Job Scope
The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. The Society’s fundamental purpose is to recognise, promote and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity. The Society has played a part in some of the most fundamental, significant and life-changing discoveries in scientific history and Royal Society scientists continue to make outstanding contributions to science across the wide breadth of research areas.
Public engagement is one of the Royal Society’s strategic priorities. Our wish is to engage with all to make scientific knowledge and the scientific approach part of the fabric of society. This includes listening to the views of the public, involving the public in our work and inspiring the public to explore new discoveries, the rich history of science and the scientists that shape our world.
The Senior Public Engagement Officer – Events will work with the Public Engagement Manager and other members of the Public Engagement team to manage and develop the Society’s public engagement programme in line with the Public Engagement strategy, as defined and approved by the Public Engagement Committee.
The post holder will be responsible for the successful delivery of the Society’s flagship event within the public engagement programme, the Summer Science Exhibition. The Senior Public Engagement Officer – Events will lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of this major annual event, ensuring its success both on-site and digitally. The role also includes developing additional events that complement the Exhibition and exploring new ways to broaden audience engagement. The post holder will also provide day-to-day budget management, as well as line management of two Public Engagement Officer roles which support programmes across the entire PE team.
The role will also oversee the Events strand, including the Summer Science Exhibits On Tour programme and other events, such as Prize Lectures, cultural events and Lates/History of Science.
The Senior Public Engagement Officer - Events will be supported by the Public Engagement Manager who will provide strategic guidance and a management overview.
Alongside the Summer Science Exhibition, the Senior Public Engagement Officer - Events will also be expected to contribute to other projects and events as required, to develop the Section’s activities as a whole. They will play a key role in the continued development of the public engagement programme and team by sharing best practice, ideas and learnings.
The post holder will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Reports to: Public Engagement Manager
Line manages: Public Engagement Officer x 2
Pay band: D, £45,000 per annum
Location: Carlton House Terrace, London
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week (some travel, mainly within the UK, some evening and weekend work required)
Closing date for applications: Midnight 21 April 2025
Interviews will be held: 13 May 2025
Responsibilities
The work of the Senior Public Engagement Officer - Events will include:
1. Lead the successful delivery of the annual Summer Science Exhibition and the additional programme, with support from the Public Engagement Manager and the Public Engagement Officers.
2. Oversee the marketing and promotion of the Summer Science Exhibition, ensuring digital and design assets engage target audiences while developing strategies to broaden participation in line with the Royal Society’s aims and ambitions.
3. Manage the Summer Science Exhibition budget, ensuring that the event is delivered efficiently and on budget, by monitoring and tracking project spend.
4. Maintain an overview of the PE Team’s events programme, including Lates/History of Science and other evening and daytime events for public audiences, and ensure policies and processes are consistent across the event portfolio.
5. Maintain positive working relationships with key internal Royal Society teams and external partner organisations to ensure effective delivery of the Society’s public engagement activities, providing clear and regular communications.
6. Review exhibition processes (including call for applications) and policies in collaboration with the Head of Public Engagement and Public Engagement Manager, with input from the wider PE team and wider RS colleagues as appropriate.
7. Provide secretariat for the Summer Science Exhibition Committee.
8. Represent the Royal Society at external public engagement meetings, events and conferences as appropriate, especially where it relates to the Summer Science Exhibition.
9. Act as Duty Manager and/or Events Manager for public events organised by the public engagement team, held at Carlton House Terrace.
10. Support the Head of Public Engagement and Public Engagement Manager by undertaking or contributing to new projects and activities as necessary.
11. Line management responsibility for two Public Engagement Officers, overseeing their work and personal development.
Key Knowledge and Skills Required
Knowledge and qualifications
1. Educated to degree standard or equivalent experience
2. Knowledge of office systems and procedures
3. Knowledge and experience of large-scale events and project management
4. Knowledge of communication and marketing practices
5. Understanding of the role of public engagement in science and research, and its importance in connecting science with society
6. Knowledge of how to evaluate public engagement activities
Experience
1. Experience of event management, including the delivery of large-scale events
2. Experience of project management
3. Experience of line-management
4. Experience in developing and managing partnerships, including coordinating stakeholder relationships to achieve shared goals.
5. Proven ability to establish and nurture relationships with researchers and other partners (individuals and organisations) to foster collaboration and meaningful engagement across disciplines and sectors.
6. Experience of working successfully in a collaborative team environment
7. Experience of implementing communication and marketing strategies
8. Experience of tailoring content for different audiences
9. Experience of managing and reporting on budgets
10. Experience of calls for participation, for example for grants or awards
11. Experience supporting researchers to embed public engagement in their work
Circumstances
1. Ability to work flexibly, including some evening and weekend work (especially during the Summer Science Exhibition)
The successful candidate would be expected to work from the Royal Society offices on Carlton House Terrace a minimum of 2 to 3 days per week.
Competencies
Self-management
1. Works unsupervised and can motivate self
2. Produces results under pressure
3. Can manage in stressful situations
4. Pursues and encourages feedback that may reveal an error in judgment and then makes appropriate adjustments
5. Recognises own personal biases or limitations, and uses this understanding to improve decisions and plans for action
6. Seeks out mentors and other development resources to gain additional self-awareness and personal development
7. Reflects on negative situations with maturity and seeks to understand own contribution to the situation
8. Holds things together and acts as a settling influence
Working with others
1. Contributes ideas and identifies opportunities to work with others both within the team and across the organisation
2. Willing to provide feedback to sectional colleagues when requested
3. Produces succinct presentations and papers for senior colleagues
4. Understands when to seek senior advice on potentially delicate negotiations
5. Reaches a variety of audiences using an appropriate mix of communication methods and tailored messages to appeal to their unique needs
6. Creates an environment of transparency while respecting confidentiality requirements
7. Builds consensus for delivering team goals.
Resource management
1. Makes the best of internal/external resources and coordinates well with external partners to best meet the needs of the Society
2. Sets and monitors performance against quality and results orientated targets.
3. Creates novel solutions to problems
4. Executes quickly and decisively in a time-sensitive situation
5. Takes accountability to persist until opportunity is realised or problem solved
Critical thinking
1. Determines and clarifies the exact requirements of any situation
2. Checks information for accuracy and raises concerns if information is inaccurate
3. Extracts the key points succinctly, clearly and accurately
Adaptability
1. Overcomes obstacles and is not deterred by setbacks; checks assumptions and first principles and works out alternative approaches
2. Reacts proactively to new challenges and works in a flexible manner to produce solutions
Managing people and relationships
1. Delegates effectively, setting clear expectations and authority
2. Monitors results and feedbacks to team on a regular basis
3. Helps others to identify ways to improve their performance
#J-18808-Ljbffr