Tudor House Worcester- seeks a new Museum Leader
To help write the next chapter in the development of our museum.
( www.tudorhouse.org.uk ) 18th July 2016
Background: Tudor House, run by Worcester Heritage and Amenity Trust (WHAT) is an independent, financially stable, volunteer-run museum, whose displays reflect the history of the house. The aim of WHAT is to provide a heritage attraction based at Tudor House, Friar Street, Worcester that is educational, accessible, and financially sustainable. WHAT is a company limited by guarantee (Reg No 5062948 Charitable Trust No., 1103730 ) with a Trustee Board that meets quarterly and an Operations Committee of key volunteers meeting every six weeks.
The museum is thriving with excellent and increasing visitor numbers, new partnerships being formed and expansion plans in hand. It is undergoing a period of growth and has recently been awarded accreditation status. An application for HLF funding is currently in progress. Since its inception in 2003 Tudor House has been run primarily by volunteers some of whom have designated responsibilities to support the current activities of the house. In the last three years a professional Curator/Manager has been employed to develop professional museum standards and the Museum has taken a stride forward. We now wish to replace this role with a Museum Leader to consolidate this advancement and take the performance of the Museum to a still higher level.
Purpose of Job: The Museum Leader will be the key person in the museum leading in its growth and development while giving due emphasis to Curatorial and General Management activities.
Key Functions
To develop new exciting projects with existing, new and loaned material and prepare funding bids related to these initiatives -specifically the current HLF bid activity.
To organise and drive marketing activities particularly through social media, trip advisor and the website.
To support the Board, and lead the Operations Committee (Ops) and the volunteers in developing strategies for collection policy, education, displays and events. The overarching challenge is to recognise and adopt best museum practice where possible.
To be commercially aware of the budget plans and the need to generate a surplus to reinvest in the sustainability of the Museum
To take the lead role in managing the day to day operational matters covered by the members of the Ops who have designated responsibilities. (EG Volunteer recruitment and training, open/close procedures, stewarding, Education, Café and shop activities, routine maintenance and cleaning.)
To maintain the standards laid down by the Museums Accreditation Scheme which was granted to Tudor House in 2015.
To continue and build the successful Tudor House Educational visit programme.
The Museum Leader will be responsible to the Board via the Chairman.
Key Areas of Responsibility
General Management/Commercial
Guide, and chair the Operations Committee (Ops Com) management team and attend quarterly WHAT Board Meetings.
Manage the website, social media and trip advisor content.
Take an active part in driving up visitor numbers and hence revenue generation via new commercial activities.
Develop new initiatives to constantly improve the performance of Tudor House.
Help to plan and participate in activities organised by Ops.
Review and revise policy statements to align with Organisational Health requirements of the Museums Accreditation Standard.
Maintain and review Health and Safety/Security/Maintenance procedures already in place.
Supervise house activities and support the Ops member responsible for volunteers on a day-to-day basis in matters of:-
o historical training to improve consistency of approach
o the area of public facing stewardship
o ensuring adherence to the volunteer handbook
o motivation and development of the volunteer team
The Museum Leader will be
responsible to the Board via the Chairman.
Curatorial
Carry out Collection Management function/administration in accordance with best practice to maintain Museum Accreditation status.
To work with Ops Team, particularly the volunteer responsible for content, to identify opportunities to continually improve the content and relevance of the interpretation offered.
Liaise with events co-ordinator in organisation of content oriented events.
Liaise with education coordinator to build on the already well regarded opportunities for study by schools and the wider public.
Manage new exhibits, guest exhibitions and other Tudor House attractions.
Train volunteer staff in stewarding duties relating to historical/heritage content.
Desirable Qualifications/Skills/Experience
Three years experience in the museum sector with relevant further education qualification(s) and good knowledge of curatorial activities.
Experience in marketing via social media, website management and advertising.
The ability to take the lead and work, creatively and constructively within a voluntary team with an understanding of management, motivation and sensitivities of a volunteer force.
An interest in Worcester, Tudor House, Tudor History and its relevance to Worcester.
Enthusiasm and the ability to share that enthusiasm with an audience who are not experts in the field.
Experience of working in an organisation offering services to customers.
Willingness to contribute towards various tasks relating to the everyday life of a heritage centre with a clear focus on visitor experience and expectations.
Possess, or be prepared to work towards, the First Aid at Work Certificate.
Terms and conditions of service
Hours: Flexible ~30 hours per week. (4 x 7.5 hr days with 30 min lunch). It is expected that the incumbent would be available minimum of 2 out of 4 Saturdays.
Holidays: Equivalent to 28 days per year full time basis.
Salary: To be discussed with short listed applicants but guided pro rata 4/5ths of appropriate museum service pay scales. (Expected range for 30 hours £21k-£25k)
Term: Fixed term, two years, part time contract in the first instance on a probationary basis for 6 months.
References: All new appointments are subject to the receipt of satisfactory references, medical report and criminal conviction vetting clearance.
Interested parties should submit a one paragraph summary statement followed by two paragraphs highlighting relevant experience relating to the Curatorial and General Management requirements listed above. This to be supported by a short CV and two referees.
Applications should be addressed to: jim@jimpanter.co.uk (preferably) or Jim Panter, Chairman, Tudor House, 38/42 Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2NA
The closing date for receipt of applications is 5:00pm 30th Aug 2016
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