We are looking for someone to manage and lead on the production and delivery of Spurn Wildlife, our superb annual observatory report. The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end production of this annual report and (with the help of a team of volunteers, from editors and proofreaders to designer) ensuring it is accurate, professionally presented, and delivered to members on time.
17 February 2026
Spurn Wildlife Project Manager (Voluntary Role)
Spurn Bird Observatory Trust
We are looking for someone to manage and lead on the production and delivery of Spurn Wildlife, our superb annual observatory report. The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end production of this annual report and (with the help of a team of volunteers, from editors and proofreaders to designer) ensuring it is accurate, professionally presented, and delivered to members on time.
The role will provide project management, coordination, editorial oversight and appropriate thanks, working collaboratively with Observatory staff, volunteers, contributors and the designer to ensure the report progresses smoothly from content creation to publication.
This is a really key role to support the work we do here at the Observatory, as the annual report is a real celebration of everything that goes on here and the amazing birds recorded in our recording area – it is also a hugely valued benefit for our members.
Report Management & Securing Content
● Develop and manage a clear annual production schedule with defined milestones and deadlines – with particular collaboration with the editor, who carries out sub-editing work as content arrives, proofreaders and the designer (also volunteers). The timeline will need to meet the expectations of the Directors and Committee.
● Coordinate all stages of the report: commissioning articles and content (including artwork, images and adverts), and circulating text to the editor and then proofreaders before delivering final versions to the designer. Once typeset, the report will need to be checked by the post holder and coordinated through the editing team again for a final check and sign-off.
● Ensure the report progresses to schedule, checking in, providing support, and stepping in when needed to maintain momentum.
● Act as the central point of contact for report production matters, updating the team regularly, clearly communicating deadlines, expectations and formatting needs.
● Working closely with: editor, proofreaders, Observatory staff, volunteer contributors, photographers, artists, the designer, printers and external advertisers.
● Support contributors to deliver high-quality content in a timely manner.
Oversight of Report Editing
● Oversee the sub-editing and proofreading team to ensure:
○ Accuracy and consistency of content*
○ Clear, accessible writing**
○ Consistent style and formatting throughout the report*/**
○ Follows house style (using/creating a house-style guide)*
● Work collaboratively with the editor and proofreaders, while retaining responsibility for keeping the report on schedule.
● Where required, arrange or undertake additional support for sub-editing and proofreading tasks to avoid delays.
* the long-term editor’s role in sub-editing content will be key here
** our experienced proofreaders will be crucial to this
Design & Production Liaison
● Work closely with the volunteer designer to:
○ Agree realistic but firm design deadlines
○ Manage content handovers and revisions efficiently
○ Ensure the design phase fits within the overall production timeline
Progress & Delivery
● Report to the Observatory Directors, discussing progress and raising any issues promptly.
● Ensure the final report is delivered in line with agreed timelines and quality standards.
● The role has authority to progress the report in order to meet deadlines, ensuring continuity if agreed timelines are not met.
● Good organisational and project-management skills
● Experience coordinating multiple contributors
● Ability to work diplomatically while maintaining deadlines
● Confidence to make decisions and keep projects moving
● Knowledge and interest in the birds and wildlife in the Spurn area
Desirable:
● Good written English
● Experience in publishing or report production
● Familiarity with voluntary or membership-based organisations
This role is variable through the year. The period between January and March will likely be around five hours a week, reducing later in the year when liaising with the designer over proofs. After publication and thanks are sent, the cycle will start once again in the autumn when recruiting volunteers for content creation and editing, and planning for the report ahead. The aim of this role is to primarily focus on oversight and coordination, rather than content creation, stepping in to complete tasks only when needed.
The Annual Report is a cornerstone of the Observatory’s relationship with its members. Delivering it accurately, professionally, and on time is vital to maintaining trust, engagement, and ongoing support.
Please get in touch if you are interested in this role to find out more and discuss your expectations in return.
Email spurnbirdobschair@gmail.com to find out more and to arrange a meeting with the team.
