Department: Public Engagement & Research

Reports to: Head of Learning

Pay Grade: Grade 5 – £35,800 pro-rata, per annum

Location: North East Regional Office - Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5QH

Type of Contract: Fixed-Term, 22 Month Contract. Part-Time, 24 Hours Per Week.

JOB PURPOSE

This is a new fixed term role which will lead on the development of learning products, equipment and resources as part of our schools and family engagement programme Timesliders. Timesliders is an ambitious new concept for the Trust and this role will review and refresh our current products, as well as develop new creative, fun and exciting resources for the programme, with the aim to roll it out at other Trust properties in the future.

Based within the national Learning team, this role will work closely with the Timesliders Learning Coordinator, property teams, marketing and communications, designers, and external creatives, freelancers and contractors. This post will also work closely with Operations Managers and Visitor Services Managers at the properties to ensure staff are trained and supported in using creative learning resources to deliver the programme to schools and families.

CONTEXT

At the National Trust for Scotland, we recognise the importance of learning programmes to engage visitors with the places we care for and the stories they tell. In 2021, the Trust introduced a new Formal Learning Strategy, which aims to roll out consistent, high quality schools programmes across Scotland. A key part of this strategy is the development of Timesliders. This innovative story-based programme involves digital resources, outreach resources, on-site workshops and new ways of engaging with schools and families.

Following a pilot in Glasgow during 2022-23, Timesliders has been delivered at Drum Castle and Estate since 2025. This post will be involved in continued support of the programme at Drum, whilst also developing new products to support delivery of the programme at two other properties in the North East region. Longer term, the ambition is that Timesliders would roll out nationally.

This role will build on our current suite of online and outreach resources which pupils use to introduce them to the characters and storylines within Timesliders. These resources include a short film, audio stories, and topic box, details of which can be found here: Timesliders resources | National Trust for Scotland.

The role will also work closely with the Learning Coordinator to further develop the resources required for in-person sessions delivered at Trust properties. At Drum, this currently includes learning resources such as films, audio and puzzles, delivered through hardware including bluetooth speakers and digital screens activated via tablets and RFID tags, and props such as specially commissioned wooden puzzle cog boxes. New resources will need to be developed for sessions being delivered at other properties within the North East.

This role would commission and procure the creative elements and content, and the physical hardware and props, for in-person Timesliders sessions. Sourcing new suppliers and standardising procurement methods is a key part of ensuring the programme can roll out to other properties in the future. Alongside this, the role will provide training and support for staff at properties to effectively use the resources and equipment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Lead the development of creative products that support the delivery of Timesliders at properties across the North East.

2. Review and evaluate the creative products and equipment, in line with audience and stakeholder feedback.

3. Develop sustainable plans for creative products and equipment to ensure the longer-term delivery of Timesliders.

4. Oversee production of creative resources (e.g. puzzles, activity packs, etc), working with external contractors/agencies, as well as internal stakeholders

5. Coordinate the development of new Audio Stories, working with property teams, national teams, writer(s), studio, actors and Learning Coordinator

6. Direct the procurement of resources, props and activities – ensuring there is a standard approach across properties.

7. Create simple audio and video to support the delivery of activities (e.g. filming welcome clips for pupils)

8. Collaborate with the Trust’s marketing teams to ensure creative products are in line with Trust guidelines and branding.

9. Consult with property colleagues to assess the required props and resources, and act as main contact for reporting when they are damaged, need updated, etc.

10. Assist property colleagues in learning how to use new props, equipment and resources, through training, support and guidance.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications

Essential

Desirable

Current driving licence valid for driving in the UK.

Experience

Essential

Experience of managing the production of creative learning products, including audio, video or digital.
Ability to manage and develop multiple projects at the same time, utilising strong planning and organisational skills, working with different stakeholders
Excellent organisational, administrative and time-management skills with the ability to prioritise and re-prioritise workload to meet changing demands
Experience of working with schools/children/young people assessing their needs and designing creative products that meet these needs
Experience of sourcing and managing external contractors and products
Working knowledge of best practice when working with designers, illustrators, writers, and/or actors to produce creative resources
Excellent attention to detail, with the creative flair and drive to put imaginative ideas into practice
Ability to work within a team and independently with minimal supervision to a high standard

Desirable

Prior knowledge of working with historic buildings and collections
Experience of creating creative products for, or with, primary-aged children, with a focus on fun and engagement
Experience of supporting staff to learn about new products and equipment through offering support, training and guidance notes
The Trust requires the post holder to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

Scale

This role will require regular travel across the North East region.

People Management

This role has no direct management responsibilities.
The role will work closely with the Learning Coordinator, Operations Managers, Visitor Services Managers and other VS staff, national Learning team, external contractors, and volunteers.
Post holder will be in regular contact with a wide range of internal stakeholders and external contractors
This will role will support and play important role influencing and supporting the regional project steering group.

Finance Management

This role is not a budget holder, but will commission around £40k of new creative learning content

Tools / equipment / systems

Microsoft Office systems including OneDrive, Teams, Excel, SharePoint.
User of finance system to process purchase orders and invoices

Example key performance indicators and targets

Contributes to project KPIs
Track and present progress updates

The Purpose, Context, Key Responsibilities, and Person Specification reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.

How To Apply

Interested applicants should click the apply button to show their interest.

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