Powell-Cotton Museum: Education Project Officer vacancy

The Powell-Cotton Museum has bid successfully for ACE funding to undertake a two year project, “Securing the Future of our Past”, with the aims of improving our visitor experience, improving our education offering and delivering strong leadership in education and research. With an eye to future aspirations of improved storage and research facilities the project also aims to ensure that our world class collection is made more accessible through cataloguing and by using web based media. Integral to this project will be the appointment of a Collections Project Officer and an Education Project Officer, each on a two-year contract, working under the direction of our Collections Manager.

Job Title: Education Project Officer 

Responsible to: The Collections Manager 

Base: The Powell-Cotton Museum.

Full time two year fixed-term contract

25,000 pa

Main Job Purpose

To improve the access to and promotion of the Powell-Cotton Collections, within the context of the funded project.

Accountabilities

1) Understand the aims of the Powell-Cotton Museum and the role of education in our offering.

2) Participate as reasonably required to deliver the project.

3) Specify and develop ways in which visitors of all ages can access our collections through educational activities.

4) Develop new initiatives and resources as part of a formal learning programme.

5) Networking and building partnership links with Kent’s organisations, institutions, service providers and communities.

6) Develop educational opportunities available through new media.

7) Create innovative engagement activities.

8) Participate in the specification and delivery of a newly refurbished dedicated education

facility.

9) Identify co-curators and project partners to develop new projects and initiatives in

consultation with key stakeholders.

10) Initiate a new outreach programme to schools and the community.

11) Liaise with education providers to ensure that the Museum meets their learning

objectives.

12) Develop school resources to meet the needs of the National Curriculum.

13) Work as an integral part of the Project Team.

14) Undertake any appropriate task as requested by the Collections Manager.

Health & Safety

1) Observe all health and safety at work regulations as set out in the Museum’s H&S Manual.

2) Be responsible for your own health and safety and that of other staff and any member of the public who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.

Security

1) Give priority to the security of the collections at all times. 

2) Ensure that all aspects of security and emergency are carried out in accordance with the

Museum’s procedures.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

Understanding of learning and access policies in the heritage sector.

A post graduate qualification in a Museum/Heritage related subject.

Awareness of current curriculum requirements.

Excellent IT, social media, facilitation and presentation skills – able to deliver

presentations to groups in a friendly but professional manner, as well as to plan and

facilitate workshops and training.

Awareness of collection care requirements.

A sound knowledge in volunteering and community engagement principles and

practice (and the ability to demonstrate appropriate knowledge)

Desirable

Some understanding of the Leisure & Tourism sector.

Experience

Essential

Ability to deliver and to work to deadlines.

Proven experience with similar projects including budgetary control and dealing with

third party contracts.

Experience of working in education.

Experience of communicating with people of all ages.

The use and adaptability of modern media for educational purposes.

Desirable

Experience of promoting museum collections.

Experience in dealing with a range of stakeholders.

Skills/Attributes

Exhibition, interpretation and presentation skills.

Excellent team player, with ability to think corporately and work collaboratively. Written communication skills that demonstrate attention to detail.

Analytical and research skills.

Planning skills.

Personal Qualities

Commitment to the Powell-Cotton Museum’s objectives.

The ability to make a positive contribution to the organisation.

Innovation, creativity and problem solving ability – able to rise to a challenge by

providing innovative and practical solutions.

Commitment to personal and professional continuous development.

Commitment to equality and diversity.

The post holder will be subject to a CRB check. This post will include working at height and use of ladders. Some weekend, evening and Bank Holiday working will also be required.

Application Procedure

Applicants should complete the Powell-Cotton Museum Application Form which is available electronically from the Powell-Cotton Museum website vacancy page

Applications should be marked as SFP Education Project Officer Application – Private and Confidential’ and emailed or sent as a hard copy with a covering letter to arrive by 5pm on Friday 3rd May 2013.

Karen Botha Director Powell-Cotton Museum Quex Park Birchington-on-Sea Kent

CT7 0BH

karen.botha@quexmuseum.org

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 14th May 2013. The Powell-Cotton Museum is an equal opportunities employer.