Job Vacancy: Director, Archaeology South-East

The Centre for Applied Archaeology (CAA) provides expert help and advice with the management of historic archaeological sites and landscapes, including masterclasses on cultural resource management. The CAA is active in over 80 countries.

Archaeology South-East (ASE) was first established as the Institute’s ‘Sussex Field Archaeology Unit’ in 1974. As part of the CAA, it is responsible for the delivery of a comprehensive range of professionally accredited applied archaeological services, supporting research and innovation in archaeological practice, and providing an interface between the academic activities of the Institute and other stakeholders.

ASE handles hundreds of research and consultancy commissions every year, chiefly on behalf of construction-sector clients in south-east England. The work includes archaeological excavation and survey, impact assessment, building recording, scientific analysis and conservation, community engagement, professional training, and research publication. Externally funded contracts in these areas of activity generate a turnover in excess of £5M annually, and require the employment of ca.120 staff working from offices at Portslade (near Brighton) and Witham (near Colchester), and on the Bloomsbury campus. In addition to the pursuit of research goals, and an emphasis on knowledge exchange, this professional practice is structured to contribute to UCL teaching, providing opportunities for advanced practical experience for UCL students.

The ASE Director holds overall responsibility for all aspects of ASE operations, providing strategic and organisational leadership, while also contributing to the delivery of the research and teaching objectives of the Institute. This post requires initiative and creativity in expanding ASE’s field and heritage activities in a rapidly evolving environment, integrated with the priorities of a leading global university.

The post will be located at the Head Office in Portslade, but requires travel between the London and Witham offices. The deadline for applications is 5 January 2023.

Applicants will be employed on either a research or professional services contract depending on skills and experience. Applicants will ideally have a PhD or postgraduate degree in archaeology and an established research profile relevant to archaeology. Previous experience of successful archaeological project management on behalf of construction clients is essential including managing resources, risk, budgets and staff. Applicants will have excellent communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, professional bodies and clients. They will actively contribute to organisational strategy and promote the corporate values and objectives. Applicants will be members of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (MCIfA).

UCL particularly encourages applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. 

Further details and how to apply

• Visit the UCL Vacancies page
• Informal enquiries may be addressed to Kevin MacDonald, Director, UCL Institute of Archaeology at ioa-director@ucl.ac.uk
• Enquiries regarding the vacancy or the application process may be directed to Louisa Goldsmith (HR Administrator) at l.goldsmith@ucl.ac.uk