Head of Learning

Job DescriptionJob descriptionThe National Museum of Computing houses the world's largest collection of functional historic computers, including the rebuilt Colossus, the world’s first electronic computer, the WITCH, the world's oldest working digital computer and The Turing Welchman Bombe. We are located in a Grade II listed Second World War building (the world’s first purpose-built computer centre) on the Bletchley Park estate. The museum enables visitors to follow the development of computing from the ultra-secret pioneering efforts of the 1940s through the large systems and mainframes of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, to the rise of personal computing in the 1980s and beyond.The published Mission Statement of the National Museum of Computing is to be a museum that ‘… brings to life the history and development of computing for inspiration, learning and enjoyment.’With a particular focus on British developments and context, we:Conserve: through acquisition, restoration and reconstruction of artefacts which have had a notable impact on the evolution of computing;Engage: through displaying wherever possible working artefacts to a wide range of interest groups who can interact, learn and be inspired by the artefacts and their stories; andEducate: through a range of specialist programmes designed to encourage the understanding, application of and participation in computing in the UK.The museum is normally open 7 days a week. Public guided tours are offered weekly and private groups can visit on any day by prior appointment.The museum runs a full Schools and University Learning programme which typically welcomes over 10,000 young people a year, as well as many family groups during the school holiday Bytes Festivals. The Bytes Festivals provide educational fun for all the family with workshops and tasters in areas such as robotics, virtual reality, and programming.There is an active volunteer base of approximately 100 individuals who act as stewards and guides allowing the museum to open to the public, as well as looking after the collection.The Museum has had to reformat many of the activities described above – much of which has led to a greatly expanded Online and digital presence. This includes a range of assets, interactions, services and engagements including for example:Online toursA 3-D mapping of the museumEnhanced booking and online activities.Our Sandford Award-winning Learning Programme hosts visits from schools with students who are studying at GCSE, A Level, Level 2 or 3 equivalents. University Undergraduate groups are also catered for. The typical format of our programme includes an introductory session, guided group tour (ratio of 15 students to one guide) through the museum’s exhibits demonstrating and using a variety of computers and peripherals, and a variety of interactive hands-on sessions. The Learning Programme covers past and future developments in computing and its impact on society in the past, present and future.What are we looking for?As Head of Learning, we are looking for someone who’s had direct experience of teaching a relevant subject in a secondary school environment or within the museum education sector. However, The National Museum of Computing will support you in your learning and development in this field. An interest in the history and development of technology would be a clear advantage.What’s in it for you?This is our commitment to you. This role will:Give you insight into the Third Sector and the nature of what it is to be a National museum.Allow you to build and engage with highly diverse customer and stakeholder groups ranging from retired engineers, through the next generation of British contributors, to the leadership of Information Technology across the world.Challenge and push you hard to make a direct and meaningful impact.Have support and guidance via regular committed direct one-to-one time with senior leaders including board members.Offer training and development opportunities that are mutually beneficial to you as an individual and us as an ambitious and growing Museum.In summary, it will give you the chance to directly contribute to the organisation’s future and give you a fun challenging environment in which to learn, grow and test your own boundaries.What do we expect from you?We expect you first and foremost to fully commit and to grasp the opportunity offered.We expect you to add value from Day 1.We expect you to bring experience gained from your previous employment and life activities to help make the Museum a more successful and sustainable entity, quicker and faster.We expect you to challenge and contribute in every meeting, situation and networking interaction.We expect you to feel part of the team.We expect you to enjoy yourself.The DetailsJob Title: Head of LearningLocation:The National Museum of Computing, Bletchley Park Estate, Milton KeynesSalary/Benefits Package: £29,000-£33,000Job Purpose:As the Head of Learning you will be responsible for the management and delivery of our Learning Programme. You will lead a team of dedicated freelance and volunteer staff.Principle Accountabilities:Working within a small but thriving team the role includes:The development and maintenance of the Learning Programme and associated materials, including researching updates to the curriculum, details of the exhibits within the museum and new technologies that may be used to enhance the Learning Programme.Developing the learning outreach events and volunteer team, providing ongoing support and training.Leading a small team of freelancers, delivering learning initiatives.The head of learning will develop and deliver the museum’s programmes for schools and families in schools, community venues and virtually, for example through live streams and Zoom sessions.Advising and supporting exhibition and gallery teams on the needs of these audiences.Establish and manage relationships with partners involved in developing or delivering programmes.Additionally, you will manage the scheduling and resourcing of visits. Some administrative support for bookings and invoicing will be provided by the Operations Team. Other responsibilities will include supporting public, corporate or other group visits on an ad-hoc basis. As well as some operational tasks (such as opening and closing the museum) shared between all museum staff.Reporting Relationships: Role reports to the Museum Director.Essential Competencies:You should have a Degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrable ability and interest in computer science, history or mathematics.A successful track record of developing and delivering high quality activities and resources for schools and/or families in a heritage, arts or education setting.Experience in digital resources Flexibility and enthusiasm for developing programmes for a variety of different audiences, and ability to adapt to changing priorities.Up-to-date understanding of the National curriculum.Strong written and oral communication.Proactivity, a self-starter.Strong organisational skills.Fast rapport building.Team player.Ability to engage in professional conflict and challenge respectfully and collaboratively.Basic IT literacy in the main G-Suite and digital learning applications.Preferred Skills:Experience of managing event booking systems.Awareness of financial budgeting.Previous experience of Health and Safety and First Aid requirements.
#J-18808-Ljbffr