Farmer's Arms Project Director

Based at The Farmer’s Arms, Lowick Green, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8DT
, U.K.

Full Time (40hrs per week, incl. evenings, weekend & public holiday work) Grizedale Arts is an Arts Council England NPO & a registered charity

“We believe in everyday creativity, and creativity everyday. It’s our mission to nurture this in everyone who works at The Farmer’s Arms and in everyone who visits us.”

The Farmer’s Arms is a vibrant rural hub that enriches the lives of both local residents and visitors. We are now seeking a Project Director to take on the day-to-day leadership of this diversified pub. This new role will guide future strategy and business planning, oversee venue operations, and shape creative direction. The aim is to strengthen and grow the daily operations of The Farmer’s Arms, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for its creative programme.

The Project Director will lead a hard-working team of staff and volunteers, embracing the hands‑on ethos that has characterised the project since Grizedale Arts bought the historic inn with the support of local and international investors and donors in 2021.

The Project Director will also work closely with Grizedale Arts’ director Adam Sutherland MBE to develop and support artists’ projects, residencies and related activity including fundraising, curation and delivery. With Grizedale Arts’ sister site at Lawson Park, both directors will create and support collaborative opportunities including open days, educational events, volunteering and residencies. Significant ongoing projects which span both sites include Re‑Form Life (working title), funded by the Ampersand Award (see below).

Job Description

The Project Director will deliver:

• Leadership:
  Motivating and inspiring the team, managing resources and taking responsibility for operational success.
• Creative & Strategic Thinking:
  Developing and implementing creative, sustainable strategies in a complex, multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Operational Excellence:
  Site and event management, with adherence to health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Community Engagement:
  Building inclusive, collaborative relationships across diverse communities.
• Financial Management:
  Budgeting, reporting and successful fundraising.
• Marketing & Communications:
  Creating and executing marketing campaigns, managing digital channels, and engaging stakeholders effectively.
• Responsible Land Management & Sustainability:
  Facilitating land‑based projects including food growing and environmental stewardship.

In conjunction with Programme Producer Molly Reeve the postholder will sustain and develop a range of events at the venue:

• Weekly Talks, live music, crafts classes and Cafe Teen arts project.
• Monthly Workshops (to incorporate and support studio holders), Gardening School and Club, building projects and a new supper club.
• Quarterly Festivals, including the well established Social Clay and a new annual conference (both 2‑day events)
• One‑off private and community events and celebrations including weddings, Burns Night, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, etc.

Person Specification

• Senior level experience in an arts organisation or equivalent (min. 3 years)
• Proven financial management skills and experience of successful fundraising and/or income generation
• Understanding of Arts Council England NPO reporting requirements
• Proven ability to enthuse and motivate others and to lead a team
• Excellent IT, verbal and written communication skills
• A driving licence & personal transport
• Qualification and/or curatorial experience in the arts, museums / heritage or architecture
• Previous employment in the hospitality sector
• Marketing or PR experience
• Experience of living and working in a rural location

The inn is Grade II Listed, with a 16th century bar, a cafe, dining room and kitchen, a self‑service shop, offices, pottery and wood workshops (4 craft studios open 7 days a week). There are 3 staff bedrooms, 4 guest rooms and a 3 bedroom self‑catering apartment. Its 6 acres of former sheep grazing are now managed for biodiversity and include a new community orchard.

Facilities include a salt kiln, outdoor pizza oven, garden shed, fermentation barn (winner of…