At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage communities and support adults in accessing higher education through workshops and outreach activities.
- Company: Edinburgh Napier University, dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 41 days annual leave, and generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by promoting education and social inclusion.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement, strong communication skills, and a relevant degree.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 37694 £ per year.
At Edinburgh Napier University, we are committed to transforming lives through education. We are proud of our strong civic mission and our work to widen participation and improve access to further and higher education for under-represented groups. We are now seeking a Community Engagement Officer to join our UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team, supporting our widening participation activity with a particular focus on adult returners and community engagement in Midlothian.
The role
Reporting to the Senior Outreach Officer (Widening Participation), you will play a key role in helping adults overcome barriers to higher education by providing information, guidance and transition support. Working closely with community partners, education providers and colleagues across the University, you will help design and deliver workshops, outreach events and engagement activity that raise aspirations and support progression into further and higher education. This is a varied, people-focused role that will suit someone who is passionate about social inclusion, community learning and widening access to education.
What you'll be doing
- Planning, developing and delivering workshops and outreach activities in community settings, with a focus on adult returners
- Promoting education opportunities through events, materials and partnerships with community groups and agencies
- Working collaboratively with academic schools, colleges, universities and external partners to deliver widening participation activity
- Providing information, guidance and signposting to support learners into further and higher education
- Identifying and sharing practical sources of support, including funding and childcare options
- Supporting participants through the transition from pre-access study into first year of higher education
- Contributing to team initiatives and the wider work of the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team
- Ensuring all information and records are handled in line with data protection and information governance requirements
What we're looking for
You’ll bring experience of working with individuals or groups in a community or educational setting, along with strong communication and organisational skills. You’ll be confident delivering workshops, building relationships with partners, and working sensitively with people from a range of backgrounds. Essential criteria include:
- A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification
- Experience of community-based development or outreach work (paid or voluntary)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience of planning and delivering workshops or group sessions
- Knowledge of social inclusion, equality and widening participation
- Good IT skills and the ability to manage information effectively
It would be great if you also have:
- Experience of working in widening participation within HE or FE
- Knowledge of further and higher education pathways and community learning
- Experience of funding application processes
- A full driving licence and access to transport
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends
Benefits we offer
Salary: £31,236 - £37,694 per annum (Grade 4) plus excellent benefits. We offer a great working environment where we support ambition, recognise achievement, and offer an attractive benefits package. This includes hybrid working and flexible working opportunities, a minimum of 41 days annual leave (including 10 fixed holidays), a generous pension scheme (employer contribution of 17.6%), nationally agreed pay increases each year, various learning and development opportunities, discounted access to onsite and local gym facilities and a wide range of other staff discounts.
Additional information
Applications encouraged by 17th May. Interviews: Week of 25th of May. On this occasion, the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship or visa support for this role. International applicants will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Community Engagement Officer in Broughton employer: Edinburgh Napier University
Contact Detail:
Edinburgh Napier University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Officer in Broughton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to community engagement or education. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential collaborators and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience in community outreach and workshop delivery. This will help you stand out during interviews and give you something tangible to discuss.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how your background aligns with the role of Community Engagement Officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are passionate about education and community engagement. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Officer in Broughton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community engagement and education shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about helping others and making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in community-based development or outreach work. We’re looking for specific examples that showcase your skills in planning and delivering workshops or group sessions.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Napier University
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the community you'll be engaging with. Understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to demonstrate how you can effectively support adult returners in their educational journey.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Community Engagement Officer, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully delivered workshops or engaged with diverse groups. Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships with community partners and how you adapt your communication style to suit different audiences.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
This role involves planning and delivering various outreach activities. Come prepared with specific examples of how you've managed projects or events in the past. Discuss your methods for keeping track of information and ensuring everything runs smoothly, especially when working with multiple stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Inclusion
The university values social inclusion and widening participation. Share your personal motivations for wanting to work in this field. Talk about any relevant experiences that have shaped your understanding of these issues, and how you plan to contribute to the university's mission of improving access to education for under-represented groups.