22 months fixed term contract with the possibility of extension
Job Title:
Business Development Officer
Reporting to:
Director
Responsible for:
N/A
Salary:
£18,000 p.a.
The Norton Priory Museum Trust was recently awarded a grant from Arts Council
England Museums Resilience Fund to improve income generation. A new QMS
Radiocarbon dating technique is being pioneered by Q-Technologies at the
University of Liverpool and it will be the responsibility of the post holder to operate
the first commercially viable system and develop its use as a business. This form of
Radiocarbon dating is a world first with enormous potential. The post holder will also
be responsible for helping to develop the other elements of Norton Priory’s
commercial operations including weddings, conferences and group bookings.
About us:
Norton Priory Museum & Gardens is a 37 acre site that boasts excavated abbey
ruins, a 12th century undercroft, museum, 18th century walled garden and grounds
which include the UK’s national collection of tree quinces, an 18th century ice house,
garden loggia and 19th century tea house. The museum’s extensive collection
includes a spectacular twice-life sized 14th century statue of St Christopher and
artefacts excavated from the site, including important examples of medieval stone
carvings, glass, tiles, pottery, metalwork, wood and leather items as well as skeletal
remains and burial markers. In December 2014, the museum closed for a £4.5m
capital project and is projected to reopen in August 2016 with a new laboratory
featuring a commercially operating QMS Radiocarbon dating unit.
Main duties and responsibilities of the Business Development Officer.
The post holder will be a member of the staff of Norton Priory Museum & Gardens,
and will be responsible to the Director.
2015 marks the 900th anniversary of Norton Priory so it is fitting that it will be a year
of significant change and the realisation of its potential. In addition to the £4.5m
capital project, Monastery to Museum 900, the recent grant from Arts Council
England to develop the world’s first commercially viable QMS Radiocarbon dating
unit has the potential to dramatically change field archaeology in the UK and abroad.
However, as with any new technology, its impact is uncertain and so it is important
that the post holder is adaptable and able to see the bigger picture. He/ she may be
an archaeology graduate with a good understanding of field archaeology or an
entrepreneur keen to apply business skills to a developing museum.
The post is funded by Arts Council England for 22 months, following which an
extension is possible dependent upon income generated.
The Business Development Officer will:
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Research and consult with field archaeologists and museums and develop
a business plan for the commercial application of QMS Radiocarbon
dating in partnership with Q-Technologies, University of Liverpool and
Daresbury Science Park with the assistance of the Director and Finance
and Admin Manager
Promote to and develop a list of clients for radiocarbon sampling in
partnership with Q-Technologies, University of Liverpool
Promote to and develop a list of clients for conferences in the redeveloped
museum, to reopen in August 2016
Administer group bookings, conferences, weddings and Radiocarbon
dating sampling with support from the Finance and Administration
Manager, Director and Senior Keeper
Assist in the delivery of a range of income generating activities at Norton
Priory
Operate the Radiocarbon QMS unit and train clients in its use
Market the commercial operations of the Trust
The postholder will be supported in these activities by the line manager, other
colleagues and by partners, Q-Technologies.
Person Specification
Due to the unique nature of this post, the skills and background of the successful
candidate is not predetermined. The key attributes are enthusiasm and excellent
interpersonal skills.
Essential skills and attributes.
 A demonstrable interest in Archaeology or Physics
 A positive, entrepreneurial attitude
 Administration experience
 A willingness to undertake flexible working including unsocial hours and
weekends
 A willingness to travel to meet clients and partners
Desirable skills and attributes.
 Experience of marketing or a demonstrable understanding of marketing
 Experience in sales or a university degree in business or similar
 Experience of working in a heritage or arts organisation
 Experience of or understand of Field Archaeology
 A degree in Archaeology or Physics
 Experience of organising, administering and/ or marketing events,
conferences and weddings