Museum & Gallery Front of House Assistant

Front of House Assistant
(Permanent Role)

We are seeking an energetic and highly motivated individual with excellent interpersonal skills to join the team at Gainsborough’s House, the leading public art gallery in Suffolk. As one of the major cultural venues in East Anglia, Gainsborough’s House presents a programme of outstanding exhibitions and events. The ideal candidate will play a key role in creating a welcoming atmosphere for our visitors and ensuring exceptional customer care.

The Front of House Assistant will be part of a dynamic commercial team dedicated to delivering an outstanding visitor experience. Serving as the first point of contact, the Assistant will share essential information and guide visitors with orientation. The successful candidate will have excellent people and communication skills and will be confident in ICT and payment systems. You will be someone who can work under your own initiative and as part of a small team. A flexible, positive and pleasant approach is essential. An interest in art and culture is expected.

The vacancy is part of a three-week rota, with a rotational shift pattern of:

Week One: 9.30 – 5.30 Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Week Two: 9.30 – 5.30 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Week Three: 9.30 – 5.30 Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday

Applicants must be able to work this pattern of hours.

Job Purpose

In this key customer-facing role, excellent communication skills are essential. As the first point of contact for visitors, you will provide a warm and welcoming greeting. You will be approachable and ready to assist, answering questions, helping guests navigate the museum, and providing the information they need to ensure an enjoyable and memorable visit. You must excel at engaging with people and be friendly, professional and enjoy working directly with the public.

Main Duties and Activities

• Providing a warm, friendly and confident welcome to every visitor when they arrive and helping to plan their visit
• Developing an understanding about Gainsborough’s House, Thomas Gainsborough and the collection displays as well as temporary exhibitions
• Issuing tickets and processing Gift Aid using the EPOS till and obtaining a detailed knowledge of the till system including cashing up procedures
• Being aware of the needs of visitors as they navigate the museum and offering accessibility facilities when needed
• Acting as a Front of House Duty Manager when required, making decisions and taking responsibility for day-to-day operations
• Developing a detailed knowledge of membership packages and processing new members
• Actively promoting Exhibition catalogues and related retail offers
• Confidently using the phone and responding to enquiries
• Developing a detailed knowledge of site facilities and services
• Delivering exceptional customer service by anticipating and addressing visitor needs
• Welcoming groups and schools, assisting with their requirements
• Booking courses, events/performances and helping with these events
• Assisting in Group Visits enquiries by processing bookings
• Following security procedures to help protect the interiors and collection
• Undertaking additional responsibilities such as Fire Marshal and First Aid
• Being part of a team to confidently lock and secure the house and galleries
• Offering support to retail staff and volunteers

Person Specification for Front of House Assistant at Gainsborough’s House

Skills & Experience

• Service and public-facing role experience
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Confidence in using till & digital systems
• Experience of working effectively as part of a team
• Integrity, diplomacy and professional skills

Knowledge & Qualifications

• GCSE grade A-D (Level 3 and above) in English, Maths and ICT

Personal Attributes

• An enthusiasm for the Heritage sector
• Reliable and positive attitude
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Adaptable and flexible
• Ability to work under pressure
• Interest in art, galleries and museums
• Willingness to work regular weekends, and some evenings and Bank Holidays

Please attach your CV with a covering letter to tell us why you would like the role and what skills you can bring to the team. You do not need to fill out an application form for this role.

Applicants should send their application to:

Liz Cooper
Gainsborough’s House
46 Gainsborough Street,
Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2EU

or via email: mail@gainsborough.org
DEADLINE: Return your applications by noon on Thursday 23 January 2025

About Gainsborough’s House

Gainsborough’s House is the National Centre for Thomas Gainsborough RA (1727–88). Its mission is to promote the wider knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of the art of Thomas Gainsborough. Gainsborough’s House reopened in 2022, featuring newly developed exhibition galleries.

Equal Opportunities

Gainsborough’s House is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all staff and welcomes applications from all individuals for advertised jobs that match their skills and interests.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £11.78 per hour
Expected hours: 22.5 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Sudbury: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Have you sent a covering letter to tell us why you would like the role and what skills you can bring to the team?

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 23/01/2025