Learning and Handling Collections Assistant

As Learning and Handling Collection Assistant, you will be integral to the operational delivery of our schools and home education programmes. You will ensure our busy learning programme operates smoothly, greeting school groups when they first arrive at the Museum, and proactively seek to improve the experience of learners through information and resource development, and on-going evaluation. You will also deliver virtual workshops to school groups across the UK! You will also be trained to lead on the documentation, development and research of the Horniman's renowned Handling Collection- one of the biggest in the UK- of around 3,500 objects. You will work with colleagues across teams, supported directly by the Senior Curator of Social Practice, to widen access to the collection, and to improve our understanding of the objects we hold through projects with curatorial colleagues, learners, researchers and communities. This role also has significant opportunities for development and is a brilliant role for someone early in their career to explore and gain experience and training in a range of Museum skills and areas, from learning delivery to collections work, to social practice. Hours of work: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, typically starting at 9am ey Responsibilities:

• Operational Support (40%)
o Welcome and brief groups of learners and accompanying adults o Assist with setup and pack down of objects, equipment, and education spaces o Liaise with teams to ensure smooth programme delivery o Support projects with targeted audiences, including School Holiday Clubs and Home Education o Deliver virtual workshops for learning audiences
• Handling Collection Documentation & Management (35%)
o Lead documentation of the Handling Collection with colleagues and curators o Administer acquisitions, disposals, and loans processes o Ensure due diligence in object acquisition and disposal o Lead the Handling Collection group, develop its content, storage, and display o Plan and manage the annual Handling Collection audit o Participate in the care of the Handling Collection
• Evaluation of the Formal Learning Programme (5%)
o Support evaluation by gathering and cleaning data o Work with teams and external consultants to evaluate the programme o Compile evaluation reports
• Handling Collection Development (20%)
o Identify priority research areas for the Handling Collection o Develop and improve documentation and research in partnership with teams o Advocate for and increase knowledge of the collection internally and externally o Support the wider Content and Museum teams in utilizing the Handling Collection

We are looking for someone who is eager to learn, who shares our passion for connecting learners to collections, commitment to community-led practice, and drive to decolonise Museums. At the heart of your work must be the drive to ensure equitable access to Museums for all children and young people. Key Qualities, Skills, and Experience:
• High literacy and numeracy
• Museum or history-based qualification (desirable)
• Basic understanding of evolving museum ethics
• Experience in project delivery and customer service
• Ability to work calmly and flexibly under pressure
• Experience working with children (desirable)
• Basic understanding of museum documentation (desirable)
• Experience using collections databases (desirable)
• Ability to handle manual tasks (e.g., moving furniture)
• Ability to work independently and with attention to detail
  
  About Us
As M+H Learning Programme of the Year 2024, The Formal Learning team delivers ambitious, high-quality programmes for c.40,000 learners each year, from EYFS to University level, including those in home or alternative education. Our programme is engaging, learner-led, and constantly evolving, making the most of our sector-leading Handling Collection, and learning from the colleagues and communities we work with., The Horniman is an equal opportunities employer and we value and celebrate diversity. We want to better represent the communities in which we work but recognise that there is still much work to do in this area. We welcome and encourage all applicants and particularly encourage you to apply if you are from a community that is often disadvantaged by society or of minority background. The Company The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a unique attraction in south east London where world cultures and the natural world are brought together for everyone to enjoy. The Museum holds internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as a popular natural history gallery and Aquarium. The 16 acres of beautiful Gardens feature a tropical Butterfly House and offer stunning views across London. The Horniman is the holder of the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022. Museum Website: http://www.horniman.ac.uk/about/jobs