Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. Our size and reputation ensures that we work on the most exciting and varied range of projects, and can offer real opportunities for long term employment and career development.
An opportunity has arisen for a Community Engagement and Social Value Officer, based in either our Oxford, Cambridge or Lancaster office with options for hybrid working. Please note - our current work programme includes projects in the South - East, and officers will occasionally be required to travel for delivery in these locations.
Function
As Community Engagement and Social Value Officer, you will collaborate with our existing Officer and support our Manager to develop and supervise the delivery of imaginative, meaningful, and impactful archaeological engagement and social value projects.
About the team
Oxford Archaeology are committed to empowering communities to work towards an equitable and sustainable future through understanding and connecting with our shared past. This work is led by Oxford Archaeology's Community Engagement and Social Value Team:
- Ayesha Purcell - Community Engagement and Social Value Manager
- Jessica Elleray - Community Engagement and Social Value Officer
Our role is to bring discoveries made by our archaeological specialists to new and existing projects, through exciting and enriching engagement projects. Our work includes both social value projects funded by commercial development (e.g. infrastructure and large - scale private developments) and community engagement projects funded by charitable grants and endowments (e.g. partnering with local charities and our own charitable work). We collaborate with stakeholders to develop and design these programmes, so we can harness archaeological heritage to address local priorities and contemporary challenges. To deliver these projects, we work with regional teams across Oxford Archaeology's three offices (Oxford, Cambridge and Lancaster), supporting our colleagues in Fieldwork and Post- Excavation to build and develop their engagement skills. We also closely collaborate with the Communications Manager to share our work and discoveries through online channels.
About the role
Duties:
- In collaboration with the manager, work with community stakeholders, internal colleagues (including joint venture colleagues), clients and funders, to develop community engagement and social value programmes that deliver meaningful impacts for local communities.
- Lead delivery of imaginative and innovative engagement projects with diverse communities and audiences.
- Evaluate and report on community engagement and social value projects, using qualitative and quantitative data, for internal and external audiences (including clients, industry peers, community members etc).
- Support and empower regional staff to build and develop engagement skills.
- Internally and externally advocate for the potential of archaeology to address contemporary challenges and deliver meaningful public impacts for new and existing audiences.
Skills
Essential:
- Imaginative and creative approach to community engagement, excited to explore new practices and approaches.
- Clear communicator, able to adapt tone and vocabulary in verbal and written communication for different audiences.
- Effective collaborator, able to work closely with colleagues with different specialisms.
- Analytic, able to identify strengths and areas for improvement in group and individual work.
- Commitment to embedding inclusion, accessibility, and diversity throughout your group and individual work.
- Passion and enthusiasm for heritage/archaeology and its potential to deliver public benefit.
Experience (may include professional, voluntary or lived experience)
Essential:
- Engaging diverse communities and stakeholders in heritage/archaeology.
- Delivering projects, including acquiring and managing resources, progress tracking, financial awareness and logistics.
- Developing and designing engagement projects/sessions with diverse communities and stakeholders.
Useful:
- Evaluating and reporting on community engagement and social value projects, using qualitative and quantitative data.
- Supporting colleagues to develop and practice new skills and expertise.
- Supervising other people (colleagues, volunteers or others) in public - facing settings.
- Navigating the UK's commercial and charitable archaeological sector.
Note - we do not expect candidates to have every experience listed as 'useful'. If you think you may be a good candidate and meet the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply. If you would like to discuss your suitability in more detail, please contact Ayesha Purcell at community@oxfordarchaeology.com
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required for this role.
Employee benefits
- Competitive, constantly benchmarked, salary range £30,987 - £36,750 (pay award pending). Appointments will be made based on demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate.
- A company pension scheme with 6% employer contributions. Employees with 10 years of employment or in project management roles gaining access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which is one of the few remaining defined benefit schemes in the UK.
- Continued professional development is strongly encouraged through a very supportive approach to further training and education, attendance of and contribution to conferences, and involvement with academic institutions.
- Generous annual leave from 24 days (depending on years of service and spinal salary point) plus concessionary days at Christmas and Bank Holidays.
- A generous hybrid working policy is in place, dependant on role, and a considerate approach is taken to flexible and part-time working where appropriate to the role, individuals’ personal circumstances, and the needs of the business.
- We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
- Comprehensive care for employee welfare through a number of policies, including: the AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Premier, generous paid sick leave, a network of mental health first aiders, and personal accident insurance.
- Cycle to work scheme
Please submit the following to hr@oxfordarchaeology.com :
- A CV no longer than two sides of A4. Please ensure your CV is tailored to this role, highlighting relevant professional and/or voluntary experience and academic, vocational and/or technical qualifications.
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Answers to the following questions:
Why are you interested in this role? ( no more than 400 words).
What key strengths would you bring to this role at Oxford Archaeology? (no more than 400 words).
Why does archaeological engagement matter? (no more than 400 words).
If you have any questions, please email Ayesha Purcell (Community Engagement and Social Value Manager) at community@oxfordarchaeology.com
Closing Date: Midnight on Wednesday 22nd May 2024. Interview dates to be confirmed.
Oxford Archaeology is an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications are judged on the relevant skills and experience of the candidate, and not by gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, belief, age, nationality (other than where work permits may be required), or ethnicity. You must meet the requirements to live and work in the UK by UK Visas and Immigration.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
Registered Charity No. 285627; Company Registration No. 1618597