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Museum education officers forge links between visitors and museums and encourage learning through formal or informal education, marketing and publicity.

Typical responsibilities of the job include:

• preparing and distributing publicity materials and displays

• writing plans and reports

• producing educational resources or study packs

• planning and delivering programmes of activities and events

• developing the museum's educational strategy

• liaising with schools, businesses, LEAs, voluntary/outreach/community groups, educational bodies and other organisations, and representing and promoting the museum

• organising school visits

• managing budgets

• generating income via fundraising activities and submitting funding bids

• analysing data and collating information and feedback

• attending conferences

• outreach work

Working with people of all ages is a key feature of the job and includes activities such as talks, presentations, workshops, demonstrations, guided tours and running courses. Some evening or weekend work may be required. Museum education officers working in large museums or galleries may be part of an education team.

Qualifications and training required

Although a degree is not technically essential, it is unusual for non-graduate applicants to be offered a position.

Relevant degree subjects include archaeology, museum studies, education studies, history of art and history.

You may also find it advantageous to have a degree that is related to the subject matter you wish to work with. If you did not study a relevant degree subject, it might be beneficial to do a postgraduate qualification; some museum staff have a postgraduate qualification in museum studies. Some employers also like applicants to have a teaching qualification (such as a PGCE). It is sometimes possible to study for a postgraduate qualification as you work.

Relevant paid or voluntary work experience is usually required by employers.

Key skills for museum education officers

• Enthusiasm

• Teamworking skills

• Organisational skills

• Communication skills

• Interpersonal skills

Typical employers of museum education officers

• Public sector organisations

• Local authorities

• Museums, which may be national, regional or local, based in universities, or independent

• Galleries

• Archaeological units

• Universities

• Private collectors

• Independent museums and galleries