Project Officer Coordinator
The scheme brings out the best in our awardees, pushing them beyond their comfort zones: last year we had 4000 assembly sign-ups, who submitted (as groups or individuals) 560 applications from just over 90 schools, which were then all mentored.
Finally, there were nearly 600 awardees.
The awards make a substantial difference to the confidence of the applicants, as well as their CVs and UCAS forms. We want students to do what interests them, taking control and using their initiative and energy independently – ‘in the driving seat’; and to learn many lifetime skills not taught on the curriculum.They carry out their awards adult-free.
We work mainly but not exclusively in areas of London where there is a poverty of experience and the cultural and social capital that employers often look for. The scheme helps students develop soft skills and confidence, and offers networking opportunities through our developing alumni scheme.
The process of granting awards occurs over an average of six school visits: we present at assemblies to generate interest and inspire applicants; we give workshops with interested applicants, talking through their ideas and commenting on draft applications, using our general guidelines; and students formally present applications to the Executive Trustee or Coordinator for judging.
Lt Mark Evison sustained mortal wounds in Helmand, Afghanistan in May 2009, trying to get his platoon to safety. His story inspires many of our young applicants, and his values form the backbone of the charity.
Role: We are seeking for a talented, personable, organised and energetic person with leadership qualities, initiative and flexibility, to join our school projects outreach team as its coordinator. You will organise the team and its work, and also help the team to present the Foundation at year 12 school assemblies, and then revisit over several weeks to help shape and plan their project proposals.As part of the role, you will assist the Executive Trustee with the judging process, dealing with risk, and ensuring plans are thought-through, safe, represent excellent value-for-money, and an appropriate level of challenge for the applicant.
You will build relationships with teachers and our young beneficiaries, the award winners.
As a small charity the role will be shaped by you, working with the team. The role offers the chance to help drive the overall strategy to take the charity to a sustainable level. The post is up to five days a week, with scope for flexibility of time for the right candidate.The team is currently based in a private home.
Key duties in this varied role may include:
· coordinating the activities of the schools team
· helping the Executive Trustee with judging applications at partner schools· delivering assembly presentations to cohorts of sixth formers (Year 12s)
· providing mentoring to interested applicants on site to ensure applications are eligible, practical and high-quality, through structured sessions and via email.
· encouraging applicants to pursue projects outside of their comfort zones, often doing things they have never done before
· assisting record-keeping about schools and award winners, helping gather data from award winners and schools and presenting it
· liaising with schools about appointments· helping to establish our social media profile as appropriate
· driving up the profile of the charity, including contribution to our website as necessary
· assisting with general office duties as required
Terms and conditions
Salary is dependent on experience in the range of £30,000 – £35,000 pa pro rata (depending on experience), with 20 days’ holiday. There will be a 6-month probationary period. The post will be based in Southwark with frequent travel to schools across Greater London. Flexible working will be considered.The post-holder reports to the Executive Trustee.