This is a new post designed to support the Adult Engagement offer at Westminster Abbey as it enters a new phase of development. The post-holder will be joining a developing department, formed in 2022 to deepen visitor engagement with Westminster Abbey. The team has been trialling different ways of engaging new audiences and wants to develop this further in line with Abbey strategies.
Our public programmes and community projects prioritise connecting with new audiences and creating new opportunities for participation and collaboration. In line with the content and social engagement strategies, the Adult Engagement offer focuses on broadening access and deepening public understanding of the memorials in the Abbey.
The post holder will be responsible for developing and delivering delegated strands of both existing and new public and community programmes. This will include forging and maintaining relationships with community partners and facilitators as well as other teams within the Abbey in line with the Engagement Strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver engaging public programmes, including events, activities and themed tours tailored to a range of audiences.
- Support the development and delivery of community engagement programmes, building relationships with community groups and creating accessible opportunities both at the Abbey and off site.
- Build effective partnerships and relationships with community organisations, facilitators and other stakeholders, including developing co-created activities and initiatives.
- Coordinate the successful delivery of events and activities, working with internal teams, partners and volunteers, and ensuring everyone involved is appropriately briefed and supported.
- Evaluate the impact and success of programmes, developing effective evaluation methods, gathering data and using audience insights to inform future programming.
- Contribute to the wider Engagement programme, including developing digital content, working with volunteers, supporting work experience students, and assisting with family and schools activities when required.
About you
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences and work collaboratively with colleagues and partners.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality public and community programmes on time and within budget.
- Strong knowledge of adult learning, public programming and community engagement, supported by significant relevant experience or a degree in a related subject.
- Experience of developing and delivering engaging events and programmes within an arts, heritage or cultural setting, working with diverse audiences and using co-curation approaches.
- Experience of building effective external relationships, including commissioning and managing suppliers, facilitators and community partners.
- A proactive, creative and solutions-focused approach, together with an appreciation of the Abbey as a living church and worshipping community, and a commitment to its values and to diversity and inclusion.
Working Hours
This role a full time position working 40 hours per week. The post holder will be required to work occasional Saturdays and evenings.
Onsite Arrangements
As a working church and a major visitor attraction, being present on site allows our teams to deliver exceptional experiences and maintain the unique atmosphere of the Abbey. Working on site each day is the default expectation for all staff to promote collaboration and connection.
Where a role is suited to remote working, staff may have the flexibility to work off-site for up to 40% of their time each week, with the remainder spent at the Abbey. To keep our teams strong and responsive, roles may require presence on specific days, and we need at least half of each team to be on site from Monday to Friday.
Annual Holidays
The full-time holiday entitlement is 33 days per annum, including recognised public holidays.
Training
On-site training will be provided in all aspects of the job. Any further training needs will be assessed through the probation period and in annual appraisals.
Staff Discount
All employees receive a 20% discount on purchases from the Westminster Abbey shop and a 30% discount on purchases from the take-away catering outlets
Pension Scheme and Life Assurance
All employees can join a Group Personal Pension plan, where the minimum employee contribution is 3% and the maximum employer contribution is 9% (as determined by the level of the employee contribution). You will be auto-enrolled into our qualifying workplace pension scheme after 3 months, if you meet the eligibility criteria.
All employees are covered by death-in-service life assurance, whether or not they choose to join the pension scheme.
Season Ticket Loan
A season ticket loan is offered after completion of the probationary period, repayable over 10 months.
Safeguarding
Westminster Abbey is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk. To prevent them from harm, we undertake appropriate checks (including the relevant level of criminal record check) on staff and volunteers and require them to complete relevant safeguarding training. This post requires a enhanced level criminal record check.