Senior Project Manager – Cultural Projects

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. 

Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. 

Our capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. 

We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.

Turner & Townsend Heery is seeking a Senior Project Manager for the national Cultural Projects team to serve as a senior advisor and peer partner to our existing cultural planning team. This role is oriented toward providing clients with executive-level strategy, organizational design, financial sustainability, and operational leadership for performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and community programming-focused organizations.

This role places emphasis on executive leadership and organizational team structures, governance, business and operating models, operating and capital financials, operational readiness, fundraising strategy, public‑private relationships, and municipal engagement. The position also plays a critical role in early project planning for new and existing cultural facilities, supporting clients during pre‑design and pre‑development phases including visioning, needs assessment, operational concept development, phasing strategies, and alignment between mission, program, facility, and financial capacity.

The role bridges owner representation, advisory consulting, and project leadership, serving as a strategic partner to clients as they plan, launch, expand, renovate, or transform cultural assets. Working in close coordination with complementary cultural projects Senior Project Manager(s), this position ensures that organizational readiness, governance frameworks, and long‑term sustainability are fully integrated with capital planning and design decision‑making from project inception through implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Organizational Leadership Advisory

• Advise clients on executive leadership structures, governance models, staffing plans, and organizational alignment for cultural institutions
• Facilitate strategic planning processes for arts and cultural organizations, including visioning, mission alignment, and operational readiness
• Serve as a trusted advisor to CEOs, Executive Directors, Board members, and municipal leadership

Financial Strategy & Business Planning

• Lead development of operating pro formas, multi-year business plans, and long-term financial sustainability models
• Analyze earned and contributed revenue streams including ticketing, rentals, sponsorships, philanthropy, and public funding
• Support capital planning, lifecycle cost analysis, and alignment between capital investment and operational capacity
• Advise on fundraising readiness, donor strategy alignment, and integration of development goals with facility and program planning
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Event Production & Operational Readiness

• Evaluate event production, technical operations, front-of-house, and back-of-house functional requirements
• Support clients in preparing for venue openings, festivals, major events, and operational transitions
• Coordinate closely with programming leadership to ensure operational feasibility and financial alignment

Stakeholder & City Engagement

• Manage relationships with municipalities, public agencies, boards, funders, and community partners
• Lead or support public engagement processes, workshops, and governance discussions
• Represent Turner & Townsend Heery and clients in public forums, executive briefings, and stakeholder meetings

Project Management & Delivery

• Provide senior project leadership across cultural planning, operational studies, and advisory engagements
• Coordinate across internal and external teams including specialty disciplines of economic impact, cost estimation, design, and technical consultants as needed
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and quality control in alignment with Turner & Townsend standards
• Ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality deliverables and client communications

Reporting & Communication

• Lead or patriciate in development of executive-level reports, decision memoranda, and board-ready presentations
• Translate complex financial and operational analysis into clear, actionable insights
• Synthesize multidisciplinary inputs into cohesive strategic recommendations

Industry Leadership & Business Development

• Stay informed on national trends in performing arts operations, governance, and cultural facility management
• Represent the firm through conference participation, speaking engagements, and professional organizations
• Support proposal development, client interviews, and strategic pursuits within the cultural sector

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within performing arts organizations, cultural institutions, festivals, or cultural consulting
• Prior experience in an executive, deputy, or senior operational role (e.g., Executive Director, COO, VP, General Manager, or equivalent consulting role) strongly preferred
• Deep understanding of performing arts center operations, business models, and municipal governance structures
• Demonstrated expertise in financial planning, operating models, and organizational development
• Skilled facilitator with strong consensus-building and conflict-resolution skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including comfort presenting to boards and executive stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, MS Project, and related project management and financial tools

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Proven experience leading feasibility studies, business planning, or operational strategy for cultural or performing arts organizations
• Demonstrated success working within mission-driven, publicly engaged institutions
• Advanced understanding of specialized requirements for performance venues and cultural campuses
• Experience navigating public-private partnerships and complex stakeholder environments
• Active participation in relevant professional organizations is preferred

The salary range for this full-time role is $110K-$135 per year + Bonus. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package.  Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate’s experience and qualifications. 

*On site presence may change due to client needs*

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change. 

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this, we promote a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.  

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community. 

Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/ and https://www.heery.com/ 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

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