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GBP 7297 Communications Support Assistant

University of Exeter Internships
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Job Summary

South Hams District Council are looking for a recent graduate who can support them to promote the awareness and understanding of the South Devon National Landscape (SDNL) among a wide range of audiences. This role will give you direct experience and understanding of a Protected Landscape and access to a range of partners working in the natural environment, heritage, climate, and people engagement sectors. You will also further develop your knowledge and experience of using different social media platforms for business, and how to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.

This role is part of the Graduate Business Partnership Scheme and offers full-time hours (36.5 hours per week) for 12 months with the potential to extend. You will be employed by the University of Exeter and seconded to South Hams District Council for the duration of the contract which means you can access the befits on offer from both organisations.

 

Workplace Location

Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes, TQ9 5NE.

This role is available with a mix of remote working and some time spent in the SDNL office in Totnes or travelling to sites for events or activities within the National Landscape. 

 

 

Key Dates

 

Closing Date: 16/7/24

Interview Date: 23/7/24

Start Date: ASAP/Ideally by the end of July.

Duration: 12 months with the potential to extend

 

Salary: £25,007 per annum.

 

 

Purpose of the Role

 

In this role, you will promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of the South Devon National Landscape among a wide range of audiences both within and beyond the area, and to communicate the aims, objectives, work, and achievements of the AONB Partnership. You will support the Communications Officer and the LotE Project Team with specific areas of work.

 

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Work with the Communications Officer to deliver the Communications Plan and devise and initiate a range of communication projects, campaigns, and activities.
  • Work with Life on the Edge Project Manager to deliver the LotE Communications Plan.
  • Provide advice and guidance to the NL and LotE teams on communications.
  • Collate and present monthly reports on Communications, PR, and events.
  • Produce, maintain, and improve the range of communications media and promotional material as required. including printed publications, e-newsletters, press releases, annual report, events programme, and exhibition displays.
  • Review and maintain a significant social media presence for the SDNL on, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels.
  • Maintain a positive press and public relations profile in the news media and local publications.
  • Respond to general enquiries and ensure the SDNL Partnership’s key messages and information is accurate and appropriate for the target audience.
  • Maintain good links with the wider ‘network’ of National Landscapes through the National Landscapes Association, supporting collaborative campaigns and activities at national, regional, and local level.
  • Assist in the input, management, and retrieval of data via IT systems and to establish and update monitoring systems for indicators and outputs.
  • Any other duties within the general scope and grading of the post as directed by the SDNL Manager

 

Special Attributes linked to this role:

  • Ability to move display and exhibitions materials to various events and shows.
  • Some weekend and evening work is involved, such as attending events, shows or webinars, for which time off in lieu of overtime can be taken.

 

Training and Development - What Skills and Experience will this Opportunity Provide?

  • Training will be largely on the job and through informal internal training with the SDNL and LotE team members or SHDC courses. There will also be some formal training opportunities available as required e.g., relating to communications skills, digital communications media, ICT skills, administrative skills, outdoor First Aid, relevant legislation or related to project work.
  • Project work - Skills/knowledge development opportunity for intern to focus specifically on the work of the LotE project and its focus of creating habitats for endangered invertebrates and community engagement.
  • This internship will provide direct experience and understanding of a Protected Landscape and access to a range of partners working in the natural environment, heritage, climate, and people engagement sectors.

 

You will be asked to complete the university’s mandatory online training in: 

  • Prevent Duty - Inclusive, Cohesive and Safe Universities
  • Equality and Diversity Introduction
  • Health and Safety Introduction
  • Information Governance

 

Support Available

  • Daily line management and support will be provided by the SDNL team in person and online.
  • Support and mentoring opportunities will also be provided by partner organisations as required.
  • The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.

 

The Benefits

  • South Devon National Landscape operates a flexible working policy.
  • Travel expenses or personal mileage will be paid when you are out on official business.
  • References will be provided at end of internship

You will also have access to a wide range of benefits, rewards and recognition from the University including: 

  • Generous pension
  • A holiday allowance of 39 days per year
  • Totum Card (student discount)
  • Salary Exchange Schemes such as the Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Discounted membership to the university's sports facilities including cricket centre, indoor/outdoor pools, squash courts and fitness centre’s.
  • The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.
  • All Graduates are offered a ‘how to make the most of your internship’ guide.
  • You will have access to the university’s Career Mentor Scheme and career consultancy opportunities.
  • You will have access to the university’s extensive suite of online training which includes Excel, presentation skills, and negotiation skills.
  • You will be invited to quarterly networking and professional development events through ‘The Graduate Network’.

About You (Person Specification)

 

Degree and Attainment

  • You should have graduated from a UK-based university in the last 3 years with a relevant degree.

