Job Purpose

This role represents an exciting opportunity to provide high level and specialist communications and project management service to the European Research Council project ‘Art and Policy in the Global Contemporary: examining the role of the arts in the production of public policy’ (POLART). Based in the Division of Urban Studies and Social Policy, at the School of Social and Political Sciences, the project will involve working with an interdisciplinary research team of social scientists across the University, together with partners from the private, voluntary and arts/ cultural sectors. The role will involve developing all project communications (including developing and updating the website and social media accounts), as well coordinating and running meetings and workshops with a wide range of academics, stakeholders and communities. The postholder will be expected to develop relationships with actors from across the arts and policy sectors, as well as other key public and private sector stakeholders. The successful candidate will have significant experience in providing a full range of project management as well as comms functions, involving co-production and participatory approaches. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are requirements for the job.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.  Take a lead role, in collaboration with the research team to plan, monitor and review the strategic aims, objectives and key milestones of POLART.

2.  Develop and maintain project plans and documentation (as well as historical records) and identify success measures and key milestones to contribute to the effective delivery of the project and in line with agreed standards as specified by research grant funder and/or the University.

3.  Plan and coordinate project activities and meetings, as well as knowledge exchange and impact workshops with diverse groups of participants from the arts and policy sectors. Manage the logistics of the workshops, coordinating the facilitators and managing all data and materials that are required or generated during these events.

4.  Manage internal and external relationships relevant to the project.

5.  Establish and sustain project management processes and key project documents (e.g. report writing) to ensure a record of contacts, events, outputs, and other project activities are kept up-to-date, accessible and accurate.

6.  Monitor budgets appropriately and in conjunction with the University’s post-award team and escalate any appropriate risks/issues.

7.  Plan, promote and manage logistics for virtual and in-person meetings and events and other research and engagement activities run by the project, instigating and monitoring appropriate follow-up actions to ensure quality enhancement.

8.  Proactively identify opportunities to enhance the reach of the project, for example presenting work at local, national or international conferences, seminars, meetings, colloquia and workshops to contribute to knowledge exchange and develop and enhance the profile of the project.

9.  Lead on the development of a Communication Strategy, for example setting up and maintain the project’s web and social media presence producing briefings, blogs, podcasts, explainer videos and similar material, and providing promotional content to other channels such as the University’s Marketing teams, as required by the research team.

10.  Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the project’s PI.

11.  Create and implement processes for tracking progress and delivery against milestones, and monitor and resolve project slippage and project scope changes, as well as balancing priorities across the project team.

12.  Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

13.  Plan own workload on daily basis and within broad overall plan as agreed with the PI.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience 

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

A1 Either Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9 (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s),.

Or: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary  knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles.

A2. Excellent knowledge of a range of project management tools and approaches that can be used to support higher education-led research projects.

A3 Knowledge and understanding of the UK local authority sector.

A4 Excellent knowledge and understanding of project and event planning and coordination.

Desirable

B1 Some familiarity with the cultural policy and arts sector and/or related social and political contexts.

B2 Formal programme management qualification, e.g. PRINCE2 (or working towards this).

Skills

Essential

C1 Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ability to communicate effectively with diverse technical and lay audiences using a range of media.

C2 Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively communicate, work with and engage with researchers, policy makers, members of the public and community groups.

C3 Proven analytical, influencing and problem-solving capability.

C4 Advanced IT skills, including using online platforms to host events, workshops, or interactive sessions, report and presentation writing, and skills for web editing using a content management system.

C5 Proven skills with using social media to promote projects and engage stakeholders and the wider public.

C6 Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing environments.

C7 Ability to work across sectoral boundaries with a wide range of professions and disciplines representing academia, local authorities and other sectors relevant to the project.

Experience

Essential

E1 Experience of all aspects of research communication and events organisation.

E2 Experience of dealing with processes and procedures for partnership working and public engagement.

E3 Experience of planning, co-ordinating, monitoring and recording of research activities and their impact.

Desirable

F1 Experience of workshop facilitation.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £40,497 - £45,413 per annum pro rata.

This post is part-time (17.5 hours per week), and open ended with funding available until 31 August in the first instance.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date:  4 June 2024