Are you dynamic, creative, outgoing and interested in the history of the lives, buildings, communities and landscapes of rural Devon? Are you interested in engaging the people of Devon and visitors to the county, by working to create a wonderful environment in which people can be inspired as they explore the history of local rural life? If so, then we would like to hear from you!
The Devon Rural Archive (DRA) is an independent archive of books, maps, journals, photographs, architectural drawings and magazines, all relating to the county of Devon. The Archive is located on the Shilstone Estate near Modbury in South Devon.
This is an exciting new position for someone with creativity and spark, who will spearhead the transformation, re-branding and re-launch of this project, as we seek to become an important historical destination for Devon and beyond. Housed in a bright and sunny building on the Shilstone estate, with expansive views across the award-winning Shilstone House, its gardens and the valley beyond, the DRA includes an extensive collection of maps, photographs, books, drawings and historical records.
As Director of the DRA, you will work closely with the trustees in composing and implementing a new strategic vision for the archive. This will include transforming the space, enticing people to explore and become interested in our shared heritage. Managing our wonderful team of volunteers, we hope that you will use your creativity and experience to take The Devon Rural Archive to new heights.
We are looking for someone who is engaging, with strong communication skills, as you will be an ambassador for the archive wherever you go, planning and representing the DRA at a variety of events.
Job Description:
- To create a warm, interesting and social space in which visitors can gather to relax, read, talk and discover more about local heritage.
- Create an engaging and dynamic strategy for reaching people with news and updates from the archive.
- Oversee the archive collection, including the ongoing cataloguing of all items and presenting the collection in a creative and beautiful way (both in permanent exhibits and temporary exhibitions).
- Be on hand to assist visitors with a smile on your face.
- All the usual admin tasks; filing, answering telephone enquiries, emails etc.
- Organising an exciting programme of events, including evening lectures, workshops, tours and educational visits.
- Oversee all social media and web output, including posting regularly on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, as well as composing a plan to rebuild the website in line with the new branding.
- PR and marketing, including writing interesting, aesthetically pleasing and fun monthly newsletters and pitching articles to local and national publications.
- Managing our brilliant team of volunteers, encouraging them, incentivising them, helping them and building the team further.
Person Specification
- An interest in local history and Devon’s heritage.
- Ability to work independently and make decisions.
- Creative, sociable, dynamic and visionary.
- Good IT skills including social media, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Good public speaking skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent level of written and spoken English.
Days per week:
4-5 days per week. Hybrid working is negotiable, but one weekend day per week on site is required. Please note this role is advertised on a self-employed consultancy basis.
Salary:
£16 to £20 per hour (agreed salary dependent on experience)
Please submit applications by 30th November 2024
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £16.00-£20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 30/11/2024