Kent Mining Museum – Museum Manager

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Museum Manager to lead the establishment of the new National Lottery Heritage Funded Kent Mining Museum ahead of its official opening. You will be responsible for leading and developing curatorial, educational and learning content, establishing and managing the volunteer programme and for the ongoing management and sustainability of the Kent Mining Museum once fully operational.

Coal was discovered in East Kent in 1890, however, it wasn’t until 1912 that commercial coal was raised to the surface and the four East Kent collieries were established at Tilmanstone, Chislet, Snowdown and Betteshanger. Thousands of jobs were supported by the coal industry and many families migrated from Wales and the North East in search of work. Betteshanger was the last of the four East Kent Coal Mines to close in 1989.

Betteshanger Country Park was established in 2007 when the former coal mining spoil heap was transformed into a space for people to enjoy. The 250acre site has been slowly transformed over the years to become a centre for events, outdoor sporting, and adventure activities. The Park currently attracts approximately 72,000 visitors per annum.

Betteshanger Country Park will soon be opening the doors of a new iconic Visitor Centre that will host the Kent Mining Museum, a learning space, café and conference centre.

Celebrating Kent’s mining heritage will be a key focus for the new Visitor Centre and wider Park. It will provide opportunities to showcase the unique story of Kent’s mining communities and profile their heritage through a combination of the Museum, Heritage Trail, Coal Mining themed play area, a vibrant programme of learning activities and online collections database.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) and to provide proof of their right to work in the UK.

Position funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

You can request the application pack emailing info@kmhf.org.uk
The closing date for applications is Sunday 16 May 2021 (Midnight)
Interviews will be held on Thursday 27 & Friday 28 May 2021