The Right Stuff Engagement Coordinator at Bridport Museum

The Right Stuff: Community Engaged Collections Review

Engagement Coordinator Brief

42 days @ £200 a day inclusive, April 2021 – March 2023

Would you like to help deliver an exciting new heritage project connecting museum collections with people and communities? Bridport Museum has received funding from the Museums Association Esmee Fairbairn Collections Fund for a 3 year project called ‘The Right Stuff.’ The project is a collections review with a difference. The Trust aims to work closely with community partners, to explore what a museum collection means to them. Together, we will be bold – asking ourselves what we should keep, why and where.

Background

Bridport Museum inspires and engages people, helping them understand the significance of Bridport’s past, appreciate the present, and imagine the future. We actively and creatively share our knowledge and passion and create exciting experiences that encourage everyone to engage with heritage. We seek to challenge pre-conceptions about what a museum is and does.

In 2017 we opened our refurbished £1.3M HLF supported museum, receiving critical acclaim for the quality of project management and interpretation. We have successfully attracted new audiences through a creative approach to museum design and arts-based learning programme.

Around 5% of the collection is on permanent display. The remainder continues to be a challenge to manage and, in some cases, justify. We need to ask ourselves and the community we serve some tricky questions:

• What shall we do with the rest?
• Why do we have certain objects?
• Should we have them?
• Who cares?

Purpose of the Role

The Engagement Coordinator will ensure the delivery of the project Activity Plan. You will work as part of a small team which will include consultants, freelancers, Museum staff and volunteers.

Specific duties

The Engagement Coordinator will be required to:

• Plan and manage the delivery of events and programmes as detailed in the Activity Plan
• Assist in the development and implementation of evaluation for each activity
• Record data and feedback on all activities and regularly report back to the project team
• Collate all evaluation information in a suitable format to inform the main end of project Evaluation Report
• Work alongside volunteers, staff and consultants who are supporting this project.

Experience and Skills

Whilst previous Museum experience would be helpful, it is not an essential criteria of this role. However, you will be highly organised with an excellent eye for detail, be approachable and friendly, with the ability to work to deadlines.

Essential
Experience and Qualifications

• Experience of organising and promoting a range of events and activities aimed at different audiences
• Experience of working with volunteers
• Experienced and confident in using social media

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent organisation and time management skills
• Good planning, organising and problem solving skills
• First class computer skills

Personal Skills

• Self-motivated
• Friendly and approachable, a good communicator
• Capable of maintaining a high output of work and keeping to deadlines
• Attention to detail
• Comfortable working alone and as part of a small team

Particular Circumstances relating to this post

• Flexibility and availability; able to respond to the requirements of Bridport Museum Trust and other stakeholders

Desirable

Experience and qualifications

• Experience of working in a Museum environment
• Experience of producing marketing and publicity material
• Experience of evaluating community based activities
• Experience of handling museum objects

Particular circumstances relating to this post

• Full driving licence and use own car
• Own IT equipment

Location
The majority of work will need to take place in Bridport and the surrounding area with our key audiences. Office space will be made available and we will consider off site working if appropriate.

Working pattern
Within the confines of the project and museum operational needs, a suitable flexible working pattern will be agreed with the successful candidate. Input will vary throughout the contract based on the Activity delivery programme.

Appointments and working patterns may be adjusted to accommodate any changes or delays to the current roadmap out of lockdown. The project currently runs until March 2023.

Contacts
The Engagement Coordinator will report to the Museum Director. You will work closely with other members of the team, in particular:

• Project Manager
• Collections Consultant
• Collections Coordinator
• Collections Volunteers
• Evaluation Consultant

Remuneration for the Contract
The total fee for this contract is £8,400 including travel, subsistence, expenses and VAT if applicable.

Payment will be made against agreed outputs and paid in instalments to be agreed upon appointment.

The Engagement Coordinator will be responsible for their own National Insurance and Tax.

Health & Safety
The Engagement Coordinator will be responsible for managing their own health & safety and those they work with, complying with all relevant legislation.

When the Engagement Coordinator is working at Bridport Museum’s sites, the specific health and safety regulations of those organisations should be adhered to. An induction briefing will be provided.

Appointment process
Please send a two page letter highlighting why you are interested in this role, how your experience equips you undertake the contract and how your attributes and experience meet the role requirements. Please also include a copy of your CV (no more than 2 pages) and indicate how soon you would be able to start work on the contract.

Applications must be submitted by email to Emily Hicks, [email protected] by 12noon on Friday 26 March 2021. Interviews are likely to be held week commencing 12 April 2021.

For an informal discussion or additional information please contact the Director, Emily Hicks, on 01308 458703 or [email protected]