Widening Participation & Outreach Officer

Are you passionate about making a real difference in education and fostering opportunity for all? The University of Surrey's Widening Participation and Success (WPS) Team is seeking a dynamic Widening Participation & Outreach Officer to join their award-winning and impactful group.

This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to contribute to a crucial mission. You will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and evaluating innovative programs aimed at raising the aspirations and academic achievements of learners from under-represented backgrounds. Working collaboratively with the WPS team and a wide network of external partners, including schools, community groups, and faculty academics, you will be instrumental in meeting the University's Widening Participation strategy and Access and Participation targets.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Meaningful Impact: Directly contribute to creating inclusive and transformative educational experiences for students who might otherwise face barriers to higher education.
• Strategic Development: Gain experience in the strategic planning and execution of outreach initiatives, a highly valued skill in the education and non-profit sectors.
• Extensive Networking: Build strong professional relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, from primary school teachers to university faculty, significantly expanding your professional network.
• Programmatic Innovation: Develop and deliver engaging, creative, and impactful activities that cater to various age groups, honing your program design and delivery expertise.
• Collaborative Environment: Work within a supportive, welcoming, and award-winning team that is committed to positive change.
• Professional Growth: The University of Surrey offers plentiful development opportunities, supporting your continuous learning and career advancement.
• Attractive Benefits Package: Enjoy a competitive salary, market-leading pension, generous annual leave, and a range of employee benefits including subsidized travel and access to leisure facilities.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Passion for Outreach: A genuine enthusiasm for working with and inspiring learners of all ages, from primary school through to college.
• Adaptable Delivery Skills: Confidence and capability in delivering engaging sessions to diverse audiences, requiring strong presentation and communication abilities.
• Organizational Prowess: Excellent organizational, time management, and event management skills are essential for coordinating various outreach activities.
• Team and Independent Work: The ability to work effectively both autonomously and as a proactive member of a team.
• Flexibility: Willingness to travel to partner schools and occasionally work outside of standard hours is a requirement of the role.
• Desirable Qualifications/Experience: While not strictly mandatory, QTS or similar qualifications/experience would be a significant asset.
• Valued Lived Experience: The team particularly values candidates with lived experience of being from an under-represented group, recognizing the unique insights this brings.

The University of Surrey is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks to increase the diversity of its community. They particularly encourage applications from individuals from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience from under-represented backgrounds. This role offers an exceptional platform for individuals looking to build a career dedicated to educational equity and social mobility.