Access and Interpretation Manager – Galleries

Job Title: Access and Interpretation Manager – Galleries

Location: Salford

Salary: £25,832.00 per annum (pro rata £10,332.80)

Job Type: Part time (13 hours per week, 2 days per week) Temporary 10 month fixed-term contract.

About the role:

To be considered for this role please ensure that you follow the link to The Lowry website and submit cover letter and CV. Applications not submitted via The Lowry website cannot be considered

We are recruiting for an Access and Interpretation Manager to cover a period of maternity leave, to lead on devising, delivering, and sharing appropriate ideas and methods that support direct and proactive visitor engagement. In this role, you will work closely with internal and external colleagues to ensure the widest access provision is met within the Galleries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Lowry Curator and visiting artists to maintain a strong understanding of The Lowry Collection and the themes and content of each special exhibition.
• Accompany curators on studio visits and attend regular meetings with artists from the onset of exhibition development.
• Work closely with the Head of Galleries to design and deliver a ‘toolkit’ for each special exhibition, ensuring the front of house team have the skill and knowledge to provide visitors with insights and ‘points of entry’.
• Establish and project manage interpretation working groups within the front of house team.
• Create and deliver of a programme of tailored talks and proactive 1-2-1 visitor engagement.
• Liaise closely with the Audience Development Manager to ensure access initiatives across the building are joined-up and well communicated.
• Monitor and respond to the effectiveness of the galleries interpretation and events programme and lead a monthly interpretation update group, alongside the Curator (Lowry Collection), Head of Galleries and Director of Visual Arts.
• Lead on providing online content for exhibitions and displays, in conjunction with colleagues.
• Research best practice in other modern and contemporary art galleries regionally and nationally.
• Support the Head of Galleries and the HR team in identifying and addressing suitable training and skills development for Gallery Front of House staff.
• Assist the Head of Galleries in the recruitment and training of Galleries front of house staff.
• Act as Duty Manager in the Head of Galleries’ absence, ensuring the efficient operation of the Galleries.
• Deliver or assist bespoke tours and talks to specific groups in support of Corporate, development and other Lowry team activity.
• Promote and comply with legislation and The Lowry’s policies on equal opportunities and health and safety both in the delivery of services and the treatment of others.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Excellent communication, motivation and people management skills.
• Meticulous administration, problem solving and planning skills.
• Good time management.
• Ability to research art history and contemporary practice and use that knowledge to generate 1-2-1 engagement with gallery visitors.
• Awareness of the service and access needs of Gallery visitors.
• Understanding of and commitment to equality and diversity.
• A knowledge of modern and contemporary visual arts and design.
• Previous experience of working in the museums and galleries sector.
• A relevant qualification in art and/or equivalent work experience.
• A flexible and adaptable approach to working hours that will include some evening and regular weekend work.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Ability to write reports and updates based on their work and job objectives.
• A knowledge of relevant and current Vulnerable Adult and Child Protection issues.
• Experience of supervising staff, planning and implementing rota system.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Benefits and package:

• Complimentary and discounted theatre and live event tickets.
• Free car parking at MediaCityUK just a few minutes’ walk from The Lowry building.
• Generous annual leave entitlement – including your birthday off!
• Discounts at the bars, restaurant and gift shop located within The Lowry building.

Please note that MediaCityUK is a well-connected destination with a variety of different transport options – bus, car, tram and bike.

The application deadline for this vacancy is 27 March 2023 at 12:00pm.

The Lowry is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we strive to reflect and represent the full breadth of the community we serve across our workforce. We proactively work to achieve greater diversity in the areas of gender, race, disability, sexuality, socio-economic background, faith and age.

If you’re interested in the role and would like to put yourself forward please hit APPLY. Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of: Interpreter, Galleries Interpreter, Customer Service, Access and Interpretation, Assistant Manager, Galleries Host, Team Leader, Galleries Manager may also be considered for this role.