Museums and Heritage Highland is seeking a freelance Commercial & Sustainable Growth Manager to join our ambitious Pathways to the Future project and help strengthen the long-term sustainability and resilience of museums across the Highlands.
This new two-year freelance role will work collaboratively with small and rural museums to explore thoughtful, realistic and values-led approaches to income generation, audience growth and partnership development.
Working alongside participating museums, the role will help create space for museum leaders to focus on collections, communities and strategic development while building confidence around earned income, commercial opportunities and sustainable growth.
About the Project
Pathways to the Future is a collaborative initiative, led by Museums and Heritage Highland and funded by Museums Galleries Scotland, supporting museums across the Highlands to work in more connected, resilient and sustainable ways.
The project responds to increasing operational and financial pressures facing many museums, particularly smaller and volunteer-led organisations in rural areas. Through shared expertise, collaboration and practical support, the project aims to help museums strengthen their long-term sustainability while remaining rooted in their communities and values.
The Commercial & Sustainable Growth Manager will work closely with participating museums to explore opportunities for:
- Developing new and existing income streams
Strengthening tourism and travel trade relationships
Building regional partnerships and collaborative initiatives
Increasing visibility and audience engagement
Exploring sustainable commercial models suited to rural heritage organisations
About the Role
This is a practical and strategic role focused on helping museums identify realistic opportunities for growth and resilience.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively across multiple museum sites and partner organisations, helping museums build confidence around commercial development while ensuring approaches remain values-led, community-focused and sustainable.
Areas of work may include:
- Supporting growth in earned income through admissions, retail, events, experiences and venue hire
Exploring joint ticketing schemes and regional visitor offers
Developing retail and product opportunities linked to local stories and identities
Building partnerships with tourism organisations, tour operators and local businesses
Developing sponsorship opportunities and corporate partnerships
Supporting strategic marketing campaigns and audience development activity
Using visitor and audience insight to identify growth opportunities
Encouraging collaborative approaches and shared initiatives across participating museums
The role will act as a key connector across the project, helping museums identify opportunities that may not be achievable independently while supporting sustainable and achievable long-term planning.
Role Details
Role: Commercial & Sustainable Growth Manager
Contract: Freelance fixed-term role (2 years)
Fee: £38,000 per annum (£76,000 over two years)
Hours: Around 35 hours per week
Location: Home-based with travel across the Highlands as required
Start Date: 6 July 2026
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone collaborative, strategic and proactive, with experience developing commercial income and sustainable growth activity within heritage, cultural, charitable or visitor-focused organisations.
You’ll be confident identifying opportunities, building partnerships and supporting organisations to develop realistic and sustainable approaches to income generation.
We’d especially like to hear from people who:
- Have experience developing commercial or earned income opportunities
Understand the opportunities and challenges facing rural and community-led museums
Are confident building partnerships across tourism, cultural and business sectors
Can use audience insight and market knowledge to inform decision-making
Have strong project management and communication skills
Are committed to ethical, sustainable and environmentally responsible approaches to growth
Enjoy collaborative working and supporting organisations to build confidence and resilience
Experience working specifically within museums, heritage or place-based tourism initiatives would be particularly valuable.
How to Apply
Please submit:
Your CV or details of relevant experience
A covering letter (maximum 1000 words) outlining your suitability for the role
We also welcome alternative application formats, including:
A video application (maximum 5 minutes)
A PowerPoint presentation (maximum 10 slides)
Applications and enquiries should be sent to:
Nicola Henderson
nicola.henderson@museumsandheritagehighland.org.uk
Deadline
Applications close: 8 June 2026 at 5pm
Further Information
Full details about the role, responsibilities and person specification can be found in the Job Pack.
