Museum Officer – Durham Museum

About Durham Museum

Durham Museum tells the story of the people of Durham. Durham Museum occupies a Grade 1 Listed former parish church, St. Mary-le-Bow, close to Durham Cathedral and Durham World Heritage Site. Durham Museum is a member of the Association of Independent Museums and is fully accredited by Arts Council England. Durham Museum is a social history museum focusing on the 17^th to 20^th Centuries. It contains a collection of artefacts relating to Durham’s law courts, crime and punishment, theatres, architecture, trades and industries, as well as artmaking and literature created in the city. The museum garden displays sculptures by Fenwick Lawson. Our volunteers contribute their time and skills to provide a professionally executed, engaging and educational visitor experience for visitors to Durham and for local communities and families.

About the role

Durham Museum is seeking a person who has proven experience of museum work, and is able to assist in the day to day operation of the museum and co-ordination of volunteers. They will be required to promote a programme of activities that will target the widest possible audience, bringing additional visitors to Durham Museum through events and activities. Central to the role, you will work with the trustees to decide on activities and events, and support a dedicated team of volunteers, building on their skills, and developing their roles further. Working with Trustees and Volunteer Team leaders you will be responsible for:

• Co-ordinating the day-to-day operation of the museum and its activities
• Ensuring that the museum is run effectively, efficiently and safely
• Co-ordinating volunteers from in and around the local community
• Assisting with marketing and promotion of Durham Museum, its activities and events.

Hours 

The role is for 30 hours per week over 5 days. Durham Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday (11am to 4.30pm), which will require some weekend working, though this may be flexible. Exact work arrangements and holiday entitlements to be confirmed ahead of appointment.

This is a 7 month fixed term contract, with the possibility of renewal in following years.

Required skills / qualifications 

About you:

• You are a highly motivated individual, with experience of work in museums. You will be confident in planning and delivering activities within a budget and, in addition, have strong administration and computer skills.
• Experience in managing teams of volunteers.
• Have relevant experience of the heritage and cultural sector, visitor services and audience development, you will be looking for an opportunity to further develop a social history museum that focuses on telling the stories of the people of Durham.
• You will be able to problem solve, be reactive, and forward thinking
• Have great interpersonal skills that you can adapt to different situations: co-ordinate, engage, inspire, support and empathise with volunteers and visitors.
• You will have good IT skills e.g. Microsoft Office.
• An interest in using social media for promotion and marketing.
• Live within easy traveling distance of Durham Museum or be able to commute.
• Able to schedule your hours to fit with the demands of the role.

How to apply 

Application by Covering Letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in this role and CV to Durham Museum, contact@durhammuseum.co.uk by Friday 17 February 2023.

If you’ve got any questions about the role, please contact Dr Adrian Green on 0191 378 2372 or contact@durhammuseum.co.uk