At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with schools and colleges to support diverse student groups through innovative outreach activities.
- Company: ARU is a global university known for its inclusive education and impactful research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, training opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a dynamic and creative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience working with diverse groups are essential.
- Other info: Remote work options available; travel to schools and occasional evening work required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
About ARU: ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). ARU's research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK's Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading. We are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England, and we are also among the UK's leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the UK.
About the role: We have a fantastic opportunity for an Outreach Officer to join the Schools and Colleges Engagement team within the Corporate Marketing Directorate. This role will support the delivery of our Access and Participation Plan and Education Action Plan, with a targeted focus on students who are care leavers or have care experience. Your primary responsibility will be to work alongside the team to develop a range of face-to-face, and virtual, activities that engage core target groups of primary, secondary and Further Education students both on and off campus. This includes but is not limited to, students from Gypsy / Roma / Traveller Communities, care leaver/experienced students, students with SEND and students from Military Families. Most activity programmes will be progressive, and all will focus on raising attainment.
To be successful in this role you will need to be educated to degree level and have experience of, and be passionate about, working with diverse groups of people from primary age students to mature students, as well as their parents/carers and teachers/advisors. You will be well-informed about progression routes to higher education and interested in supporting young people and mature learners take their next steps from school or college with confidence. You will need to be an innovative, creative thinker who is enthusiastic, proactive, patient and highly organised. You will need to demonstrate excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and you must be able to engage and enthuse those around you. It is important that you can develop and maintain relationships with a wide range of colleagues, partners, and external stakeholders. Confidence with organising and presenting group activities is essential.
The successful applicant will be based at either the Chelmsford, Cambridge, or Peterborough campus with the option of remote working. Regular travel to schools and colleges, occasional travel between campuses, and occasional work outside of normal office hours is expected. It is expected that face-to-face interviews will take place on Thursday 12th December (Campus tbc).
We have an agile working culture and offer an extensive range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, occupational pension schemes, training and development opportunities, travel to work scheme and a competitive relocation package. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates. We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.
Guidance Notes: For a list of key requirements, please download the Job Description and Person Specification above. To apply for this role please demonstrate how your skills and experience match the criteria in the person specification.
Schools and Colleges Engagement Officer - Outreach employer: ARU
Contact Detail:
ARU Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Schools and Colleges Engagement Officer - Outreach
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with ARU's Access and Participation Plan. Understanding their goals and initiatives will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions, showing that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of ARU, especially those in outreach roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your experience working with diverse groups, particularly those mentioned in the job description. Being able to share specific stories will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in education and outreach, especially regarding care leavers and SEND students. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also show your commitment to making a difference in these communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Schools and Colleges Engagement Officer - Outreach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Schools and Colleges Engagement Officer.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with diverse groups, particularly in educational settings. Mention specific examples that demonstrate your ability to engage with students from various backgrounds.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with different audiences. This could include presentations, workshops, or community engagement activities.
Demonstrate Passion for Education: Convey your enthusiasm for supporting students in their educational journeys. Share any personal motivations or experiences that have driven your interest in working within schools and colleges, especially with underrepresented groups.
How to prepare for a job interview at ARU
✨Research ARU's Values and Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand ARU's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially regarding the target groups you'll be working with. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare Examples of Engagement Activities
Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged diverse groups, particularly in educational settings. Be ready to discuss how you planned and executed these activities, as well as the outcomes. This will showcase your creativity and organisational skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the role requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills, prepare to demonstrate these during the interview. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and consider how you can engage the interviewers in a conversation about your experiences and ideas.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team's current projects, challenges they face in engaging target groups, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and your proactive approach to understanding the organisation.