Contract:                     Fixed term until 31 March 2020 (with view to extend subject to external contract renewal)

Salary:                         £30,000 - £32,000 per annum depending on experience.

Line Manager:            Director of STEM Strategy

Work pattern:             37.5hrs per week, Monday to Friday. Approximate work hours will be 8.30am-5.00pm, however a flexible working pattern will be required, to include early starts, occasional evening and weekend work.

Holiday:                       20 days per year plus bank holidays

Closing Date:             Monday 22 July 2019, 0900

Interviews:                  W/C 29 July 2019

 

1.    The Organisation

 

Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, located close to Winchester and the M3 Motorway in Hampshire, is a leading hands-on science and discovery centre dedicated to engaging, enthusing and inspiring people about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The independent educational charity, which runs Winchester Science Centre, was formed in 1985 as a strategic initiative with local government and businesses, to address the shortage of young people entering technical careers at both the regional and national level.

 

The STEM NOW team at Winchester Science Centre provides science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) engagement provision for education and STEM industry sector. We deliver a variety of national contracts and regional project, to inspire young people to consider a future in the STEM industry. The STEM NOW Team deliver the contract for the STEM Ambassadors Programme in Central South England, the contract for Regional CREST Support Organisation in the Midlands, Hertfordshire, Essex, Berkshire and Hampshire and deliver a range bespoke STEM events for all our stakeholders (such as Big Bang @ Winchester Science Centre, National Women in Engineering Day, CPD sessions and networking sessions).

 

2.    The Role

 

Winchester Science Centre is looking for a motivated, innovative and inspiring entrepreneurial leader to join our team in the role of Head of STEM Partnerships. The post-holder will be the driving force to scope, develop and maintain relationships for our outwardly facing STEM engagement programme “STEM NOW” and our Innovation Team. The post-holder will manage existing contracts, seek out new opportunities, and strive to increase the national impact and business portfolio of Winchester Science Centre and STEM NOW. The role involves leading, motivating and inspiring two small, integrated teams. The post-holder will lead the teams to build effective and lasting relationships with the STEM industry and Universities to Spark Curiosity in STEM and ultimately make a positive impact on the UK’s STEM skills gap.

 

The Head of STEM Partnerships will lead the STEM NOW team to deliver current projects, such as managing the Central South STEM Ambassador Hub, and scope and develop new opportunities for Winchester Science Centre to diversify our external offer. They will lead the Innovation Team to develop strategic relationships with Universities and the STEM industry to diversify programme delivery and contribute towards the financial sustainability of the charity.

 

The Head of STEM Partnerships will also work closely with the Fundraising team, to ensure partners are approached strategically and relationships are managed effectively. This includes working with them to establish partnership or sponsorship agreements to seek essential funding that will enable STEM Now and the Innovation Team to deliver outstanding STEM engagement.

Flexibility is essential as Winchester Science Centre relies on a small team of dedicated individuals working closely together to support and develop the charity, so occasional additional support duties will be required in other areas of its business.

 

3.    Job Description

 

·         To take a lead on identifying opportunities to support the organisation’s ambitious growth plans.

·         To analyse and evaluate STEM activity delivery data to ensure KPI’s/targets are met.

·         To coordinate the charity’s outwardly facing charitable trading activities.

·         To be the driving force to increase the impact of WSC’s external offer, by seeking new opportunities for the organisation and maintaining key relationships and contracts.

·         To work with the Director of STEM Strategy to plan and review progress against targets and develop action plans to achieve targets.  

·         Join the management team at Winchester Science Centre, to deliver on our Core Principles and shape the future of the organisation.

·         To be the line manager for the STEM NOW Engagement Manager (who line manage a team of 4) and Innovation Impact Officer. 

·         Ensure teams are working cohesively through outstanding communication.

·         To plan and manage the budget.

·         To take overall responsibility for reporting and meeting project deadlines for STEM engagement activities implemented by Director of STEM Strategy, external partners and trustees.

·         To work across the organisation to ensure the needs of projects are met.

·         To ensure high quality communications are delivered to all stakeholders.

·         To work with colleagues and external stakeholders to develop and deliver new STEM enrichment events that best utilise the skills and knowledge of the Ambassador population.   

·         To maintain a comprehensive knowledge of local and national STEM providers, and work alongside them to deliver programmes in our region.   

·         To manage and expand the Winchester Science Centre volunteer scheme.

·         To undertake other tasks as reasonably arise within the remit of Head of STEM Engagement, to include all levels of work within this team. The above should not be considered an exhaustive list.

·         Other project support as required by Director of STEM Strategy.

 

4.    Person Specification

E      = Essential       D     = Desirable

 

Qualifications

·         BA or BSc (Hons) or equivalent qualification in Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (D)

·         Level 3 or equivalent qualifications, in a STEM subject (E)

 

Experience

·         Working in STEM related field, STEM teaching or STEM delivery in the informal learning sector (D)

·         Project management (E)

·         Supervising staff including delegation, support and training  (E)

·         Business development / sales experience (D)

·         Budget management (E)

·         Forming and maintaining effective partnerships with external organisations (E)

·         Evaluating process, working with databases and analysis of data to devise strategy and produce relevant reports (E)

·         Event delivery, public speaking and training delivery (E)

·         Written communications e.g. article writing for newsletters, effective letter writing skills  (E)

·         Professional networking (D)

 

Practical skills and knowledge

·         Good knowledge of the UK STEM skills agenda (D)

·         Good knowledge of local and national STEM industry, and career progression in STEM roles (D)

·         Good knowledge of UK school systems STEM curricula (D)

·         An understanding of local and national STEM engagement providers (D)

·         Business development skills (E)

·         Competence in the use and application of Microsoft office software (E)

·         Good organisational skills and an ability to prioritise effectively (E) 

·         Excellent leadership and team working skills (E)

·         High level communication skills, both verbal and written, to enable excellent communication with educators and STEM professionals at all levels (E)

 

Personal qualities and skills

·         An organised and analytical approach to working in a target driven role  (E)

·         An ability to enthuse and inspire adults to support young people in STEM  (E)

·         An ability to engage and motive young people within STEM (E)

·         An interest in STEM education and enrichment (E)

·         The ability to see opportunities for new STEM projects/initiatives and facilitate meetings between teachers, STEM ambassadors and partners to deliver these activities (E)

·         A strong team player who can work effectively with colleagues across the organisation (E)

·         An ability to adapt to changing priorities and to respond quickly to requests (D)

·         Willingness to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends (E)

Other requirements

·         The post-holder will be required to undergo a DBS check.

·         The post-holder will be required to hold a full UK driving licence and to have access to a car for business travel use for which expenses will be paid. 

 

5.    Application procedure

An application form is available at www.winchestersciencecentre.org. Completed forms, along with a cover letter should be submitted to the Laura Ollis at lauraollis@winchestersciencecentre.org.

 

All applications must be received by 9am Monday 22 July 2019 with interviews being held the following week. 

 

Please clearly state how your previous experience links to the requirements of the role. Candidates who do not clearly show how their experience matches the Essential Criteria will not be considered. 

 

For an informal conversation about this role please email Director of STEM Strategy, Emma Diserens atemmadiserens@winchestersciencecentre.org