Community Engagement Officer in Edinburgh, Scotland

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
• 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.