Visitor Centre Manager – Historic Croydon Airport

The Organisation:

Historic Croydon Airport Trust is the Charitable Incorporated Organisation established to operate the hugely popular Croydon Airport Visitor Centre and associated Archive, which are situated in the Grade 2* Airport House building. Croydon Airport was London’s and the UK’s principal international airport during the 1920’s and 1930’s and the terminal building was the first purpose built integrated terminal building in the world. It achieved global media attention at the beginning of the 20^th century as the focal point of many pioneering and record breaking flights, including those of Amy Johnson. It was also an RAF Battle of Britain station during World War 2.

Vision:

Our vision is the long term preservation of the history and heritage of London Croydon Airport and to enable a wider audience to explore and enjoy how the people, events and innovations at Croydon Airport helped to shape modern air travel.

Purpose of the Role:

Having recently secured a long term lease of the Visitor Centre premises, we are looking to employ an energetic person to help us to maintain, develop, modernise our premises, facilities and displays; and, where possible, to extend our operation. Ideally, the person will bring visitor centre/museum management experience. This is an exciting time to join an already successful organisation, where there is scope to bring your ideas and experience with a view to generating future success.

Reports to :

The Chair of Trustees and works with other Trustees and Volunteers

Key Accountabilities:

• responsible for the management, strategic development and refurbishment of the Visitor Centre /Museum premises under the direction of the Trustees
• to help enable the Trust to deliver a high quality visitor experience
• responsible for overseeing maintenance such as deep cleaning and ongoing repairs of the Visitor Centre, and carrying these out, where appropriate.
• to carry out specific projects on behalf of the Trustees
• responsible for being the point of contact with, and maintaining good relationships with, the Airport House management team, including on Health and Safety matters
• to develop/maintain the Trust’s policies and procedures, including health & safety compliance
• to promote the work of the organisation to external bodies and potential funders
• to help to promote the Visitor Centre in the local community, eg, schools and other special interest groups

Examples of Key Success Measures

• Renewal of the Trust’s policies and procedures within 6 months
• Visitor Centre refurbishment project advanced and completed within 12 months
• Ongoing program of Visitor Centre maintenance and repairs identified and progressed
• Specific ideas to promote the Visitor Centre to the community, external bodies and funders produced and delivered
• At least two other improvement projects delivered in first 6 months
• Visitor and Airport House Management satisfaction measured

Person Specification (Knowledge /Experience/Skills and Abilities)

• Personable, flexible, energetic, self- starting and able to work alone and in a team
• Experienced in taking responsibility and delivering projects
• Have an enthusiasm for the history of Croydon Airport, and a willingness to learn
• Good communications and organisation skills, and able to liaise with the Board of Trustees; Airport House Management, visitors, and other 3^rd parties
• Have direct knowledge and experience of visitor centre/museum management and possibly archive management or fund raising
• Efficient administrator and comfortable with modern technology
• Professional qualification in a relevant field would be an advantage

Employment Terms

• two days per week/16 hours in Airport House, Croydon- days can be flexible
• plus regularly available to volunteer at Open Days on first Sunday of the month
• Salary £28-30,000 pa (full time pro-rata)
• Offer would be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check
• The Trust is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace as they are good practice and make business sense.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in the role to info@historiccroydonairport.org.uk no later than 20 April 2024