Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance due to limited funding for a specific purpose.
The Museum is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, friendly Front of House Assistant. This is a part-time 27 hours per week (0.74 FTE) role working Tuesday to Friday, with core hours including at least one day at the weekend. The Museum is a 7-day operation and frequently hosts events outside its core public opening hours. Regular weekend work and the flexibility to work evenings and occasional bank holidays is therefore essential. Actual hours worked will be agreed with the successful candidates.
The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) is one of the nine University of Cambridge Museums and Botanic Garden (UCM). It is both a museum open to the general public and a research and teaching facility of the University. The Museum is currently open to the public Tuesdays to Sundays and welcomes over 100,000 visitors a year. The Museum's world-class collections attract visiting researchers from all over the world and it maintains an active programme of temporary exhibitions and loans to major exhibitions within the UK and internationally. MAA's collections are Designated for their national and international importance. For further information about the Museum's staff, collections, and programmes, see www. maa.cam.ac.uk
The Front of House Assistants work under the supervision of the Visitor Services Manager and facilitate access to the Museum during public opening hours with responsibility for the health and safety of visitors and for safeguarding the Museum displays. The role is based at the front desk where s/he presents a welcoming face to visitors, dealing with enquiries both in person and by telephone. The role holder must be able to communicate clearly and informatively with visitors, including members of the public, University staff, visiting scholars, researchers and students. Front of House Assistants supervise a large team of front of house volunteers and when deputising for the Visitor Services Manager and Visitor Services Assistant/Shop Supervisor are responsible for ensuring that there is sufficient staff cover in the Museum galleries.
No formal educational qualifications are needed though education to GCSE level or equivalent will be seen as an advantage. Basic numeracy and literacy are required. Experience of customer service in a public facing role is essential and experience in dealing with members of the public in a guiding and/or supervisory capacity is an advantage, as is retail experience. An interest in archaeology and anthropology is desirable but no specific knowledge is required. Punctuality, reliability and the ability to communicate effectively are essential as well as the confidence and self-assurance to be able to work alone and a willingness to take responsibility for areas such as security and safety.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
MAA and the University of Cambridge Museums are committed to inclusion and diversity within our institutions and across the sector, and we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Museum and the University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries about this vacancy and queries about the application process may be addressed to the Visitor Services Manager on [email protected]
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 17 April 2024. It is anticipated that short-listed candidates will be interviewed on Wednesday 1 May 2024. It is hoped that the successful candidate will take up the appointment as soon as possible.
Please quote reference JU41070 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further informationMuseum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge
Salary£23,144-£25,742 pro rata
ReferenceJU41070
CategoryAssistant staff
Published3 April 2024
Closing date17 April 2024