Stem outreach communicator

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Overview

The role will be working on the Reaching Wider Project within the Directorate of Marketing, Recruitment and Communications at Bangor University. Applications are invited for the above posts to deliver a series of STEM workshops in schools and communities across North and Mid Wales.

The positions will work with Reaching Wider partners to deliver fun and informative activities and workshops for Reaching Wider priority learners. Ideal candidates will have an interest in promoting STEM subjects and routes into to higher education. A background in STEM subjects or education would be advantageous to this role.

The Project

Reaching Wider aims to facilitate the entrance of people from underrepresented backgrounds into Higher Education. The partnership is led by Bangor University and is funding by Medr, the commission for Tertiary Education and Research.

Reaching Wider North and Mid Wales regional partners are Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Wrexham University, Coleg Cambria, Coleg Ceredigion, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, Grwp Llandrillo Menai and NPTC Grwp.

Purpose of the Job

• Plan, prepare and deliver a series of progressive STEM workshops, which will raise aspirations and educational awareness, skills, and attainment among Reaching Wider target cohorts without a level - 4 qualification within the Reaching Wider Project’s target geographical areas.

• Support Reaching Widers Project Manager to identify, build and develop productive and meaningful partnerships across the region working closely with Schools, Businesses, colleges, Higher Education Institutions and the third sector organisations.

• Promote, book and deliver STEM activities with Reaching Wider priority cohorts.

• Advise and mentor individuals and groups about Higher educational opportunities and progression pathways for Reaching Wider target cohorts to enter Higher Education.

• Collect relevant data and feedback to enable the programme to be tracked and monitored.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate effective delivery of the Reaching Wider STEM workshops in the designated area(s).

• Develop and sustain communications with partners in the area(s) and delivering the project in partnership with them.

• Work collaboratively with Reaching Wider’s Institutional and non-institutional partners with activities complimenting delivery.

• Plan, prepare and deliver innovative STEM activities with specific reference to the development of pathways to Higher Education for Reaching Wider target cohorts.

• Support the Project Manager to coordinate the booking and delivery of activities in the schools and communities.

• Monitor resources and safe storage of STEM equipment and materials including managing the use and return of equipment by student ambassadors and staff, quality control and stock-checking duties.

• Ensure effective and timely administration of each activity including appropriate risk assessments, planning documents and budget recording in accordance with BU’s policies.

• Facilitate workshops by helping with activities, explaining or expressing interest in scientific concepts and discussing higher education and the world of work with young people.

• Ensure that all workshops are delivered to a high standard aligned to the Reaching Wider’s national offer.

• Work with local schools and colleges to determine their specific needs in respect of tailored activities, including work experience opportunities and school-based workshops.

• Promote the use of Welsh across all activities.

• Prepare the necessary materials for each workshop and ensure correct handling of specialist equipment.

• Ensure workshops are appropriate and relevant for the learners in receipt of the activities.

• Work with the Data & Clerical officer to collect and record accurate records of delivery in line with Medr requirements.

• Raise awareness of activities & achievements on social media platforms.

• Attend and actively contribute to team meetings, updating the team on delivery.

• Represent the organisation at meetings with external partners, building positive relationships and creating opportunities for collaborative working.

• Coordinate, support and mentor students in the development and delivery of student-lead STEM workshops.

• Support the Clerical officer with the administration of student payments.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Carry out any other duties that the Partnership Manager considers to be required.

• The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.

• The post holder will be expected to comply with the University equal opportunities policies, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.

• The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and well-being and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by his/her actions or inaction's.

• The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.

• The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their posts.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential

Desirable

Experience/Knowledge

Essential

Desirable

Abilities/Skills

Essential

Desirable

General

We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.

All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.

Disclosure & Barring Service

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

As Bangor University meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions. DBS checks will be updated every 3 years.