Job Description
SCIENCE GALLERY LONDON
GALLERY MEDIATOR JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION
WHAT IS SCIENCE GALLERY LONDON?
Science Gallery London is King’s College London flagship public space. It is a gallery unlike any other in the capital, or the country. Located on Guy’s Campus at London Bridge, it has a mission to grow new ideas across art, science and health, through a programme of exhibitions, displays, gatherings and workshops – each developed through conversation and collaboration between artists, King’s researchers and 18–25 year olds in Lambeth and Southwark.
The specific invitation to people aged 18–25-year-old to connect with and shape work at Science Gallery London is grounded in our hope to be a useful and inspiring resource for people at a crucial period in their life; a time that is focused on cultivating aspirations for the future and identifying ways to develop professionally and personally. The Mediator role is part of a wider hub of activity, resources, funding and networks for young people in Southwark and Lambeth
Through Science Gallery London, King’s seeks to shape and share its research through collaboration with a breadth of perspectives and life experiences, enhance the student experience, support the increase of science and cultural capital and forge innovative collaboration with London, its communities, visitors, companies and other organisations.
Science Gallery is part of the Science Gallery Network, an international collaboration of leading universities dedicated to public engagement through interdisciplinary art-science initiatives. The Science Gallery Network currently has locations in London, Melbourne, Bengaluru, Berlin, Rotterdam, Atlanta and Monterrey.
WHAT IS A MEDIATOR?
Our mediators are the public face of the gallery. They aren’t just silent guardians of the artwork, but an integral part of the experience, engaging visitors with the exhibition. They bring loads of enthusiasm and enjoy opening up conversations with our visitors about the ways the arts, sciences, technology, society and health connect. Mediators love people and getting into meaty conversations that ask big questions about society. Mediators can come from a range of backgrounds and interests, but they all have one thing in common – they are curious about the world and are energised by connecting with big ideas and people from all walks of life.
WHAT DO MEDIATORS DO?
Mediators are communicators, explainers, listeners and helpers. They must be prepared to develop an in-depth understanding of both the science and the art within our exhibitions, and are keen to explore interesting and provoking ideas with our visitors. They are excellent communicators and understand the importance of listening to the views and opinions of others.
WHAT HAVE PREVIOUS MEDIATORS SAID?
Mohyuddin: “Being a Mediator is unlike any other job I’ve had. Each conversation you have in the Gallery with visitors is unique and you really get to talk with and meet some interesting people - this is one of the many reasons why I enjoy the role.”
Afra: Science Gallery has really been a vital part of my degree as I met my master’s supervisor while on shift! From just one conversation, we formed a great relationship and he agreed to supervise my master's project. The great experience from my master's motivated me further to apply for a PhD. I wouldn’t be where I am if I hadn’t worked at the gallery!
Adam: The most memorable interaction I had was during Hooked. A visitor spoke with me for almost an hour about his struggle with substance abuse and addiction, and how the experience has given him a greater appreciation for the little things in life, like taking a stroll on a beautiful day. It was incredibly humbling to hear. He was so grateful that our exhibition was raising awareness and changing perceptions around concepts such as harm reduction.
Job Description
Job Title: Mediator
Pay: £13.95 p/h via Talent Bank
Reporting to: Front of House Duty Manager, and Head of Production & Operations
Location: Science Gallery London, Guy’s Campus, SE1 9GU
Gallery mediators will be expected to:
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Lead visitor engagement and encourage visitors to interact with displays and activities in Science Gallery London exhibitions
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Proactively initiate and facilitate conversations with visitors about exhibitions and artworks in the Gallery and the ideas and issues being explored within the works themselves, at events held at the Gallery, and the season as a whole
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Show their curiosity and enthusiasm for the arts, design, science, technology and health
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Observe the standards of service, presentation, and procedures as set out in the Mediator Employment Expectations document and Mediator Handbook
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Represent Science Gallery positively, providing a friendly, accessible and welcoming point of contact for all our visitors- including answering questions, providing directions, and assisting Front of House activity
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Be fully familiar with current information around the SGL Programme and detail of presentations to provide visitors with relevant insights and opportunities to engage
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Be punctual on the Gallery floor and ready to mediate at your start time, appropriately dressed/presented and wearing your Science Gallery t-shirt
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Carry out demonstrations for interactive works taking place as part of the current exhibition or for season related events, as necessary
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Assist with the staging and delivery of public events under the direction of the Programming team, providing information and Front of House support
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Assist in the successful operation of exhibits as required, feeding back on audience experience and any maintenance issues if they occur
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Deliver guided tours of our exhibitions for visiting groups
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Contribute to season evaluation by providing insightful reflections on exhibitions, public events and through visitor surveys
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Comply with Science Gallery London’s Health and Safety procedures and, following training, be able to undertake required duties as part of the Science Gallery procedures
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Bring to the attention of the Front of House Manager any issues relating to the Health and Safety of either employees or visitors
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Stay up-to-date with information communicated by the team and correspond via email to requirements in a timely way
Qualifications--
SkillsPerson Specification
We are looking for people with the following qualities:
Essential
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An adaptable, flexible, and confident personality
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An enthusiasm for meeting/talking to and listening/learning from a wide range of people
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Self-starting, while being able to work effectively in a team setting
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A commitment to delivering a consistently excellent visitor experience
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Excellent general communication skills, as well as excellent spoken English
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Superb listening skills
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A proven curiosity and enthusiasm for the arts, design, science, technology and health
Desirable
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For students, interests in subject areas beyond their degree discipline is welcome. Varied and wonderful combinations of interests and subject specialities are particularly desirable
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Experience of working in a customer service environment
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Some knowledge and understanding of King’s College London, its teaching and research
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Science Gallery London is committed to local engagement and connecting directly with the communities of Southwark and Lambeth, so some knowledge of and connection to our local communities is desirable
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Ability to converse with visitors in other languages as well as English
Equal opportunities
King’s College London recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its academic and economic strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the university’s commitment to equality and diversity.
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To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community
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To ensure that all university members and prospective members are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction
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To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation
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To foster good relations between individuals from different groups and tackle prejudice and promote understanding
King’s has been a member of the Athena SWAN Charter since 2007 and gained its Bronze institutional award in 2008. Our award was successfully renewed in September 2013 for a further three years. The Athena SWAN agenda forms part of a wider suite of diversity and inclusion work streams. Working with the Charter is helping King’s to identify best practice for the working environment of all staff working in science disciplines.
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