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Job description

Golden Thread Gallery is seeking an enthusiastic and reliable Engagement Assistant to support visitor experience at the gallery. The Engagement Assistant will have a key role in our small team, making our activities more accessible to the public and assisting across the Gallery’s programme and range of activities. This will include activating the gallery’s Community Participation and Engagement Hub, devising programme activities (with the Co-Directors and Development Manager) and delivering in-house and offsite creative workshops and educational activities. The role will also include working with schools, community groups and further and higher education colleges. This is a fantastic opportunity for an early-career Arts professional in one of Northern Ireland’s leading contemporary visual art galleries. Please note that this appointment is subject to continuing funding/grant aid.

Responsibilities

• Working with the Development Officer to deliver a programme of engagement activities for the gallery, including working with all age ranges from children to adults.
• Widening and deepening engagement using the gallery’s social media channels.
• Working with community groups, schools, youth groups, other charities or outside organisations to collaborate and deliver workshops.
• Sourcing any materials that may be necessary for gallery activities and the preparation of these materials.
• Conducting Gallery Tours of the exhibitions, e.g., with school groups.
• Assisting in the provision of interpretive materials for gallery exhibitions and projects.
• Working alongside and assisting any artists and facilitators working with the gallery.
• Assisting the Gallery Directors in the purchasing of any equipment/ material that the gallery may need.
• Inducting and training new volunteers to the gallery’s welcome team.
• Acting as a designated First Aider while on gallery premises or business (training will be provided).
• Assisting at gallery receptions and events.
• Welcoming visitors to the gallery and when necessary, assisting in preparing the gallery for audiences.
• Devising and delivering programmes of activity that are open and accessible to all members of the community, drawing from the Golden Thread Gallery’s exhibition programme.
• Building and maintaining community networks according to targets set in the annual business plan.
• Ensuring that outreach activities comply with the GTG Safeguarding Policy and with current legislation i.e. Equal Opportunities, Child Protection and Freedom of Information, and the ability to develop new policies should the need arise.
• To increase publicity for the gallery through the distribution of targeted publicity material.
• To increase audiences and participation for the gallery through social media channels in alignment with the gallery’s audience development plan.
• To work with other staff members on the compilation of publicity material.
• To assist the Gallery Co-Directors in the compilation of any visual promotional materials.
• Contributing to the monitoring and evaluating the progress of all Education and Outreach activities, including visitor experience, and providing monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports.
• Contributing to the compilation and evidencing of outcomes and outputs according to funding requirements.
• Contributing to funding applications.
• Ensuring that Education and Outreach activities comply with the relevant funding agreements and letters of offer.
• Booking artists and facilitators relevant to Outreach projects.
• Attending/taking minutes for Board meetings when required.
• Communicating with stakeholders via email, telephone and face-to-face.
• Maintaining filing systems for outreach and educational projects.
• Administration relating to educational and outreach activity and any other administration that may be necessary across the range of gallery activities.
• Any other duties necessary for the successful completion of the post.
• Saturday working and Thursday evening for Late Night Art are a component of this

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• University degree or equivalent in Fine Art or related arts discipline.
• GCSE Maths and English (Grade C or above).
• A minimum of 1 years’ experience of engaging communities and audiences.
• Experience of working in partnership with community groups and organisations.
• A demonstrable interest in and passion for contemporary art and art galleries.
• Experience of assisting at events (for example, receptions, workshops, talks, tours).
• Ability to prioritise a varied workload as part of a busy team, and stay calm under pressure.
• Ability to adapt quickly to new challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer competencies including word, excel, email and diary management.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience of using social media for marketing and promotion.

Desirable Skills

• Up to date knowledge and understanding of health and safety and safeguarding requirements.
• Experience of working with design software such as Photoshop, Affinity, Canva.
• Experience of CRM, Google analytics.
• First Aid qualification.

Further Information

Salary: £24,570/ Pro-rata £15,724.80. Location: Golden Thread Gallery, 23-29 Queen Street. We are looking for someone with a genuine interest in the visual arts and in making visual art accessible to as many people as possible. Applications must be submitted by 12pm on Tuesday 18th November, and will only be accepted on the Application Form. CVs will not be accepted. Late applications will not be accepted.