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- 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 working opportunities and various learning and development perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping adults overcome barriers to education and achieve their goals.
- 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 Livingston 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 Livingston
✨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 employers and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the university or related organisations, be ready to discuss your experience in community outreach and how you've helped others. Share specific examples that highlight your passion for social inclusion.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team at Edinburgh Napier University. Express your interest in the Community Engagement Officer role and ask about any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After any interviews or networking events, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the impact you want to make in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Officer in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Community Engagement Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for social inclusion and community learning. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with communities or supported individuals in educational settings to demonstrate your commitment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily see your skills and experiences without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is received directly by us and helps streamline the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Napier University
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into the community you’ll be engaging with. Understand the specific challenges adult returners face in Midlothian and think about how your experiences can help address these issues. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨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 different audiences.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
This role involves planning and delivering various outreach activities. Bring along examples of past projects where you’ve had to organise events or workshops. Discuss how you managed timelines, resources, and any challenges you faced, showcasing your ability to keep everything on track.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Inclusivity
Since the position focuses on social inclusion and widening participation, prepare to talk about your understanding of these concepts. Share your thoughts on how education can be made more accessible and any relevant experiences you have that demonstrate your commitment to these values.