Skills

  • Ability to communicate and engage your audience through a range of media including publications, press, events, the Web, social media, newsletters, and presentations.
  • Ability to engage positively with a wide range of groups and individuals.
  • Microsoft Office suite, including PowerPoint and Publisher.
  • Use of Canva or Mailchimp.
  • Social media posting/campaign delivery on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
  • Ability to express complex issues clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
  • Use of photographic and video apps or equipment.

Behavioural Characteristics/ Personal Qualities and Attributes

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a key member of the small multi-disciplinary SDNL and LotE teams.
  • Ability to take responsibility and work on own initiative.
  • Enthusiasm and motivation.
  • Ability to find creative solutions.
  • Competent in time management and work planning.
  • Ability to move bulky display material to events and shows.
  • Ability to multi-task and organise work in busy office.

 Knowledge

  • Understanding of Protected Landscapes.
  • Genuine knowledge of and interest in a key area of SDNL work – landscape, wildlife, heritage, environment, farming, biodiversity, or rural communities.

 

Prior Experience (in paid or voluntary capacity)

  • General administrative experience.
  • Communications/PR/marketing experience.
  • Event organisation.
  • Experience of working with the natural environment and/or rural community/farming sectors.

Other Requirements

  • Based in South Devon ideally or able to relocate if receiving an offer.
  • A full driving licence and ability to travel across South Devon (sometimes to rural areas which are not accessible via public transport). Expenses will be reimbursed.

 

About the Company

 

The South Devon National Landscape Team currently comprises 10 people hosted by the South Hams District Council and based at Follaton House Totnes. The SDNL Partnership oversees the review and delivery of the five-year Management Plan for this nationally designated landscape. The team help to deliver the Management Plan by working with partners, advising on planning applications, promoting awareness, and understanding of the National Landscape, obtaining external funding to deliver Plan objectives, engaging communities and businesses through events and interpretation.

 

It delivers a range of funded programmes and has recently commenced the delivery phase of a National Lottery Heritage Funded project “Life on the Edge.” (LotE) You can find out more about the project here: Life on the Edge. Team members work together flexibly to support a wide range of work, alongside volunteers and partner agencies. This opportunity has because of the increased workload connected to digital communications/social media and of a communications requirement   within the Life on the Edge project.

 

 

Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) Scheme Requirements

 

  • To undertake a graduate role through the GBP scheme, you must have either achieved your degree or be in your final year at any UK-based university.
  • If you are in your final year, your working hours may be reduced to 15 hours per week (for undergraduates) or 6 hours per week (for postgraduates) to ensure you have the capacity to successfully complete your degree. More hours can be completed if your academic agrees and provides written confirmation.
  • If you do not pass your degree, the GBP role will end early.
  • You must have graduated in the UK within the last 3 years of your most recent degree (we will consider extenuating circumstances of potential applicants that may have prevented them from undertaking a graduate role within 3 years of graduation).
  • The University of Exeter is committed to developing an environment which promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity and inclusivity. 
  • We are committed to creating an inclusive culture and engage with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark) and LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion)
  • Learn about the university’s commitment to the Disability Confident scheme here
  • At the time of starting employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK and evidence must be provided in advance of the appointment.  Examples of suitable evidence can be found in the Intern Guidance- Proving Right to Work the UK guide. Candidates should continue to have permission for the duration of the GBP contract. This includes British citizens, individuals with an EU Pre-Settlement or EU-Settlement Status; and those with a Graduate Route Visa.
  • All graduates need to reside in the UK whilst undertaking this role.

 

How to Apply

 

  • Download and complete the attached Internship Application Form. CVs cannot be accepted. Please make sure you have downloaded the latest copy of the Internship Application Form.
  • Guidance and useful tips for completing your application are found on the Internship Application Form.
  • Refer to the job details contained within the advert when writing your personal statement.
  • Use the STAR approach to evidence each requirement in the Person Specification.
  • You should insert the correct reference code on the application form: GBP 7297
  • Please save your Internship Application Form as ‘your name - GBP 7297
  • The University is a Disability Confident employer and as such this policy applies to recruitment through GBP Scheme. Applicants who identify a disability on the application form will be offered an interview if their application demonstrates they meet the essential criteria.
  • Please also include details of any reasonable adjustments you may need for an interview or to undertake the role.
  • You should explain why you would like to work for the employing organisation and why you think you would be a suitable candidate for this role.
  • Send your completed application (not by OneDrive) to internships@exeter.ac.uk, with the reference code: GBP 7297  in the subject bar of your email, by the closing date.

 

Further Guidance and Support

  • (Exeter graduates only) You can refer to the My Career Zone Digital resources on application and interview preparation here.
  • (Exeter graduates only) If you need support with your application, you can book an appointment with a professional Careers Consultant by emailing careers@exeter.ac.uk.
  • Unless stated, interview expenses will not be paid.
  • It is recommended that you check your online presence on social media to ensure it represents you well, as some employers may undertake online research of their applicants.
  • If you have any questions, you can email the Internships Team at internships@exeter.ac.uk