Closing date for applications: 5pm Sunday 22 February 2026
HOURS: 15 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends
CONTRACT TYPE: 2.5 year fixed-term contract
SALARY GRADE: SCP 6 £25,989 per annum (£10,536 pro rata)
Penzance Council has an exciting opportunity for a part-time Audience Engagement Assistant to join our team at Penlee House Gallery & Museum.
About the role:
Penlee House is part of the Going Places ‘Long Distance Connections’ partnership. Working with Museums Worcestershire and OnFife, two touring exhibitions will be produced utilising works from the collections of these three organisations. The first exhibition will focus on women artists and will be displayed at Penlee House from May– September 2026. The second exhibition will focus on childhood and will be displayed at Penlee House from May-September 2028.
As the Audience Engagement Assistant, you will work with the Learning Officer to support delivery of the educational aspects of the Going Places project, including assisting with preparation and delivery of learning sessions for under 5s, early years groups and families. You will also undertake a range of tasks including liaising with other staff and volunteers, monitoring and maintaining resources and helping with research into the use of play in museums.
Your responsibilities within the role will include maintaining and adhering to Penlee Houses’ education policies and procedures, adhering to all relevant safeguarding, health and safety and equal opportunities legislation and policies.
It is expected that this role will be carried out over two 7.5 hour working days, however the working structure can be negotiated if required to support the needs of the successful candidate. Working hours will include some evenings and weekends to support specific events.
Going Places, an Art Fund programme made possible with generous support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Julia Rausing Trust.
What we are looking for:
The successful candidate will have proven experience of working with under 5s, their families, and Early Years settings and with the general public of all ages and abilities.
You will have confidence delivering learning programmes and creating inclusive, welcoming experiences which support learning through play and creativity.
You will be a strong communicator, able to adapt your approach to different audiences, and be confident delivering workshops, talks, and activities in public spaces. You will be well organised, able to manage multiple strands of work at once.
An interest in, or experience of, museum and gallery learning is desirable, including approaches such as object handling and creative, craft-based activities. Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, experience of developing learning resources would be an advantage.
Competence in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook is essential, with additional digital or creative skills such as PowerPoint, Canva, video, audio, art, or creative writing welcomed.
The postholder will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check prior to starting the role.
About Penlee House & Penzance Council:
Penlee House is a much-loved gallery and museum in Penzance, owned and operated by Penzance Council. Originally built in 1865, Penlee House today is a first-class attraction in the heart of Penzance.
It specialises in exhibits focused on the area’s unique cultural heritage, with a particular focus on the artistic works of the Newlyn School and Lamorna Colony. It also provides a range of family activities, volunteering opportunities, and workshops for adults and children.
Penzance Council operates at the most local level of government with twenty Councillors elected for a term of four years. As well as Penzance, the Council also represents the distinct communities of Newlyn, Mousehole, Paul, Heamoor, Eastern Green and Gulval.
We provide a range of services to the local community and the large number of tourists who visit the town every year. Our mission is to make the community (of Penzance Council) a better place to live, work and grow.
What we can offer:
We offer access to the Local Government pension scheme, a generous holiday entitlement, a comprehensive training framework, and free parking.
Who can apply?
Penzance Council is an Equal Opportunities employer and will not discriminate against any applicant on grounds of disability, race, religion or belief, gender, age or sexual orientation.
How to apply:
An application form and information pack can be downloaded here:
Application Form (odt)
Monitoring Form (odt)
Job Description (PDF)
Application Form (PDF)
Monitoring Form (PDF)
Person Specification (PDF)
or by contacting: Penzance Council, Penlee Centre, Penlee Park, Penzance TR18 4HE
Tel: 01736 363405 | Email: [email protected]
Please return completed Application Form and Monitoring Form to [email protected] or to the address above.
Closing date for applications: 5pm Sunday 22 February 2026
Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 11 March 2026
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Verity Anthony (Director) or Zoe Burkett (Learning Officer) – Tel: 01736 363625 | Email: [email protected]
