Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend’s Focal Point Gallery in conjunction with Southend-on-Sea City Council are looking to appoint a permanent, 18hrs per week (three days) Gallery Assistant.

The successful candidate will be welcoming visitors, ensuring the public feel comfortable and informed when entering a contemporary art gallery, enabling them to get the most out of their experience.

They will be responsible for ensuring a welcoming environment, both physically and socially, and consider how we can continually improve to make the best experience for members of the public.

As part of this role, the candidate will gain experience working across all aspects of the gallery, supporting the team in the running of exhibitions, events and workshops, and communicating all offers with the public.

Other key parts of this position are to answer the telephone and take any follow-up actions as required, monitor the central email inbox, collect audience surveys, check and report any health and safety concerns and support the director when needed in conducting curatorial research for forthcoming exhibitions.

Please do not apply for the post if you are unable to accommodate the working days:

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with some flexibility for occasional additional hours and the ability to swap days with FOH team members on occasion.

To be shortlisted for this position, on submission, please write a short statement (no more than a side of A4) that explains your reason for applying to the post and how your experience or interests would make you a suitable candidate to work at Focal Point Gallery.

Please note that interviews will be taking place Monday 9^th June.

To be successful in this position, you must have an interest in contemporary visual arts and have proven experience of working in a public facing environment.

It is essential that you have excellent verbal and written communication skills along with sound organisational and administrative skills.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

*** Please note that salaries and holiday entitlement will be pro rata'd in line with the advertised hours for this position

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.