Job Title: Science and Technology Programme Manager Reporting to: Deputy Chief Executive - Foundation Duration: Fixed-term (16 months) Closing Date: 30th August About the RDS The RDS is a philanthropic organisation which, since its establishment in 1731, has helped Ireland to thrive culturally and economically. The RDS has a number of income streams which support this mission, including Membership and Fundraising. The RDS currently has around 3,000 Members in its database, some of whom are philanthropic donors of the Foundations programmes in areas such as Arts, Agriculture, Enterprise, Equestrian and Science. About the Role The purpose of the role is to deliver the RDS Science & Technology Programmes, including Science Blast in line with the RDS Foundation mission. Key Responsibilities 1. Deliver the Science & Technology Programme to agreed timescales and budget. The development of project plans, timescales and budget are the responsibility of the Manager. 2. Plan and manage the delivery of project events and activities: including ESB Science Blast and RDS STEM Learning. ESB Science Blast is run in three venues (Dublin, Limerick and Belfast), across 7 10 days, involving 16,000+ primary school children. 3. Develop and manage relationships with stakeholders including RDS Members, partners, sponsors, funders, donors, education and industry organisations. Includes training/briefing/facilitating feedback from stakeholders where necessary e.g. as part of the Judging process for ESB Science Blast. 4. Prepare and manage the delivery of marketing material for the programme and its projects in conjunction with the Communications team to include significant amounts of print and web-based materials. 5. Conduct internal evaluations of the projects on a regular basis to ensure projects are on track to achieve their goals. 6. Represent the RDS at various Science events, and in media when required. 7. Prepare documents for the Committee of Science & Technology, acting as its Secretary. This includes conference papers, policy submissions and responses to consultations relating to Science, Technology, Innovation and Education in Ireland and NI. 8. Liaise with the Fundraising Manager to maintain, develop and report on fundraising income, including grants, and income from foundations, trusts, corporate and individual donors. 9. Manage a multi-annual budget including compliance with RDS procurement processes, to include sourcing quotes/tenders where necessary and dealing with Purchase Orders and invoices for same. 10. Prepare internal reports for the Foundation Board, Committee of Science & Technology and other internal bodies. 11. Report to the Foundation Director on a regular basis on operational progress and ensure senior management are kept abreast of any important matters. 12. Participate in any other RDS projects, events or activities as directed by the Foundation Director and/or Chief Executive. Person Specification Experience: At least 5 years previous experience in a similar position which includes project/event management is essential. Significant experience of stakeholder management. Experience of managing people and budgets. Experience of working within the education sector in Ireland (ROI and NI) Skills: Event and project management skills. Strong communication, presentation and persuasion skills. Excellent organisational skills. Good research, analytical and evaluation skills. Team-working skills. Good level of computer proficiency. Appreciation of importance of compliance relating to GDPR, procurement processes, child safeguarding, health & safety etc Qualifications: Third level qualification in science, education, science communications or similar. Event management/health & safety qualification would be advantageous. Personal Attributes: The candidate should be a resilient, energetic person with a proven ability for clear-thinking and analysis. Must demonstrate the capacity to build and maintain relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders of differing backgrounds. Must be able to demonstrate the ability to work accurately under pressure to tight deadlines. Proven ability to complete tasks in a detail-orientated, methodical and organised manner to agreed procedures. Application Process and Closing Date If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your CV and Cover letter via the apply button with the subject line Science and Technology Programme manager Application. Closing date for applications 6th September 2024. Skills: Project Management Events Event Management Education
