Public Engagement Officer

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits at a prestigious institution, seeking a Public Engagement Officer to drive innovative outreach initiatives. This role involves engaging diverse audiences through flagship events at renowned festivals, fostering collaboration with researchers across various disciplines. Join a dynamic team that values creativity and inclusivity, while contributing to impactful research communication. With a commitment to equality and diversity, this position offers a rewarding environment where your efforts will resonate within the community. If you are passionate about making research accessible and engaging, this could be your next great adventure!

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Defined benefits pension scheme

Staff discounts

Family-friendly initiatives

Flexible work options

Qualifications

• Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to adapt quickly to unforeseen situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of public engagement with research programmes.
• Collaborate with researchers and external partners for events.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Professionalism

Job description

Grade UE06: £33,882 to £39,105 per annum
Corporate Services Group / Edinburgh Research Office
Full time: 35 hours per week
Open Ended: Permanent

We are looking for a motivated Public Engagement Officer to lead the delivery of our ambitious public engagement with research programmes, including at the Edinburgh festivals.

The Opportunity:

The successful applicant will support our researchers engage with the public in creative and innovative ways including through our established flagship festival programmes at the Edinburgh Science Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This is a new role that will involve working with researchers from across the University working on an incredible range of research projects in science, medicine, humanities and the social sciences. It will also involve collaborating with external partners to deliver the events.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Approachable and professional.
• Able to adapt and respond quickly to unforeseen situations.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills.

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion:

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages(opens new browser tab).

On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Key dates to note:

The closing date for applications is 15th January 2025.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone.

Interviews will be held 4th February 2025.

Edinburgh Research Office:

Working in Edinburgh Research Office you will be part of a professional, supportive, and friendly team; at the heart of University research support, working in collaboration with academics and research support professionals across the institution. The breadth of our remit means you will get an overview of research support activity while you build your skills in your specialism. Gaining new knowledge and skills to help you develop in this role and progress in your career is a priority. We offer colleagues a stimulating working environment based on our values of integrity, expertise, community, and collaboration.

The Research Engagement and Impact Team: leads and coordinates impact development, policy and public engagement with research across the University, working in partnership with colleagues in Colleges, Schools and other support units including Edinburgh Innovations and Communications and Marketing. As a member of our team of 10, you will build networks across the University and with counterparts in other institutions. Working with academic colleagues you will gain insight into our amazing research and have the opportunity to maximise and demonstrate the benefits of this to the wider society and the economy.