Visitor Relations Coordinator
Department: Visitor Relations Team
Contract: 4 days per week
Hours of work: Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Shift times will vary between
09.30 and 20.30
Responsible to: Head of Visitor Relations
Salary Banding: £19-24,000 pa pro-rata
Overtime: Week day and evening work may be required for special events
Holidays: 25 days pro-rata
Pension: 4% of salary pro-rata
The Photographers’ Gallery - Background
Founded in 1971, The Photographers’ Gallery was the first independent photography gallery
in the world. The Gallery is widely recognised as a pioneer in exhibiting, educating and
engaging people with photography.
The Gallery has a distinguished track record of presenting both contemporary and historical
work and has been responsible for introducing the work of some of the world’s most
significant photographers to British audiences. Access and learning is fundamental to The
Photographers’ Gallery ethos and the Gallery offers a well-respected and wide-ranging
education and outreach programme for all ages and abilities. The Gallery also runs successful
enterprises: a bookshop, a Print Sales Gallery selling photographic prints and a popular café,
all of which make a significant contribution to the Gallery’s income.
This is a very exciting time for The Photographers’ Gallery. A major redevelopment project to
expand and transform the Gallery’s premises on Ramillies Street, just off Oxford Street was
completed in May 2012, when the Gallery re-opened to the public. The Photographers’
Gallery now enjoys three exhibition galleries, an education floor, enhanced retail spaces, a
ground floor café and full disabled access.
Having recently settled into its new home in Ramillies Street, the Gallery’s vision for the next
five years is to champion photography and inspire audiences to enjoy, understand and
discover their own point of view. The Photographers’ Gallery aims to be the leading platform
for generating debate about the past, present and future of a medium whose meaning is
changing rapidly. Photography lies at the heart of visual culture today, reaching broad
audiences and fundamentally changing the way we see and interact with the world.
The Photographers’ Gallery is a registered charity with a turnover of approximately £3.6
million per annum. It is part funded by Arts Council England and by individuals, companies
and charitable trusts. Its trading activities contribute significantly to income.
Visitor Relations Team
The Visitor Relations team comprises of Head of Visitor Relations and three Visitor Relations
Coordinators.
Purpose and description of role
To ensure that all visitors get the most out of their visit to the Gallery by creating a
welcoming, informative, safe and enjoyable atmosphere for the Gallery’s visitors and
supporting the Gallery’s mission.
Visitor Relations Team Responsibilities
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Support the Gallery in delivering excellent visitor care at the Information Desk and
respond to a wide range of face to face enquiries about The Photographers’ Gallery
exhibitions, buildings and events. Provide appropriate assistance to visitors with
specific needs
Provide information and informed interpretation of the Gallery’s exhibitions, public
programs and events
Answer telephone enquiries from members of the public who require detailed
knowledge about all aspects of the Gallery and act as the switchboard for the Gallery
Research and reply to written enquiries, creating and using standard responses to
frequently asked questions. Liaise with departments as required to assist with
originating and completing answers to new queries
Produce a weekly information sheet for all staff and attend weekly logistics meeting
Taking in person and telephone bookings for Public Programmes Talks and Events
Liaise with the programming team and to facilitate smooth and enjoyable visits for
groups
Effectively handle visitor complaints, including receiving and recording visitor
feedback
Research and develop information resources and ensure they are regularly updated
and maintained
Keep up to date with daily events in the galleries as well as external exhibitions and
general tourist information
Carry out any other duties as may be directed from time to time by the Head of
Visitor Relations
Team Additional Duties/Projects
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Assist in answering initial venue hire enquiries and general support for events when
necessary
Regular social media postings to assist Communications
Mailing list card administration
Visitor questionnaire inputting to agency website
Checking and updating websites to assist Communications
Proof reading and research for Programming
Assisting Public Programmes -Talks and Events with AV for screenings and events
Assist in the operation of Public Programme activities and private events including
Gallery tours and talks
Processing email bookings for self-led group visits and workshops
Sorting and scanning Touchstone cards for Education
Promote the Gallery’s membership scheme and process new members sign-up for
Development
To assist visitors in the Bookshop and Print Sales when covering staff breaks
Regular checking First Aid stocks and ordering necessary supplies
Person Specification -Essential
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Previous experience working in a customer experience role within a cultural sector
Ability to deal calmly and confidently with the public, including anticipating visitors’
needs and dealing with difficult situations
Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to adapt style to differing visitor needs and
explain complex points effectively to visitors and staff on the telephone and in person
Experience of public speaking and a confident manner
Enjoys working in a team and able to demonstrate the ability to work effectively as
part of a team
Proactive, positive and flexible approach
Clear and concise written communication skills
Meticulous attention to detail
High level of computer literacy with Microsoft applications. Also knowledge of
booking and database systems
Passion for photography and demonstrable knowledge of the visual arts. An interest
in London cultural and tourist activities
Good understanding of the principles of equality and diversity in relation to visitors’
needs
An interest in and commitment to the work of The Photographers’ Gallery
Desirable Experience
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Previous experience of working with private events within the arts
College or university qualification within visual arts
Experience of working with people from a broad range of other cultures
Knowledge or awareness of time based media and new technologies
Secondary European language
The Photographers’ Gallery strives to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes
applications from all sections of the community. Charity no. 262548.
To apply please download an application form from our website and email
completed forms to vacancies@tpg.org.uk with the tile of the role in the subject
line.
Deadline for applications: 10 May 2015 midnight
Interviews to be held: w/c 18 May 2015
Note: It is unusual for the Gallery to appoint someone at the top of the pay banding. If you
are not invited for interview your application has not been successful. The Gallery is an
equal opportunities employer.
Applications from disabled persons are welcome. Selection criteria and procedures will be
kept under review to ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and treated on the
basis of their relevant merits and abilities. The Photographers’ Gallery strives to be an
equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the
community. Charity no 262548.