Transforming the D-Day Museum

Background

The D-Day Museum is a tangible link to the momentous events of 6 June 1944. It is a source of engagement and learning, a repository of personal stories and memories, a place for commemoration, and the embodiment of the central role that Portsmouth played in modern world history.

With the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, we are transforming the D-Day Museum into an inspiring, creative and welcoming environment which enables a wide range of visitors to enjoy a rewarding experience. The museum aspires to be the UK D-Day learning hub and will forge an international reputation.

What is the job?

The Public Programmes Officer (PPO) is responsible for the management and delivery of the museum's activity and events programmes and will therefore play a pivotal role in achieving our aspirations for the Museum.

Targeted at a range of audiences - from schools, families and community groups to special interest groups and including provision to address the needs of people with disabilities - our complementary programmes and digital offer will drive admissions and repeat visits to the museum. Critical to success will be the PPO's ability to develop and work in partnership - with a wide range of organisations based throughout the UK, and overseas.

The role will reflect the launch of the 'new' museum in early 2018, programming planned for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day in 2019, and development of the museum as the UK D-Day hub. Events range in scale from trails to community and stakeholder workshops; from arts and performances activities to international conferences.

The PPO will facilitate input from our advisory panels representing young people, people with disabilities and teachers, recruit and supervise the project's three paid interns and volunteers working with visitors. The PPO will be responsible for budgets and the D-Day Museum's activity and learning space and associated equipment. The PPO will work closely with the Service's Learning Officer, the project's curatorial team and frontline staff.

The post will report to the TDDM Project Director and will be based at the D-Day Museum.

Although a demanding and challenging role this is also a great opportunity to shape the offer at a 'new' museum.

Who is the person?

To effectively fulfil the role described above a range of skills and experience is required including: • A passion for the D-Day story and how it can be used to engage a wide range of audiences • A track record of using museum collections to engage and inspire • Excellent communication, organisational and project management skills in order to co-ordinate input from a range of contributors • Commitment to community engagement and working with volunteers from all backgrounds • Experience of using digital media to inform and engage • Experience of hands-on delivery and co-ordinating events programmes • A track record of partnership working and collaboration with a range of organisations • A creative thinker, with a flexible approach and entrepreneurial way of working • Use of evaluation • Experience of managing budgets • Experience of managing staff and volunteers, also freelance trainers, artists and other specialists • Second language - French or German - would be preferred • Commitment to continuing professional development. • Flexibility and available to work evenings and weekends to facilitate delivery of the project • A relevant degree and ideally a museums qualification • Experience of putting Health and Safety and Safeguarding into practice • A clean driving licence • Able to lift and carry boxes of objects

Closing 12 noon 10th October 2016 Interviews: 17th October 2016