Contract type: Fixed term until June 2027, with the possibility of extension.
Hours: 37.5 per week. Occasional weekend and evening work will be required.
Salary: £27,754.08
Closing Date: 30th September 2025
Recruitment process: To be considered for this role, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your reasons for applying to Rebecca Short by emailing
Outline of Role
The Devil's Porridge Museum is seeking a motivated individual to take the lead on the delivery of our goal to 'put young people at the heart of the museum'. The Museum prides itself on its commitment to its community and we are looking for someone who can make our organisation a community hub with quality activities on offer for all age groups. A focus on youth work is essential as we are looking to continue our work with young people as volunteers, on projects and in clubs and activity sessions. Enthusiasm, determination, and energy are needed to make the most of this exciting role. Experience of working with young people is essential either in extracurricular provision, organised activities or within an educational or museum establishment.
You'll work closely with schools to deliver sessions at the Museum and work on projects and initiatives involving local and military history. An ability to develop learning resources inspired by our collections and themes is essential. You'll oversee our school holiday activities programme and work with external providers and Youth Workers to achieve our goals. You will have the opportunity to mentor young people through qualifications such as SVQs, the Duke of Edinburgh and Saltire Awards. You will lead on climate change issues.
Active in recruiting volunteers, you'll have the skills and creativity to develop original project ideas to work with them on and the drive and motivation to see them through to completion. We're always looking for new ways to engage with different audiences and build, grow and diversify relationships with local community groups and partners. You will have the chance to see ideas through from concept to completion.
To find out more about the responsibilities of our Youth and Community Engagement Officer and how to apply please head to our website:
Personal Specification - Essential
* Ability to generate resources and deliver formal sessions for schools in line with curriculums.
* Excellent understanding of good practice in community engagement and involvement, as well as broader participation and partnership working.
* Experience of and enthusiasm for working with young people and members of our local community.
* Ability to use data and insight to decide when and how to engage different audiences.
* Excellent communication and team-working skills.
* Self-direction: ability to take the lead on projects and manage them through to completion, managing timescales, working with volunteers and external agencies, and monitoring budgets.
* Experience in working to multiple deadlines and managing own workload.
* Outstanding organisation and planning skills, and a good eye for detail.
* Strong IT skills - Microsoft Office, as well as web and social media applications.
* Good knowledge of Climate Change issues with good carbon literacy
* Membership of PVG disclosure scheme or willingness to join.
Person Specification - Desirable
* Experience of working in a heritage organisation in a similar role.
* Teaching or Youth Work Qualification.
* Experience of supervising volunteers.
* Interest in the history of HM Factory Gretna and the local area.
* Driving Licence
About The Devil's Porridge Museum
The Devil's Porridge Museum commemorates HM Factory Gretna, the world's largest munitions factory during World War I, where 30,000 workers, including 12,000 women, produced cordite, known as "the devil's porridge." Their efforts not only contributed significantly to the war effort but also played a pivotal role in advancing women's rights, including the achievement of women's suffrage. Established nearly 25 years ago, the museum is a volunteer-led organization with a dedicated team committed to serving the local community. In 2018, it achieved Accreditation and now houses over 4,000 objects related to World War I and the Solway Military Coast. The museum has been recognized as one of Dumfries and Galloway's top tourist attractions and was awarded the prestigious Thistle Award in 2018 for being "The Best Heritage Attraction in the West of Scotland."
In recent years, the museum has continued to gain recognition for its excellence and community engagement. In 2023, it won the South of Scotland Thistle Award for Celebrating Thriving Communities and was shortlisted for Best Visitor Attraction. It has also received Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice award in 2024 and 2025, highlighting consistent visitor satisfaction. In 2025, the museum was shortlisted for the Inclusion Award at the South of Scotland Thistle Awards, underscoring its commitment to accessible and diverse tourism experiences. Placing young people at its heart, the museum offers programs such as the Youth Empowerment Programme to engage and inspire the next generation. With a small team of dedicated staff and volunteers, The Devil's Porridge Museum remains a vital part of the community, sharing the rich history of HM Factory Gretna and its lasting impact.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Pay: £27,754.08 per year
Work Location: In person