Job Title: Project Coordinator
Contract
Type:
Full‑time permanent
Location:
London (Smithfield / Liverpool Street/ Covent Garden) with some hybrid working possible
Reports to
Line manager:
Foundation Director
Works closely with: Marketing Executive & the wider team Foundation Team of freelancers, board of Trustees, development committee and volunteer network
Salary & Benefits
- £37-£40k
- A seasonal clothing allowance
- Discretionary discount on Paul Smith goods
- An annual leave entitlement of 25 days, plus Bank Holidays (Pro Rata)
- Generous pension contribution
Keywords: Charitable Foundation, Project Management, Programme Management, Evaluation & Impact, Contemporary Arts, Creative Arts, Systems, Processes, Coordinating, Artist Development, Fashion Industry, Fashion Incubator, Fashion Business
ABOUT PAUL SMITH’S FOUNDATION
Sir Paul Smith is one of Britain’s most prominent and successful fashion designers. Passionate about nurturing creative talent, Paul established the Foundation in recognition that:
- Emerging creatives are often unprepared for the realities of a career in a challenging, competitive, and fast-changing landscape.
- Creative training doesn’t provide graduates with the entrepreneurial and business acumen needed to build a thriving business.
Established in 2020, Paul Smith’s Foundation exists to better the business skills of creative people working in fashion, visual arts, and design. Through in depth and bespoke business mentoring, the Foundation equips creatives with the insight, tools, and network they need to establish and sustain a healthy business for the long term. Through partnerships, we create paid opportunities to freely make, encouraging curiosity and experimentation without financial burden, whilst nurturing potential to help shape a dynamic and enterprising creative sector.
Purpose of the Role
The Project Coordinator ensures the smooth, efficient and values‑aligned delivery of Paul Smith’s Foundation programmes, residencies and projects. The role leads and supports a range of programme areas - including the Fashion Residency, International Art Prize, Archive Residency and British Makers Design Grant - coordinating timelines, logistics, evaluation, partner liaison and project administration.
Working at the operational heart of a small but growing philanthropic foundation, the Project Coordinator enables the team to function effectively and ensures artists, partners and beneficiaries have a positive and professional experience.
Key Responsibilities
1. Programme & Project Coordination (primary focus)
Lead day‑to‑day coordination of multiple projects across the Foundation’s programme portfolio.
Manage timelines, milestones and deliverables, ensuring all activity is aligned with the Foundation’s strategic objectives.
Work closely with the Foundation Director and Marketing Executive to plan programme content, events and reporting.
Support or lead project areas depending on brief and programme cycle.
2. Operational & Administrative Support
Maintain organised programme systems, documentation, schedules and shared folders.
Assist with smooth day‑to‑day running of internal systems and operational processes.
Support project‑related budgeting tasks (tracking spend, monitoring cashflow, raising queries with Foundation Director).
3. Events & Residency Delivery
Support planning and delivery of programme‑related events and residencies, such as:
Workshops and mentoring sessions
Alumni gatherings
Residencies and partner‑related showcases
Provide logistical support including RSVPs, materials preparation, room setup coordination and guest‑list administration.
4. Collaboration & Communication
Work closely with all team members to ensure shared understanding of programme timelines and needs.
Liaise with artists, alumni, partners and suppliers in a professional and timely manner.
Prepare succinct presentations, updates and internal documents to support decision‑making.
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience in project or programme coordination, ideally in arts, culture, fashion, philanthropy or a related creative sector.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills; able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Confident working within a small, evolving team where responsibilities may shift.
- Experience supporting project budgets and financial tracking.
- Experience supporting evaluation, monitoring or impact measurement.
- Experience liaising with artists, creative practitioners and programme partners.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; collaborative and solutions‑focused.
Desirable
- Experience supporting artist residencies, fashion residencies or commissioning programmes.
- Familiarity with trustee reporting, governance or funder reporting.
- Experience using CRMs, evaluation platforms, Google Drive or similar systems.
To Apply
Please apply via https://form.jotform.com/260822905053352
A relevant CV (no more than 3 pages)
1-page cover letter detailing your ambitions for the role, and why you’d be a great fit
Schedule
Closing date: Thursday 30 April
Interviews: w/c 11 May & w/c 18 May
Please note we will be reviewing and shortlisting applications throughout the application window, so we would encourage you to submit sooner than later.