Learning & Outreach Officer

We have ambitious plans to expand and enhance our learning and outreach activities. The museum has been awarded its first National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to enable this expansion and inspire the engineers and designers of the future. As a key member of the Learning and Outreach and the Collections Team, you will play an integral role in shaping our learning and outreach strategy and driving the delivery of its initiatives and activities. Working within the Collections Department and reporting directly to the Learning & Outreach manager, you will play a vital role in supporting the Museum’s charitable objectives.

You will collaborate with a dedicated team of education volunteers to deliver a variety of engaging learning activities. You will also work closely with other Museum departments to ensure a seamless and integrated approach to learning and outreach.

About You

We are looking to recruit a professional with a passion for developing and delivering successful informal and formal learning activities, both on‑site and through outreach. You will have enthusiasm for inspiring curiosity and engagement and an interest in science, technology, engineering, maths and history. You will have experience working with diverse audiences of different ages, from EYFS to adults. We are also looking for someone who can work collaboratively and communicate effectively.

This is the ideal time to join the team where you can help to shape and grow the learning and engagement activities at the Museum and work towards our aim of being a STEM hub for the South West.

Responsibilities of the Role

• You will develop our learning and engagement programme for both formal and informal activities across a range of age groups.
• You will organise learning activities, including school and college visits, family activities and outreach programmes.
• Develop and deliver excellent informal and curriculum‑linked formal learning activities for a variety of audiences using the Collections as inspiration.
• Work to create and deliver the inaugural Museums Automotive Heritage Careers Expo.
• Widen Museum engagement by facilitating activities, including outreach, for local community groups.
• Contribute to the work of the Learning and Outreach strategy working group, helping to shape our learning plans over the coming years and then delivering the actions from the strategy.
• Proactively and reactively liaise with educational organisations to organise and promote visits to the Museum, and tailor visits to best meet learning objectives and requirements.
• Day‑to‑day organisation of key learning activities, coordinating our education volunteers to deliver these.
• Support and provide training for the education volunteers.
• Create and maintain learning resources for a variety of our audiences.
• Monitor and evaluate learning activities to report on activities and implement improvements to better meet the needs of learners.
• Comply with all safeguarding legislation, risk management documentation and health and safety policies.

Experience and Skills

• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a close‑knit team.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to plan, adapt and meet deadlines.
• Experience developing learning sessions for all ages.
• A good understanding of STEM principles and experience of applying them to educational activities.
• Experience delivering grant‑funded programmes, particularly NHLF and ACE.
• Awareness of current trends in museum education.
• Experience of working with volunteers.

Hours, Structure and Pay

• Salary: £28,000 FTE per annum dependent on experience.
• Contract: Permanent, part‑time contract, 24 hours per week worked across three days a week, which may include some weekend days. These weekend duties may occasionally include duty management of the site. There is potential for this role to be full‑time at some stage in the future.
• Location: Sparkford, Somerset BA22 7LH, just minutes off the A303, the main trunk road to the South West.
• 29 days holiday, increasing with service.
• An extra day off for your birthday.
• Free on‑site parking.
• Staff discounts in the café and gift shop.
• Free entry to the Museum for you and your family.

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnership.