STEM Outreach Communicator

Applications are invited for the above part time post (14.5 hours per week) working on the Reaching Wider Project within the Directorate of Marketing, Recruitment and Communications at Bangor University.

The purpose of the post is to support the delivery of STEM workshops in schools for Reaching Wider: North and Mid Wales Partnership.

The position will assist our Reaching Wider Project support officer in delivering fun and informative activities and experiments for young people in Reaching Wider Priority primary and secondary schools across the region.

Educated to A Level or equivalent, the successful applicant will have experience of working in STEM education, developing and delivering presentations and workshops with demonstrable learning outcomes.

The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as reasonably possible and the post is available until 31st August 2025.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is essential for this post.

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

This role will be located on campus at Bangor or Wrexham. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.

Closing date for applications: 13 May 2024

Committed To Equal Opportunities

Overview

The successful candidate will have an interest in communicating STEM subjects and their experience of higher education to young people. A background in science, engineering, technology, or education would be advantageous but not essential.

Duties will include promoting, organising, delivering a series of progressive STEM workshops, which will broaden aspirations and Higher Education awareness, skills, and attainment among Reaching Wider target cohorts without a level 4 qualification in the Reaching Wider Project's target areas.

The successful candidate will raise the profile of the Reaching Wider programme, engaging with schools, businesses and Reaching Wider's partners.

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 the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.

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

• 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 the Reaching Wider support officer to identify, build and develop productive and meaningful partnerships across the region working closely with Schools, Businesses, FE colleges, Higher Education Institutions and the third sector organisations.
• Promote and book 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.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate effective delivery of the Reaching Wider STEM workshops in the designated area(s).
• Support the project support officer to 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.
• Deliver innovative STEM activities with specific reference to the development of pathways to Higher Education for Reaching Wider target cohorts.
• Assist the Project support officer to coordinate the booking and delivery of activities in the schools and communities.
• Assist the Project Support officer with the allocation and 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 HECFW requirements.
• Raise awareness of activities & achievements on social media platforms.

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.
• Ensure safeguarding, pastoral care and welfare of all participants on the programmes by ensuring that safeguarding, vulnerable adult and health and safety procedures are adhered to at all times and that all delivery staff on these programmes are appropriately trained and vetted.
• 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.