Cinenova Digital Access Project Manager 

Job Description

Audio version here

Contract: Fixed term, Freelance, Anticipated working pattern of 3-4 days/week, noting there will be periods of more and less intensive working

Location: Hybrid (Homerton office / remote working)

Duration: 10 months (approximately)

Fee: 140 days at £257 per day

Please note: This role cannot be fully remote; some responsibilities require on-site presence in London to work directly with the Cinenova archive and team.

About Cinenova

Cinenova is a volunteer-led organisation preserving and distributing the work of feminist film and video makers. Cinenova was founded in 1991 following the merger of two feminist film and video distributors, Circles and Cinema of Women, each formed in 1979. Cinenova currently distributes over 300 titles that include artists’ moving image, experimental film, narrative feature films, documentary, and educational videos made from the 1910s to the early 2000s. The thematics in these titles include oppositional histories, post and de-colonial struggles, representation of gender, race, sexuality, and other questions of difference, and importantly the relations and alliances between these different struggles.

Cinenova offers access to an extensive archive and advice relating to moving image work directed by makers who identify as womxn, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender non–binary. Cinenova is informed by its history as a key resource in the UK independent film distribution sector and internationally.

The Cinenova Working Group, founded in 2010, oversees the ongoing work of preservation and distribution, as well as special projects that seek to question the conditions of the organisation.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Project Manager to oversee the day-to-day delivery of a new BFI Screen Heritage National Lottery-funded Digital Access Project. This exciting project aims to strengthen the preservation, accessibility, and visibility of our unique moving image collection through the development of a new collection management system (CMS), website and commissioned writing, and a new brand identity. Working closely with the Cinenova Coordinator, Project Assistant, Cinenova Working Group, Trustees, and freelance specialists (web developer, designer, writers, and evaluator), the Project Manager will ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget, and in line with our organisational values of care, access, and collaboration. The project will be launched in the summer 2026 with an online programme and an in-person events programme.

This is a key leadership role in a small organisation, requiring excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills, as well as a commitment to feminist, anti-racist, and inclusive practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day project management, including scheduling, financial monitoring, and reporting.
• Coordinate the work of freelance contractors (web developer, designer, commissioned writers, evaluator).
• Support recruitment, and lead on supervision, and mentoring of the Project Assistant (early-career placement).
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with the Cinenova Coordinator and Working Group.
• Oversee delivery of project outputs, including the new digital catalogue, website integration, visual identity, and commissioned texts.
• Monitor risks, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure delivery against agreed milestones.
• Lead on project documentation, record-keeping, and knowledge-sharing to support sustainability.
• Contribute to evaluation, reflection, and reporting, working alongside the external evaluator.
• Ensure accessibility, equity, and inclusion are embedded throughout all project activities.

Person Specification

Essential

• At least three years of experience in project management within the arts, heritage, archives, or related sectors.
• Knowledge of feminist moving image histories and practices.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proven experience in budget management and financial reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff, freelancers, or volunteers.
• A demonstrable commitment to feminist, anti-racist, and inclusive working practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a small team and with diverse stakeholders.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience with digital cataloguing systems or digital preservation.
• Interest, knowledge and experience of  archival cataloguing practices
• Familiarity with open-source software and web development processes.
• Experience in arts/heritage evaluation and reporting.
• Understanding of accessibility standards.
• Experience or specialist knowledge relevant to the themes of Cinenova’s collection.

How to Apply

Please complete the online application form here

You will be asked to upload a CV and a one-page cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the person specification.

Alternatively, you may upload a short video covering the same information :

Format: MP4, max 5 minutes

 

Deadline for applications: Thursday 18th December midnight 

Interviews: Friday 9th January 2026

Cinenova welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in the arts and heritage sectors. We are committed to creating flexible and supportive working conditions.

Supported by the BFI Screen Heritage Fund, awarding funds from the National Lottery.

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