The David Livingstone Birthplace (DLB) reopened in July 2021 after a four-year refurbishment. The historic buildings, the redesigned museum and its recontextualised narratives have been central to its reopening. The

This is an exciting time for the Trust; an opportunity for rebirth and re-establishing the ethos of the important historic site and furthering discussion around the life, values and legacies of David Livingstone. The Learning Officer will work alongside the Learning and Engagement Manager to develop an innovative and progressive programme for our audiences. Working with schools, families, community groups and online audiences, the Learning Officer will develop and deliver new activities, including school workshops. The learning offer is core to supporting the museum’s discussions around the role of David Livingstone and the wider story and history of Scotland’s colonial legacy.

The individual will be part of the Learning and Engagement team and will also be expected to work collaboratively with the wider museum team. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the histories and legacies surrounding David Livingstone’s story and will be expected to help promote the culture of progress and change the museum is aiming to achieve.

Role Summary:

The Learning Officer will be responsible for developing, delivering and evaluating the museum’s learning programme. This will include sessions with schools, community groups, volunteers, and our visiting and non-visiting audiences. We are looking for someone who is practical, creative, engaging and experienced in dealing with challenging subjects. Alongside the Learning and Engagement Manager, the Learning Officer will be responsible for delivering engaging blended learning resources including school workshops.

We are looking for someone who is hands-on, prepared to work in a museum whose collection is multi-layered and complex and support the progressive outlook of the Birthplace team. The role is an exciting opportunity for someone who is motivated by the social impact that museum learning programmes can achieve and will be driven by a passion for sharing stories behind museum objects and histories. You will be someone who wants to highlight unheard voices and stories to our audiences through our objects and promote progress and change through action.

Responsibilities:

· Develop, deliver and evaluate the formal (in line with the Curriculum for Excellence) and informal learning programme, working alongside the Learning and Engagement Manager and the wider museum team.

· Research and engage audiences with subjects including Black history, Scotland’s colonial history, STEM, Global Citizenship, Learning for Sustainability (including Outdoor Learning), Arts, whilst ensuring the programme is inclusive and supports DLB’s EDI policies and Values (see below).

· Develop and nurture partnerships and projects with other organisations, including formal education providers and partners.

· Develop learning activities that consider a variety of learning styles and needs (e.g. autism-friendly and ASN sessions).

· Supervise, as needed, freelance staff, volunteers, student placements and trainees.

· Be responsible for the daily admin of the schools learning programme, including responding to emails, handling bookings and coordinating spaces in the museum.

· Be responsible for the handling collection and learning resources, including inventorying, monitoring stock and caring for resources.

· To work with line manager to market and promote the Learning activities and programme to target audiences.

· Support and work to the values of the David Livingstone Trust, which are:

Progressive

We seek to understand the past from multiple perspectives and champion overlooked and erased narratives, voices, and experiences. We use our shared histories to inform the present, look to the future and to promote deeper understanding between peoples and cultures.

Challenging

We challenge prejudice and discrimination, are actively anti-racist and acknowledge privilege with regards to all protected characteristics. We will also challenge ourselves to be brave in our approach and continually seek new ways of working.

Inclusive

We are respectful to all our audiences, participants, and partners - both internally and externally. The Museum is a safe place – welcoming to all.

Engaging

We promote learning and collaboration through our projects, events, and innovative partnerships. We seek engagement with community groups, educators, artists, activists, and other organisations, both locally and internationally.

Other duties:

· Responsible for the health and safety of yourself and others who you interact with. Including being responsible for risk assessments for school workshops.

· Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check required.

· Adherence to Child Protection Policy in all activities.

· Provide reports as required to Learning and Engagement Manager and Director.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

· Relevant experience for the role.

· Interest and knowledge in the wider David Livingstone’s story and the learning opportunities that come from the multi-layered perspectives.

· Demonstrable ability to organise and deliver school workshops and informal activities and events.

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to deal with a diverse range of people.

· Ability to work within a small team and take initiative.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and welcome applications from those facing barriers to employment, people living with a disability, people from a BAME background and those who identify as LGBTQI+. There is a possibility that the contract may be extended but this is dependent on additional grant funding and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Applications for the role, in the form of a CV and cover letter (midnight on 26th June), should be sent to Elena Trimarchi, Learning and Engagement Manager at hr@dltrust.uk. Any queries can be sent to the same email address and there will be an informal information session on the afternoon of Wednesday 15th June, please email for a link.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 7th July, in person but an option for online will be available. We will provide interview questions prior to interview.

References will be required for the successful candidate.

This role is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.