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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a passionate team to deliver innovative learning programmes for diverse audiences.
- Company: Horniman Museum and Gardens, a unique cultural hub in southeast London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive network, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners while fostering curiosity and appreciation for our planet.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and developing inclusive educational programmes.
- Other info: Engaging environment with opportunities to work with diverse communities.
The predicted salary is between 43145 - 43145 £ per year.
The Formal Learning Manager leads the Horniman’s award-winning Formal Learning Team, recognised as Museum + Heritage Learning Programme of the Year 2024. You will oversee the delivery and development of innovative, sector-leading programmes reaching around 40,000 learners annually. This is an exciting opportunity to lead, develop and inspire a high-performing, passionate team. This role also includes regular teaching (up to two days a week).
About Us
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a unique place in southeast London, where global cultures and the natural world are brought together for everyone to enjoy. The Museum holds internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as a popular natural history gallery and Aquarium. The 16 acres of beautiful Gardens feature a tropical Butterfly House and offer stunning views across London.
Our programmes are engaging and interactive, making full use of our exceptional Handling Collection, Living Collections and Gardens. We encourage curiosity, and aim to foster appreciation, care and respect for the planet and its people through enriching experiences. We are honest about the Museum’s colonial legacies and committed to decolonising teaching practices within and beyond the Museum.
About You
You will be an inspiring and creative leader, capable of managing and developing a busy, high-performing team. You will be passionate about working in partnership, understanding and responding to local need through careful consultation and evaluation, and ensuring equity of access for diverse learning audiences. You will also be a talented facilitator, experienced in object-based learning, and able to develop and deliver workshops to visiting groups.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the Formal Learning Team with enthusiasm and creativity, taking a trauma-informed approach to team wellbeing, and ensuring balanced workloads.
- Oversee planning, delivery, marketing, evaluation and monitoring of a broad range of activities and resources for Formal Learning audiences, ensuring annual targets are met.
- Manage daily operations for high volumes of learners in term time, coordinating spaces and resources with teams across the organisation, and creating volunteering opportunities.
- Deliver high quality hands-on workshops for learners from EYFS to Post-16, using the Horniman’s Handling Collection and Gardens (typically two days a week in term time).
- Maintain and build networks and partnerships to share learnings and enhance collaboration.
Key Qualities, Skills and Experience
- Proven experience managing or supervising the work of others, with the ability to inspire and support a team of motivated learning professionals.
- In-depth understanding of the National Curriculum, education policy and initiatives from Early Years to Post 16 both nationally and locally.
- Demonstrated success working in partnership to co-create inclusive, accessible learning environments, resources and programmes.
- Able to develop and deliver workshops for diverse Formal Learning audiences in a museum or gallery setting.
- Proven ability to effectively manage multiple programme streams simultaneously, and prioritise effectively to meet deadlines.
- A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and to co-creating accessible programmes for underserved audiences.
Circumstances
Due to the nature of this role, remote working is not possible in term time. An Enhanced DBS check is required for this post. The post-holder may be expected to work some evenings and weekends as projects require. Time off in lieu will be given for hours worked outside of agreed hours.
The closing date for this vacancy is 11 February at 10am. Interviews will be held w/c 23 February.
Become a member of a supportive and resourceful network of museum and heritage educators.
Formal Learning Manager employer: Horniman Museum and Gardens
Contact Detail:
Horniman Museum and Gardens Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Formal Learning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Horniman Museum and Gardens inside out! Familiarise yourself with their programmes, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend relevant events, or join online forums. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to team leadership and educational strategies. Think about how you can demonstrate your experience in managing diverse learning audiences and creating inclusive environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Horniman team and contributing to their amazing work.
We think you need these skills to ace Formal Learning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and learning shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at the Horniman Museum and Gardens.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in managing teams and delivering educational programmes. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and lead a high-performing team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key qualities and skills mentioned in the job description. This helps us see how you fit into our vision.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Horniman Museum and Gardens
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the National Curriculum and current education policies. Brush up on the Horniman Museum’s unique offerings and how they align with innovative learning practices. This will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or inspired a team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in creating inclusive learning environments. This will highlight your ability to lead the Formal Learning Team effectively.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Horniman's commitment to decolonising teaching practices and fostering equity. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these goals and share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your alignment with their mission.
✨Plan for Practical Demonstrations
Since the role involves delivering hands-on workshops, think about how you would approach this in an interview setting. Prepare a mini-workshop idea or activity that showcases your object-based learning skills, as this could set you apart from other candidates.
