OUR PLACEMENTS

Placement summary

The Highlander’s Museum based at Fort George, near Inverness, is recruiting for a graduate for a 12 month research role. The successful graduate will be required to streamline processes in the research department to improve efficiency and profit.

Job description

Project Description

This placement has the potential to increase the profitability of the research department. The fresh perspective of a graduate along with drive and determination will ensure the future success of this department. With the correct marketing and administrative systems put in place, income from research enquiries has the potential to become the Museum’s largest income stream.

Specific tasks of the placement will include:

• Development and implementation of a new computerised administration system (expected completion date October 2015)

• Development and execution of research department marketing plan (expected completion date for plan December 2014, execution of plan will be ongoing)

• Liaison with outside agencies to set up flagship “Family Research Days” (expected completion date will be ongoing)

• Development of social media plan for research department (ongoing) • Liaison with volunteer researchers in set up of new administration system (ongoing)

• Ensure a full handover to another staff member takes place at the end of the placement. This may also include developing a manual/instructions.

This position is part funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund.

For informal enquiries regarding this position please contact: Kirstin Mackay, Business Manager; [email protected]; 0131 310 8702

Qualifications

Minimum undergraduate degree in relevant discipline

Skills / Experience

Essential Skills

• Good planning and organisational skills, including ability to deliver to multiple priorities whilst retaining a thorough attention to detail

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to network and develop collaborative or partnership working with a wide range of stakeholders

• Excellent spoken and written communication skills

• Flexible approach to work and willingness to multi-task within a small organisation

• Excellent IT skills

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of relevant historical areas, e.g. Scottish military history and social history

• Experience of working within the Heritage sector

• Experience of working with volunteers

• Some knowledge of the Leisure and Tourism sector

• Project and budget management skills

• Access to own transport (this is not required for the role but would make travelling to work easier, as the Museum location is difficult to access by public transport)

Benefits

Company benefits

There may be the potential for continued employment at the end of the placement, subject to performance and vacancy.

Placement benefits

As part of this ScotGrad Graduate Placement Programme, the candidate will benefit from support from a team within Highlands and Islands Enterprise and also access a four day residential course focussed on employability and business skills.

Additional information

Location: Fort George, Inverness-shire

Preferred start date: 01/10/2014

Company information

The Highlanders’ Museum is home to the largest collection of military artefacts outside of Edinburgh and has recently undergone a £2.5m Redevelopment Project. The Museum is situated at Fort George which is operated as a tourist attraction by Historic Scotland and is open all year round. The Museum attracts around 60,000 visitors per year. Fort George is also still a working military barracks and is home to 3 SCOTS, the Black Watch.

Aside from being a tourist attraction one of the Museum’s main functions is as an educational establishment. The Museum hosts school groups and community groups and can tailor trips to suit the group needs. We also provide outreach if groups cannot get to us.

The Museum also has a research department which deals with research enquiries from all over the globe. Most of these enquiries come through our website and social media but we still get the occasional letter and phone call.

The Museum is self-sustaining and relies on income from shop sales, donations, funding awards and income from research requests.

The first year of operation since completion of the Redevelopment Project has allowed to identify our strengths and weaknesses and what we need to focus on going forward as a successful business.

In order for us to go forward we must improve the efficiency and profitability of the research department.

Company sector: Other

Company website: www.thehighlandersmuseum.com

Placement contact details: Kirstin Mackay
0131 310 8702