At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a living museum, creating engaging experiences and overseeing daily operations.
- Company: The Story of Emily, a unique museum celebrating history and humanitarian work.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, free meals, discounts, and complimentary garden membership.
- Why this job: Bring history to life while making a real impact on visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Degree in history or related field, fluent in English and Afrikaans.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 41700 - 58580 £ per year.
Requirements
- Must be fluent in English and Afrikaans
- Must hold a degree in history, arts, museology, archiving or similar
Salary: £41,700
Hours: 40 hours per week between Tuesday and Sunday – must include weekends, particularly Sundays
Location: The Story of Emily, St Ive, Liskeard, England
About Us
The Story of Emily is a living museum and immersive exhibition, set within the restored grounds of The Rectory, the family home of Emily Hobhouse. It tells the story of Emily Hobhouse's life and humanitarian work, offering an inclusive view of the Anglo‐Boer War and her continued fight for women's rights. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the universal complexities of war and its effect on society and civilization.
Position Summary
We are looking for a highly motivated professional with a strong museum or heritage management background and a deep understanding of South African history, particularly the Anglo‐Boer War and its cultural legacy. You will combine this expertise with an interest in emerging technologies to help bring history to life in engaging, innovative ways. You will manage the existing interactive exhibits within the Visitor Attraction and be responsible for the successful implementation of exciting additional guest experiences. You will also oversee the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of visitor engagement strategies, including events, educational workshops, and curated experiences that interpret South African and British historical themes.
As leader of the Welcome and Museum Host team, you will ensure the seamless operation of the attraction and its integration with the wider estate experience. You will be both creative and commercially minded, with a proven ability to deliver visitor growth and revenue uplift while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the historical content. The role requires a confident, personable, and guest‐focused manager with excellent communication skills and strong attention to detail. You will be adept at operational planning, analysis, and cross‐department collaboration to ensure the highest standards of visitor satisfaction and interpretive quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations within the Visitor Attraction (VA)
- Duty management, troubleshooting, and problem‐solving
- Ensure every visitor enjoys a high‐quality, educational, and immersive experience
- Direct responsibility for the efficient operation of the museum exhibits
- Support the development, interpretation, and implementation of new exhibits and historical content, especially those related to South African and Anglo‐Boer War history
- Engage visitors through storytelling, guided interpretation, and participatory experiences
- Plan and execute an extensive programme of workshops, tours, and events within the VA
- Train, mentor, and support the Welcome and Host team to deliver engaging and historically accurate visitor interactions
- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop content that highlights the site's cultural and historical significance
Experience and Skills
- Proven track record in museum, heritage, or visitor attraction management
- Academic or professional background in history, museum studies, or heritage interpretation
- Strong knowledge of South African and Anglo‐Boer War history, and an ability to communicate these narratives to diverse audiences
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- High attention to detail and a strong sense of storytelling
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and willingness to learn new software
- Creativity and imagination in designing visitor experiences
- First‐hand experience of managing a high‐quality visitor attraction
- Demonstrated experience managing and motivating a team
- Full, clean driving licence
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Afrikaans
- Flexibility and enthusiasm for working in a dynamic environment
Benefits
- 30 days' holiday per year
- Exceptional working environment, with free, estate‐grown meals provided daily while on duty
- Complimentary Garden Membership for you and your family, including partner gardens across the UK
- 30% discount in our estate shops and restaurants, plus free delivery for online purchases
- Discounted hotel stays for staff and family
Job Types: Permanent, Full‐time
Pay: £41,700.00 per year
Education: Bachelor's (required)
Work Location: In person
Sponsorship and accommodation available for South African applicants.
Attractions Manager in London employer: Babylonstoren
Contact Detail:
Babylonstoren Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Attractions Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the museum and its mission inside out. When you walk in for that interview, show us you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about Emily Hobhouse's story and the impact of the Anglo-Boer War. This passion can really set you apart!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the heritage and museum sector, especially those who have worked at The Story of Emily or similar attractions. A friendly chat can lead to insider tips and maybe even a recommendation that helps us see your potential.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some creative ideas for visitor engagement. Think about how you could enhance the current exhibits or introduce new experiences. We love innovative thinkers, so don’t be shy to share your vision during the interview!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do at The Story of Emily.
We think you need these skills to ace Attractions Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for History: When writing your application, let your love for history shine through! Share specific experiences or projects that highlight your knowledge of South African history and the Anglo-Boer War. We want to see how you can bring these stories to life!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experience in museum or heritage management, and don’t forget to mention your fluency in English and Afrikaans. We’re looking for someone who fits right into our team!
Be Creative and Engaging: Since this role involves creating immersive experiences, show us your creative side in your application! Whether it’s through storytelling or innovative ideas for exhibits, we want to see how you can engage visitors and make history exciting.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing team at The Story of Emily!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babylonstoren
✨Know Your History
Brush up on your knowledge of South African history, especially the Anglo-Boer War. Be prepared to discuss how this historical context can enhance visitor experiences and how you would incorporate storytelling into exhibits.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Think about innovative ways to engage visitors. Come with ideas for new exhibits or interactive experiences that could bring history to life. This will demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and your passion for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a potential manager, be ready to talk about your experience in leading teams. Share examples of how you've motivated staff or improved visitor engagement in previous roles, highlighting your interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about their current visitor engagement strategies or future plans for the museum.