About the job

Description

Role Purpose

The Heritage Officer champions our work in relation to the site’s unique history, our historic landscape and the wider heritage of the East End. This work spans both tangible aspects of our heritage (including the landscape, monuments, artefacts, records) and also the rich intangible heritage (including the stories/memories of the site, crafts, practices).

The Heritage Officer, working closely with Trustees and staff, works to deliver on the FoTHCP Conservation Management Plan (CMP), a 30 year, multi-faceted strategy which weaves together the built, natural and social heritage aspects of the site. This includes auditing and documenting all aspects of heritage within the site, securing new grants and fundraising to successfully complete Heritage works and deliver the CMP, as well as driving visitor experience/interpretation.

Throughout the CMP delivery, the Heritage Officer engages site users, stakeholders (including Members) and the local community to gather ideas and feedback, communicate progress and celebrate our achievements. Where required, the Heritage Officer will also coordinate the delivery of projects with appointed working group leads (including Trustees and other members of staff), external subject matter experts and/or consultants.

The Heritage Officer also designs and delivers a range of engaging activities which showcase and celebrate the history of the site as well as the wider history of the East End, and which have the potential to bring in income and a diverse audience into the THCP. The Heritage Officer works with team members, volunteers and/or external partners to develop and pilot these events and activities.

The Heritage Officer is also expected to develop effective partnership with funders, academia, the community and other stakeholders around monuments (ongoing archiving/cataloguing of all heritage assets (including monuments, documents, records, green heritage) – including listed/at-risk assets) and Interpretation and visitor experience (from securing grants, managing customer experience, including accessibility and digital considerations).

The Heritage Officer is a driven individual who is excited to play a pivotal role in the ongoing development and care of the FoTHCP and the THCP itself. The role will suit someone who can motivate others and work within a team, but who can also work autonomously.

About You

You will have demonstrable interest in the heritage sector and have experience of managing heritage (built and/or natural) sites. In addition to its historical importance, THCP is also a Local Nature Reserve and Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, with many visitors appreciating its rich biodiversity. It would therefore be helpful if the post holder has past experience of, or training in, working in such an environment.

The Conservation Management Plan (CMP) is a substantial initiative and you will have relevant project management and delivery experience. You will be confident in working with a wide group of stakeholders, developing partnerships and facilitating workshops and meetings. You will particularly have a good understanding of and successful track record in applying for grants from a variety of donors as well as experience of grant management and reporting requirements.

You will be comfortable piloting new income-generating events and volunteering activities, in particular those that build relationships with a wide group of stakeholders.

You will have a high degree of professionalism, act responsibly and will strive for the highest standards of management. You are able to prioritise workloads and manage a number of priorities at a given time.

You will have a flexible approach to working arrangements, including evenings and weekends, for which Time off in Lieu will be applicable. You will enjoy working in a close team but are willing to take the initiative and are comfortable leading work by yourself too.

Job Description

Conservation Management Plan Delivery

Ensure appropriate project management against agreed outcomes and priorities, including arranging, servicing and documenting governance steering committee, team meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagement meetings. Bring own expertise into CMP delivery, and manage recruitment and oversight of external consultants/contractors as required.

• Ensure prudent budget management, in accordance with grants and fundraising policies and best practices.
• Prepare necessary tender and procurement documentation.

Support all facets of CMP delivery, including:

Heritage Events & Activities:

• Promote heritage activities by piloting new approaches and evaluating opportunities against engagement and income targets.
• Monument Conservation (documenting, H&S reviews, listed status) Visitor Experience and Interpretation Fundraising to finance the aims and vision of the CMP Communications (Social media and with partners and funders) Database and archive project to support research and asset inventory
• Identify and apply for relevant grants that support our ability to deliver activities, particularly to a wider, diverse audience.
• Pilot new engaging activities, in coordination with the staff, trustees and relevant partners/stakeholders, around the built heritage and history of the THCP. Manage and lead heritage volunteers Build relationships with relevant associations, stakeholders, other heritage organisations and community groups.

FoTHCP Policies and Procedures:

• Be aware of your responsibilities and comply with all relevant policies and handbooks (including but not limited to Code of Conduct, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, GDPR/data, Equality/Diversity/Inclusion (EDI), Finance), including participating in relevant training and courses.
• Ensure volunteers, contractors, staff and interns under your supervision comply with relevant regulations.
• Contribute expertise to policy development and adherence, including escalating issues and contributing to policy updates.

General Management & Duties:

Occasional general office support and administration (e.g. general enquiries including phone/email/social media enquiries, database and records management). Support communications including e-newsletters, Stone Stories publication and social media posts. Occasional support of general park duties as required, particularly including park care, signage, visitor support as determined by the Cemetery Park Manager to ensure the smooth running of the organisation. Support community fundraising and income-generating activities, working with the Cemetery Park Manager and other staff and trustees. The duties as outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may change from time to time due to the changing nature of the working environment.

Person specification

Experience:

• Management experience gained at sites within the heritage, landscape or cemeteries sector with a demonstrable understanding of the sensitivities of managing activities and operations within such sites.

Essential:

• Knowledge / understanding of Heritage, Conservation and Management Plans (as evidenced by relevant training and qualifications).

Essential:

• Grant management experience (from application to delivery to evaluation).

Essential:

• Fundraising experience from Trusts and Foundations, statutory bodies and other relevant funding bodies.

Essential:

• Experience of working with a diverse range of stakeholders and local communities.

Essential:

• Working with consultants and/or local council.

Essential:

• Knowledge and experience of Codes of Practice, Health and Safety and Legislation in relation to cemeteries and parks and/or the willingness to develop such knowledge.

Essential:

• Developed partnerships across community, voluntary and private sector.

Desirable:

• Experience of dealing with enquiries from the public and other stakeholders.

Desirable:

Knowledge and Skills:

• Good knowledge of conservation and management of heritage.

Essential:

• Proven ability to communicate and establish purposeful relationships at all levels with staff, stakeholders and members of public and external organisations.

Essential:

• Passionate about our ethos of creating a positive visitor experience for all users of the Cemetery Park.

Essential:

• Proven ability to think and act creatively and innovatively in order to seek out, develop and successfully implement ideas to support the project.

Essential:

• An enthusiastic individual with a passion for heritage which is visible to staff, stakeholders and the public. Someone who leads by example.

Essential:

• Good IT skills including MS Office and databases and producing reports and presentations.

Essential:

• Excellent time management and organisational skills possessing the ability to work flexibly and adapt one’s approach to find solutions and problem solve in potentially variable situations.

Essential:

• Understanding of health and safety as it applies to working in the environment

Essential:

• Ability to work within a team.

Essential:

• Experience of supervising volunteers.

Desirable

Additional Requirements

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check for the successful candidate.

The post holder will be required to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays with Time Off in Lieu applicable.

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