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 Museums are looking to appoint a permanent part-time Visitor Engagement Officer.

You will be responsible for promoting Southend's rich heritage and ensuring visitors to their buildings have an excellent experience. By joining the Museum's Front of House Team as a Visitor Engagement Officer, you will be the face of the museum, providing the first point of contact, welcoming and engaging our visitors, providing tours, maintaining the buildings and invigilating and caring for the fantastic collections.

You will also be responsible for the on-site retail offer, actively encouraging donations and supporting fundraising initiatives. Assisting colleagues in the running of learning/engagement sessions and helping to coordinate wedding ceremonies in the beautiful Grade 1 listed buildings. 

The working days for this position are: 

• Wednesday 10:15 - 17:15
• Thursday 10:15 - 17:15
• Friday 10:15 - 17:15
• Saturday 10:15 - 17:15
• Sunday 10:15 - 17:15

Please do not apply for this position if you cannot accommodate the working days.

The salary for this post is pro rata'd to 32.5 hours.

The ideal candidate will have excellent verbal communication skills, an ability to build rapport with visitors and confidence when speaking to groups and larger audiences. An interest in local heritage and culture is essential and experience in the museum sector would be advantageous.

You will need to be proactive, able to show confidence in decision making and able to collaborate and work well as part of a team. You will be organised, adaptable, flexible, reliable and confident. A good communicator who adapts their approach to meet the needs of our visitors, you will be comfortable engaging with people from all backgrounds, ensuring our heritage is accessible to everyone. 

If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to prepare a 10-minute talk, based on a topic of historical interest to you.

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.

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.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

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.