Job Description

Overview

Are you passionate about heritage, music and people? We're seeking a dynamic, community-rooted Heritage Development Officer to lead on the delivery of

The Music, The Sound, The Legacy

National Lottery Heritage Funded Project. The Heritage Development Officer will play a crucial role in documenting and preserving the cultural heritage of Caribbean-born community leaders, DJs, and musicians who settled in Wolverhampton during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. This position is integral to capturing the profound cultural, musical, and social impact of this community on Wolverhampton and beyond.

Job Details

Title: Heritage Development Officer

Duration: 2-year fixed-term contract

Hours: 30 hours

Salary: 30,000 per annum

Reporting to: Company's Board of Trustees

Key Responsibilities

Lead the documentation process of Caribbean cultural heritage in Wolverhampton, focusing on community leaders, DJs, and musicians from the 1950s-1980s. Develop and implement strategies for capturing oral histories, with a focus on audio recording and video recording based on participant preferences. Collaborate with local Caribbean community members, particularly elders, to gather and preserve their stories and experiences. Organise and manage project events, including workshops, interviews, and community engagement activities. Liaise with music historians, artists, and cultural institutions to ensure comprehensive documentation of the reggae and sound system movements' impact. Develop and maintain strong relationships with project stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, and funding bodies. Manage project budget and resources, ensuring compliance with Lottery funding requirements. Create and implement a digital archiving system for collected materials, including audio, video, and written documentation. Develop educational resources and outreach programs to share the documented heritage with younger generations and schools. Monitor and evaluate project progress, providing regular reports to the Board of Trustees.

Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor's degree in Heritage Management, Cultural Studies, History, or a related field. Proven experience in heritage project management or community-based cultural initiatives. Strong understanding of Caribbean culture, music history, and the impact of the Windrush generation. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse community members. Proficiency in audio and video recording techniques and equipment. Experience in organising community events and workshops. Knowledge of digital archiving practices and database management. Familiarity with funding requirements and reporting procedures, particularly for Lottery-funded projects. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Key Competencies

Cultural sensitivity and awareness Project management and organisation Oral history and interviewing techniques Digital literacy and archiving skills Community engagement and outreach Budgeting and resource management Adaptability and problem-solving
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months

Pay: Up to 30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexitime
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wolverhampton WV10 9RU