Communications and Engagement Officer - Aberdeen, United Kingdom - The James Hutton Institute

Description

We are seeking to recruit a part-time (18.5 hours per week) Communications & Engagement Officer.

This position is currently fixed term until 31 March 2025.

Main Purpose of Job

This post will deliver communication as part of wider stakeholder engagement with policy, industry & civil society. Communicating world-class research with a wide range of stakeholders from across the Scottish Government's Strategic Portfolio for Environment Natural Resources and Agriculture is the one of the main functions of this role. The post holder will work in SEFARI (Scottish Environment Food and Agricultura Research Institutes) Gateway, the ENRA Portfolio's Centre of Expertise for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation. A key focus for this role will be sourcing and managing content for and access to research from the SEFARI website, content for social media and in person event organisation.

Main Duties of Postholder

Digital engagement, website design & online media content

• To commission and create interesting content for the website
• To undertake or oversee ongoing web-site design, adaption and content development suitable for the evolving Strategic Research Portfolio by engaging with developers in website design and editing content e.g., landing pages, research project pages, search functions, director of expertise, directory of resources, events etc.
• To obtain regular updates from SRP project reports and ensure timely upload to the website
• To write, source and support the dissemination of research with the editing of case studies and blogs
• To promote Gateway initiatives and SG-Portfolio activity via social media
• To respond professionally and in a timely manner to queries received e.g., via the email account

Newsletter and targeted distribution of reports

• To produce a short lively monthly email /online newsletter for distribution to Ministers and policy officials at Scottish Government, tying in with the news and policy agenda where possible
• Liaise with key researchers, policy and other stakeholders on Case Studies, Reports or other outputs as relevant/needed

Event & Networking

• To build relationships with scientists conducting the research and stakeholders using the research
• To organise a bi-monthly online KE seminar series e.g., arranging speakers and hosting the sessions which are aimed at KE skilling and KE project awareness raising across the Portfolio
• To help with creating an annual events programme, organising and running events e.g., stand presences and designing event materials
• To advise the Gateway Manager on new opportunities/strategies for engagement with key stakeholders, participate in stakeholder meetings and, if needed, assist with meeting minutes

Administration

• To maintain a data base of current key contacts across SEFARI Gateway's stakeholder base
• To write reports for the Gateway Manager on events and engagements, including identifying direct impacts and opportunities for further work

Person Specification

Education/Experience/Skills

Essential:

A degree in a relevant research field and/or science communication

An interest in, or experience of, working in one or more of the research areas of the Strategic Portfolio (e.g. Net Zero strategies, Climate Change, Biodiversity, Land Use, Agriculture, Plant & Animal Disease, Food Systems, Rural Community Development)

Experience in communications and especially in writing for non-specialist audiences

Proficient in IT packages e.g., Word, Excel etc.

Ability to communicate with a variety of individuals and stakeholder groups, and act with diplomacy

Ability to prioritise tasks based on a recognition of the key priorities within Gateway's strategy

Desirable

Experience of developing web platforms

Experience of writing for the web and social media

Experience of event, conference and/or workshop organisation

Experience of conducting project impact-assessments

Full, clean driving licence

Other Skills

Good oral communication skills and used to speaking to non-technical and technical audiences