STEM Outreach Communicator

Job Number

BU03532

School/Department

Reaching Wider

Grade

5

Contract Duration

until 31/08/2025

Responsible to

Partnership Manager

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.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential 

2 AS Levels or 1 A Level or NVQ level 3 in a relevant subject area.

Desirable

NVQ level 4 in a relevant subject area.

Experience/Knowledge

Essential 

Experience of working in STEM education and working with Reaching Wider target cohorts. Experience of developing and delivering presentations and workshops with demonstrable learning outcomes. Experience of organising and coordinating outreach events for Reaching Wider target cohorts. Experience of, and confidence in, liaising and networking within the education field.

Desirable

Experience of working with children. Experience of delivering training online training sessions via Teams, Zoom and other online platforms. Experience of performing scientific experiments.

Abilities/Skills

Essential

The ability to speak and write Welsh fluently in a wide variety of situations is essential for this post. Excellent communication skills with peers, children, teachers, parents and guardians. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel etc). Ability to manage workload, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently and as part of a team using own initiative to. Excellent organisational skills and ability to handle a varied and demanding workload.

Desirable

Working knowledge and understanding of current developments within the Welsh Education System.

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 a satisfactory 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. 

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