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- Tasks: Lead community projects focused on river health and engage volunteers in citizen science.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading global university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days paid holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local ecosystems while gaining valuable experience in project management.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or significant relevant experience in project management and community engagement.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with excellent career growth and a commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 33002 - 35608 £ per year.
Position Details
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906
Grade: 6
Part Time (22.5 hours per week)
Fixed Term contract up to January 2028
Closing date: 14th January 2026
UK travel may be required for this role
Our offer to you
People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success. We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector‑leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential.
Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme.
Role Summary
The successful candidate will play a key role in establishing and delivering the new Rugby River Champions citizen science initiative – a community‑based project focused on river health monitoring. They will support volunteer networks, provide training and resources, develop communications, and glean community feedback to enhance participation and impact. The volunteer engagement officer will be expected to display strong organisational skills to plan, prioritise, and deliver activities, while also representing the project within the University of Birmingham and Rugby Borough Council.
Main Duties
- Identifying and connecting with potential volunteer networks across the Rugby area.
- Deliver training on ecological and water chemistry citizen science techniques related to river health monitoring.
- Supporting volunteers in their monitoring activities via field supervision and email communications.
- Communicate project developments and volunteer achievements via different social media platforms.
- Gathering volunteer perceptions and feedback via basic social science research.
Project Reporting and Delivery
- Determine short‑term priorities for own work, ensuring you maximise quality, efficiency and continuity.
- Supporting the analysis of citizen science outputs and research by preparing spreadsheets and calculating basic statistics.
- Preparing progress reports for project leads or other meetings.
- Disseminating project updates to volunteers via newsletters and community events.
- Act as main point of contact for project related procurement, contracts and invoicing.
Project Management and Administration
- Monitor progress on volunteer numbers and fulfilment, identifying potential issues, and recommending improvements to processes.
- Support budgetary monitoring and management, including reporting.
- Assessing and escalating issues and risks with project managers as appropriate.
Other responsibilities
- Assist with stakeholder management, developing and maintaining regular contact with internal and external stakeholders to understand requirements.
- Support the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
- Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
- Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications).
- Significant practical experience in a project management and/or administrative role(s).
- Experience working with community groups, volunteers, or citizen science initiatives.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to engage and motivate volunteers.
- Highly proficient IT skills, including the wider MS Office suite of programmes including Excel and PowerPoint.
- Willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions when supporting volunteer field activities.
- A high degree of initiative, personal judgement, resourcefulness, flexibility, and a self‑motivating approach.
Project and Volunteer Engagement Officer (Rugby River Champions) - School of Geography, Earth a[...] in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
Contact Detail:
University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project and Volunteer Engagement Officer (Rugby River Champions) - School of Geography, Earth a[...] in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the University of Birmingham and its values. When you’re networking or chatting with potential employers, drop in some knowledge about their initiatives, like the Rugby River Champions project. It shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just sit back and wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to people in your network or even cold email those working in roles you’re interested in. Ask them about their experiences and share your enthusiasm for community engagement and volunteer work.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the University, be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their projects. Bring ideas on how to enhance volunteer engagement or improve communication strategies. This proactive approach can really set you apart!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the amazing work being done at the University.
We think you need these skills to ace Project and Volunteer Engagement Officer (Rugby River Champions) - School of Geography, Earth a[...] in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for the role and how your experiences align with our values.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Project and Volunteer Engagement Officer role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description, especially your work with community groups and project management.
Showcase Your Skills: Use specific examples to demonstrate your organisational and communication skills. Whether it’s managing volunteers or coordinating projects, we want to see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles.
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 at the University of Birmingham.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Rugby River Champions initiative. Understand its goals, the community it serves, and how it fits within the broader context of river health monitoring. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your skills align with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Volunteer Engagement Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with community groups and volunteers. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully engaged and motivated volunteers in past roles. Highlight any training or support you've provided, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Strong Organisational Skills
The role requires excellent project management abilities. Bring examples of how you've prioritised tasks and managed multiple workstreams effectively. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially when working on community projects.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since you'll be communicating with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you would disseminate project updates and gather feedback from volunteers. Good communication is key, so show them you can engage effectively across different platforms.
