Front of House Assistant (Part Time)

The Museum is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, friendly Front of House Assistant.  This is a part-time 18.5 hours per week role working weekdays with core hours including at least one day at the weekend. The Museum is a 7-day operation and frequently hosts events outside its core public opening hours.  Regular weekend work and the flexibility to work evenings and occasional bank holidays is therefore essential.  Actual hours worked will be agreed with the successful candidates. 

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) is one of the nine University of Cambridge Museums and Botanic Garden (UCM). It is both a museum open to the general public and a research and teaching facility of the University. The Museum is currently open to the public Tuesdays to Sundays and welcomes over 100,000 visitors a year. The Museum's world-class collections attract visiting researchers from all over the world and it maintains an active programme of temporary exhibitions and loans to major exhibitions within the UK and internationally. MAA's collections are designated for their national and international importance. For further information about the Museum's staff, collections, and programmes, see www.maa.cam.ac.uk 

The Front of House Assistants work under the supervision of the Visitor Services Manager and facilitate access to the Museum during public opening hours with responsibility for the health and safety of visitors and for safeguarding the Museum displays. The role is based at the front desk where the successful candidate will present a welcoming face to visitors, dealing with enquiries both in person and by telephone. The role holder must be able to communicate clearly and informatively with visitors, including members of the public, University staff, visiting scholars, researchers and students.  Front of House Assistants supervise a large team of front of house volunteers and when deputising for the Visitor Services Manager and Visitor Services Assistant/Shop Supervisor are responsible for ensuring that there is sufficient staff cover in the Museum galleries. 

No formal educational qualifications are needed though education to GCSE level or equivalent will be seen as an advantage.  Basic numeracy and literacy are required. Experience of customer service in a public facing role is essential and experience in dealing with members of the public in a guiding and/or supervisory capacity is an advantage, as is retail experience. An interest in archaeology and anthropology is desirable but no specific knowledge is required.  Punctuality, reliability and the ability to communicate effectively are essential as well as the confidence and self-assurance to be able to work alone and a willingness to take responsibility for areas such as security and safety. 

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check. 

MAA and the University of Cambridge Museums are committed to inclusion and diversity within our institutions and across the sector, and we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Museum and the University.  

The closing date for applications is Midnight on Thursday 30 January 2025. It is anticipated that short-listed candidates will be interviewed on Tuesday 11 February 2025. It is hoped that the successful candidate will take up the appointment in March 2025. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. 

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