ORGANISATIONAL MISSION

The HKMM is an independent, not-for-profit company responsible for the collection, documentation and presentation of maritime material and marine science culture associated with Hong Kong, the South China Sea, and the Pearl River Delta. Working with the Hong Kong Government, members of the Hong Kong shipping community, academic institutions, cultural and community partners, the HKMM is an international standard maritime museum which hosts a marine science discovery centre at Pier 8. Our task is to chronicle, analyse and communicate knowledge about the oceans and their dynamic relationship with the past, present and future of Hong Kong, the mainland of China and the world. We particularly explore shipping, maritime trade, naval activity, maritime-related leisure, arts and culture, and the sustainability of the oceans. Through a unique fusion of history, art, and science, the HKMM creates crossover learning experiences for local, regional, and international audiences. Integral to our mission is to be credible, accessible, and inclusive when connecting with our stakeholders’ communities. 

The newly completed Marine Discovery Centre within HKMM, sponsored by Swire, has as its draft mission statement: ‘HKMM will be a leading platform for marine science education in Hong Kong, fostering knowledge and appreciation through the Marine Discovery Centre for a sustainable and responsible approach towards the marine & maritime environment.’

POSITION DESCRIPTION

In the new role of Head of Marine Discovery Centre, reporting initially to the museum’s Chief Executive, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading the delivery of the agreed marine science strategy through the Marine Discovery Centre, a subset of the HKMM’s strategic planning, and coordinating resources from across the museum and from the wider community in generating and delivering an exciting programme of marine science related activities on and off site for visitors, schools and the wider community.

This will build on the existing range of activities already being delivered by the museum’s education team, to be enhanced by the installation of dedicated exhibition space on the marine science topics to add to the recently-completed facilities of a 100-seat theatre/exhibition hall and 30-person laboratory/classroom which were all purpose-designed for these activities. The museum welcomed some 10,700 school student visitors last year and has ambitions to further increase this figure in the coming years. We could expect most of these students to visit our exhibition space and theatre and classroom as part of our Marine Science programmes. The Head of Marine Discovery Centre will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership in coordinating a small dedicated team and collaborate actively with other departments to achieve ambitious targets in generating and sustaining new educational, visitor and community programmes in the marine science field, while coordinating closely with third-parties (such as topic-related NGOs and donors) and other community stakeholders.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. In accordance with the Marine Science Strategy, to develop the museum premises dedicated to marine science activities as an interactive marine science learning platform to increase public awareness and appreciation of conservation and biodiversity in the marine/maritime environment.
2. To develop forward-looking programmes and manage a budget in order to establish the museum as a primary learning hub and resource centre in promoting public understanding of the ocean environment.
3. To research, design, and develop content, online and offline, and teaching materials for various education programmes, which are, if appropriate, relevant to the school curriculum, including exhibitions, lectures, talks, and workshops, etc.
4. In close collaboration with colleagues, to plan and implement various education programmes through entertaining and creative means, such as use of multimedia design and software.
5. To research and recommend suppliers and service providers, propose equipment list, and scope of works, and assist in procurement procedures like tender preparation to acquire or improve existing facilities and service standards and visitor/user experiences.
6. To apply funding from Government and NGOs to organise programmes, oversee and implement funded projects.
7. To recruit, train, build, and lead a team of volunteer assistants, researchers and educators committed to support students and other marine science related programmes online and offline.
8. To represent the museum in its engagement with the Hong Kong Marine Protection Alliance (HKMPA), while establishing and maintaining networks with schools, museums, NGOs, conservation organisations, and relevant government departments.
9. To liaise with universities, scholars, and specialists as programme partners.
10. To perform any relevant tasks as directed by the Chief Executive.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• University graduate, preferably in a marine science related field.
• Five years’ experience in public education, public research & learning, and/or programme management, with budget responsibility, preferably in a cultural or academic environment.
• A passion for the marine environment, science and conservation, with knowledge of the field in the Hong Kong environment or equivalent is essential, while an enthusiasm for museums and history is desirable
• Enthusiasm for and engagement with contemporary research and life-long learning
• Fluency in English is essential, with ability in Cantonese and/or Mandarin Chinese preferred.
• Structured approach to developing programmes and corralling resources from across an organisation for their delivery.
• Good inter-personal skills, with a proven track record in coordinating across departments and with external parties to generate collaborative results.
• Innovative approach to developing informative and entertaining ways of engaging a cross-section of the community in the museum’s marine science activities.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should include the following:

• A cover letter
• A full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications
• Any other relevant supporting documents

Completed applications should be uploaded via this page.

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