At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage communities and deliver exciting activities for a rural film project.
- Company: Join a university committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Part-time role with professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting diverse audiences with rural film heritage.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in community engagement required.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements welcomed; great for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Part Time / Fixed Term till 30th October 2026. The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 8th February 2026. This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) will have to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this through another means without the sponsorship of the University.
We are seeking an Engagement Officer to deliver an activity plan programme for the Inclusive approaches to accessing rural archive film project. This ground breaking project will make the Richard Watts rural film collection accessible to diverse audiences. The collection, largely undigitized, represents a significant holding of reel-to-reel films documenting rural life and agriculture and the postholder will be responsible for the delivery of an exciting programme of consultation and activity with community groups and stakeholders. The role will work alongside Reading-based Real Time Participatory Film Makers in the delivery of the project and the Project Archivist. The role has been funded with the support of the British Film Institute Screen Heritage Fund, awarding National Lottery funding.
You will have:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience of community engagement
- Strong organisational skills
- Experience of working in a library and archive
- Understanding of data collection and evaluation
We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.
Interview Date: 18th February 2026
For more information, please contact:
- Contact Name: Phillippa Heath
Contact Job Title: Head of Learning and Engagement
Contact Email address: p.heath2@reading.ac.uk - Contact Name: Isabel Hughes
Contact Job Title: Associate Director
Contact Email address: i.m.hughes@reading.ac.uk
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Engagement Officer (BFI Project) employer: University of Reading
Contact Detail:
University of Reading Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engagement Officer (BFI Project)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the project inside out! Familiarise yourself with the Richard Watts rural film collection and the goals of the BFI project. This will help you engage confidently during interviews and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to community groups and stakeholders involved in similar projects. Building connections can give you insights and even potential referrals that could boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially in community engagement and data evaluation. Practise answering common questions and have examples ready to showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Engagement Officer (BFI Project)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for, so highlight those relevant bits in your application!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: As an Engagement Officer, communication is key! Use your application to demonstrate your excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've engaged with community groups or stakeholders in the past.
Be Organised and Clear: We love a well-structured application! Make sure your writing is clear and organised. Use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make it easy for us to read and find the information we need.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your application and can consider you for this exciting role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Reading
✨Know the Project Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the BFI project and its goals. Familiarise yourself with the Richard Watts rural film collection and think about how you can engage diverse audiences. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Community Engagement Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past community engagement work. Think about how you’ve successfully collaborated with community groups or stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to discuss the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the Engagement Officer position.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
As an Engagement Officer, strong organisational skills are crucial. Be prepared to talk about how you manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. Share examples of how you’ve planned and executed events or activities, especially in a library or archive setting, to illustrate your ability to keep everything on track.
✨Emphasise Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Think about how you can convey your ideas clearly and build relationships with various stakeholders. During the interview, practice active listening and be ready to engage in a two-way conversation, showcasing your interpersonal skills and ability to connect with others.