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 community 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.
This post is responsible for strategic development and managing delivery of an active public programme which includes tours, talks, late opening and specialist activities to enable access to the Abbey. They will also forge relationships with organisations to bring them into closer community with the Abbey through our almonry, services and memorialisation programmes. They work in conjunction with other teams across the Abbey as part of a Public Engagement Programming group.
Key Responsibilities
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Develop and deliver an engaging programme of events, talks and tours for a diverse range of audiences, aligned with the Abbey’s mission, values and agreed themes.
- Use audience insight and evaluation to shape future programming, while supporting budget management, income targets and the effective coordination of staff, volunteers and external contractors.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, identifying opportunities to co-create activities that broaden engagement with the Abbey and support its commitment to social justice.
- Collaborate with colleagues across Digital, Marketing and Communications to extend the reach of the Abbey’s programmes, promote events effectively and support visitor and income targets.
- Recruit, train and support volunteers, helping to develop their knowledge of the Abbey and creating meaningful opportunities that recognise their contribution.
- Line manage and support the Engagement Apprentice, working closely with colleagues across the Engagement team to support their development and successful completion of the apprenticeship.
About you
- Degree or equivalent relevant qualification, along with substantial experience of programming and delivering successful adult engagement programmes on time and within budget.
- Strong project management, organisational and budget management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
- Confident communicator and collaborative team player, able to build effective relationships, influence others and work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience of evaluating engagement programmes and demonstrating their impact on key audiences, as well as commissioning and managing external suppliers.
- Proactive, creative and solutions-focused approach, bringing energy, enthusiasm and innovation when responding to challenges.
- Committed to the Abbey’s values and to promoting diversity across all aspects of its work.
Working Hours
These are 40 hours per week, and the full-time equivalent hours are 40 hours per week. The post holder will be required to work on occasion 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.