Public Engagement Officer (Summer Science)

The Public Engagement Officer will support the delivery and expansion of the Summer Science Exhibition, the Royal Society’s flagship event within the public engagement programme, on a regional scale. The primary focus will be to collaborate with science festivals, universities and other organisations to establish impactful partnerships for the flagship exhibitors. This role involves coordinating various projects, ensuring alignment with the Public Engagement Strategy, as defined by the Public Engagement Committee.

The public engagement team deliver activities including the Summer Science Exhibition, an annual and regional programme of public lectures and debates and science book prizes for adults and young people, as well as running activities and programmes to support researchers and Fellows to engage the public.

This post will have responsibility for delivering and supporting some of the following activities:

• Regional Summer Science Exhibition programme (partnerships with science festivals and local organisations to enhance the exhibition's regional presence)
• Summer Science Exhibition additional events programme
• Marketing and online communication
• Coordination of internal and external Summer Science Exhibition volunteers
• Other events or activities that may arise from time to time

The role will work across a range of projects, including physical and digital events and grant schemes, and with a variety of stakeholders and partners including researchers, science festivals, universities, cultural institutions and the public. The post holder will work as part of a team to maximise the effectiveness of the public engagement programme and will be expected to share best practice, ideas and learning.

The Public Engagement Officer will be supported by the Senior Public Engagement Officer who will provide guidance and a management overview for the exhibition.

Alongside the Summer Science Exhibition, the Public Engagement Officer will also be expected to contribute to other projects of the team and collaborate effectively with across the Society.

The post holder will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Applicants should apply by submitting a CV and cover letter (500 words maximum), outlining how you fulfil the requirements of this role.

Reports to: Senior Public Engagement Officer

Line manages: None

Pay band: C,

Salary: £36,200 per annum

Location: Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG plus the option for some hybrid remote working
Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week (including some evening and weekend working, and travel mainly within the UK)

Closing date for applications: 29 September 2024 at 23:59pm

Interviews will be held on 4, 6 & 7 November 2024.

Responsibilities

The work of the Public Engagement Officer will include:

1. Identifying and establishing partnerships with regional organisations and festivals to bring the Summer Science Exhibition to a regional audience.
2. Working with the Senior Public Engagement Officer to design and deliver the additional events programme for the Summer Science Exhibition.
3. Taking responsibility for delivery of the regional programme for the Summer Science Exhibition, which may involve overseeing all aspects of event & project management, from conception to completion, including promotion and marketing.
4. Ensuring positive stewardship of all key stakeholders internal and external, ensuring that communication processes best meet their needs and providing clear and regular communications.
5. Managing project budgets within their remit, ensuring they are kept within the agreed limit and that expenditure is documented clearly, and feeding information into the team budget processes.
6. Developing and implementing communications, marketing and stewardship strategies that meet the needs of their audiences and maximise the effectiveness of their associated projects.
7. Writing a variety of materials for use in digital marketing, printed advertising and internal documentation and reporting.
8. Drafting a range of written materials for speakers and for internal reporting.
9. Using appropriate evaluation methods to produce accurate, clear reports for key stakeholders.
10. Liaising with a variety of service providers, internal and external, e.g. digital marketing, design services, event venues and freelancers.
11. Administering some selection processes, including procurement activities and call for proposals for specific events or activities.
12. Sharing experience and ideas with others in the section and the Society and contributing broadly to the Royal Society’s mission and priorities.
13. Planning and developing additional projects, as agreed with the Senior Public Engagement Officer.