritage desirable

• Experience of fundraising and donor relations desirable

• Experience of working with schools and/or youth opportunities desirable

• Knowledge / experience of Ipswich heritage / culture networks desirable

• Good ambassadorial + advocacy skills essential

Timing and day rates:

• Start date: 1^st May 2025 or sooner by negotiation

• End date: 24th April 2026

• Number of days: 170 approx

• Option to start earlier for additional days prior to 1^st May 2025

• £300/day

Applications: Please apply with a cv and brief covering letter, to info@ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk, by 6th April 2025.

Filed Under: Uncategorised Tagged With: Heritage Harbour, Ipswich Maritime Trust, maritime heritage, Maritime Ipswich