The Pavilion of Knowledge – Ciência Viva in Lisbon, Portugal, is looking for a Head of Visitor Experiences to lead the Team of Explainers and manage their communications skills.
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding individual to lead the development and implementation of strategies to engage visitors with the museum and their exhibitions in a positive, enduring and innovative way.
This position will imply significant opportunities to implement modern concepts of science communication and education in a science centre environment.
Applicants must be able to provide on the job training and motivate exhibit explainers to interact effectively with visitors. This may include performing live science shows, asking and debating questions related to exhibits, explaining scientific concepts and making links to visitors’ everyday experiences.
The successful candidate holds a university degree in science-related areas, management, museology, education or communication. Equally important is a strong documented track record for a minimum of three years of personnel leadership experience in a museum or science centre environment.
Main job responsibilities
- To provide continuous training to the Explainers, ensuring a high level of quality in their interaction with visitors in terms of science communication, personal relationship and education
- To lead teams in the design, development and implementation of innovative, creative, scientific accurate and relevant content and activities, in tune with the needs of the Pavilion of Knowledge
- To ensure that Explainers are proactive in solving problems and addressing visitors needs
- To work jointly with other teams and ensure that all the relevant information is conveyed to the Explainers Team
- To evaluate the performance of the Explainers
Job requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in science-related areas, museology or education
- A minimum of three years of leadership experience in a museum or science communication environment.
- Excellent communication and personal relationship skills
- Creative and innovative personality
- Ability to understand and transmit basic concepts of science, technology, engineering and maths.
- Strong leadership and collaboration skills
- Ability to improve team performance
How to apply
- All application materials should be send electronically to rh@cienciaviva.pt with the exact position title in the subject line.
- All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in Portugal in order to be considered for the vacancy.
- All apllicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in at least one of the working languages, English or Portuguese.
We encourage applications before 15 March 2013, but will continue to review new applications until the position is filled. The starting date will be from April 2013 and this appointment runs initially for 10 month, with possible renewal thereafter. Applications to this position should include CV, names and e-mail addresses of three referees, a portfolio or documented record of experience and a personal statement focusing on proposed training and strategy plans regarding the position.