Public Engagement Officer
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
£33,831 - £37,210
Who are we?
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.
The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.
Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.
About the role
We are looking for a Public Engagement Officer with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and a passion for the ocean. Our aim at NOC is to enable everyone to feel empowered and inspired to help our ocean thrive. Your engagement with schoolchildren, youth and their teachers, parents and communities will help them to understand the importance of ocean science, engineering, and technology in addressing the grand environmental challenges of our time.
The Public Engagement Officer role sits within NOC’s Engagement Division, whose purpose is to raise visibility of NOC, demonstrate credibility of our expertise and achievements, and identify/develop opportunities to enable NOC to achieve its goals. The role will support our new public engagement delivery plan which will sit within our Engagement and Impact Strategy. Key deliverables are engaging the public and education sector through our Education Forum and Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy.
Some travel will be required for this role to deliver public engagement activities. We anticipate most of this travel would be UK-based. This is likely to be around 4 times per year, with each trip lasting up to 5 days. The successful candidate will also be required to work around 4 evenings / weekends per year.
About you
You will be skilled in translating science, engineering and technology concepts into engagement opportunities and resources. As part of the Public Engagement team you’ll work with colleagues in the wider Engagement Division to create and share content aligned with our Strategy. You will have a passion for sharing knowledge and resources with broad audiences. As our main contact with schools and other delivery partners, you will have excellent interpersonal communications and organisational skills and be responsible for developing relationships and resources as well as supporting programmes and events.
Why NOC?
We offer a generous set of benefits, including:
- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
- a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
- we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer
Location
This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.
The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.
We can support visa applications where required. We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.
Submitting an application
Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07955 851648.
Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.
Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation.
Date advert posted: 8 August 2024.
Closing date: 30 August 2024. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.