PROJECTS DIRECTOR

Key skills

- Project and programme management
- Business growth strategy and strategic planning
- Funding applications and grant coordination
- Evaluation frameworks and Theory of Change
- Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
- Placemaking and economic development

Experience

always possible (Operations Manager, 2020–present): Oversees strategic consultancy projects in change and impact planning, evaluation frameworks, major funding bids and business planning. Managed £500k+ ERDF-funded programmes and current UKSPF projects in Sussex and Surrey. Senior manager on economic evaluation for West Midlands Combined Authority and stakeholder engagement for Sussex Bay. Led legacy business planning for the 10-year Big Local project and long-term strategy for UK Research Integrity Office and health, arts and education clients.

Hush Fundraising (Fundraising Consultant): Provided consultancy to charities and cultural organisations on fundraising and donor strategy.

Creative & Cultural Skills (Partnership Manager): Built partnerships between education providers and employers in the creative industries.

Dv8 Sussex (Course Leader): Oversaw delivery of training courses and curriculum development.

London Word Festival (Co-founder & Co-director, 2008 onwards): Established and ran an award-winning creative business in London, with focus on event production, business development and fundraising.

Qualifications

- MA in Philosophy – University of Glasgow
- Help to Grow: Management Programme – University of Brighton (mini-MBA equivalent)
- Professional development: Continuous CPD via UK Evaluation Society

Honours and contributions

Co-recipient of the Paul Hamlyn Breakthrough Award (2009) for contributions to the creative and cultural sector

14+ years’ leadership experience spanning creative industries, training, social and economic development

Recognised for managing complex, high-value projects that deliver measurable business growth and productivity