Engagement Officer, Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales in Aberystwyth

We are seeking to appoint an Engagement Officer to work as part of the Rural Wales Local Policy and Innovation Partnership (Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales), funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales brings together researchers, policymakers and communities to tackle the major challenges facing the region. It aims to promote inclusive, sustainable development towards a ‘wellbeing economy’ by filling evidence gaps, exploring innovative solutions and enhancing the use of research to support effective policies.

The work programme engages a range of people in innovation labs to develop and test novel interventions, community-led research projects focused on local concerns, dialogues, new data collection through surveys and short studies, and the creation of a Rural Wales Data Hub. The post-holder will support public engagement, knowledge exchange, and communications activities for Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales, including organising events and workshops, managing website content and social media accounts, and assisting with the dissemination of research findings to diverse audiences through a range of media. The post will be based in Aberystwyth, working closely with the Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales Policy and Engagement Manager and other members of the professional services team, but will involve work with colleagues in other organisations in Wales and travel for meetings and events. Hybrid working arrangements will be considered.

Responsibilities

• To organise events for stakeholder and public audiences, including events at the National Eisteddfod and Royal Welsh Show, and free-standing workshops, panels, dialogues, etc. This will include booking venues; making arrangements for catering, translation, and technical facilities as required; liaising with contributors and participants; and coordinating registration for participants/audience members.
• To support webinars and other online activities.
• To support the organisation of training and capacity building activities, in person and/or online.
• To publicise events and activities through appropriate online and other channels, including Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales mailing lists.
• To manage Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales social media accounts and content for the Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales website.
• To support internal communications to members of the Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales team.
• To contribute to the preparation and dissemination of the Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales Annual Report.
• To support promotion and dissemination of Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales research and innovation through reports, briefing papers, video, infographics, and other media, including making arrangements for design, editing, printing and/or distribution as appropriate.
• To maintain records of Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales public engagement and knowledge exchange activities for reporting to UKRI through ResearchFish.
• To work with other members of the admin team to maintain mailing and contact lists to support public engagement, policy impact and outreach.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by your line manager, commensurate with the role's grade.
• To be a flexible member of the team, supporting colleagues at peak times of workload and pressure including attendance at university events e.g. open days, graduation which may include weekend work.
• Promote equality of opportunity, and to support and uphold the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
• To support the university strategy and underlining plans, engage in continuous personal and professional development in line with the demands of the role, including undertaking relevant training and development activities to develop yourself and support the development of others.
• Fulfil health and safety responsibilities appropriate to the role, while actively promoting the personal health, safety, and wellbeing of staff and students as a member of the Aberystwyth community. Additionally, support the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability through responsible practices and engagement.

Qualifications

• Appropriate education or training, as indicated by a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or appropriate professional experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of effective communication and public engagement.
• Experience of event organisation.
• Literacy skills appropriate for drafting publicity and communication materials and providing content for the website and social media.
• Excellent organisational skills with a proven ability to prioritise and meet deadlines within the framework of an agreed programme.
• Initiative and problem-solving ability in relation to administrative tasks.
• Evidenced capacity to effectively engage with a range of individuals and organisations in a professional context.
• Strong inter-personal skills and the capacity to work effectively as part of a team.
• Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level B2.
• Experience of public engagement activity and/or knowledge exchange activity for a research or innovation project.
• Demonstrated skill in using social media in a professional context.
• Experience and skill in using audio-visual technologies, including recording and editing.
• Experience of website management.
• Experience of engaging with stakeholders and/or communities in Rural Wales.
• Creative skills appropriate to support a range of publicity, communication and/or engagement activities.
• Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level C1.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy.
• 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles.
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus.