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Museum education officer: Job description and activities

Job description

A museum education officer is responsible for realising the potential of the museum collections as learning resources and developing learning opportunities. The role involves developing and delivering a museum's educational and learning programme to primary and secondary schools, either informally or based on the curriculum, as well as working with colleges and some adult groups.

The job involves working with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

A museum education officer delivers talks and demonstrations to the museum's visiting groups. Collaborative projects introduce multidisciplinary activities, such as art, music and theatre. Outreach work is also an important aspect of the job.

Typical work activities

A museum education officer's range of activities varies depending on the size, financial position and objectives of the museum. Typical activities generally include some or all of the following:

• liaising with schools, organising visits and delivering on-site educational sessions;
• identifying key areas for adding value to school visits and developing curriculum resources;
• keeping up to date with curriculum developments, ensuring that education programmes are relevant to the national curriculum;
• operating a school loan service and facilitating access to the museum collections;
• producing booklets, guides and information packs for schools, colleges and general visitors;
• coordinating and/or providing teaching, lectures and guided tours;
• undertaking outreach work, including taking artefacts into the community;
• organising practical demonstrations, role plays, story-telling sessions and other related activities;
• arranging programmes of events to enhance visitor enjoyment and understanding;
• working with other museum staff to develop and market the museum and the events programme;
• running holiday activities for children and families;
• co-ordinating teams of interpreters and/or volunteers;
• identifying creative ways to ensure the objectives of the museum match the needs of visitors across a range of subject areas;
• managing budgets, preparing financial reports, applying for grants, and associated fund-raising;
• undertaking research, and delivering written and oral reports on the research.

AGCAS

Written by Kirsty Hutchison, University of Manchester

Last updated:

January 2008

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