ENGAGEMENT MANAGER VACANCY - APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Are you passionate about event management and empowering early-stage entrepreneurs?

Engagement Manager

Job Type: Initially part-time 28 hours, with the opportunity to transition to full-time (35 hours) after a successful six-month period.

Permanent contract

Salary: £27,000.00-£32,000.00 per year annum (pro rata initially).

Company Introduction:

FIRST is an accredited learning and development agency specialising in enterprise skills for young people, early-stage founders, and professionals. We collaborate with educational institutions, local authorities, businesses, and community organisations to tackle high unemployment and low business startup rates.

Our mission is to provide inclusive, lifelong learning experiences within enterprise and entrepreneurship that empower skills, confidence, self-belief and motivation, whilst creating value to our society and economy.

Key Responsibilities:

Event Management as Engagement Tool: Use events as strategic engagement platforms to connect participants with further support and opportunities, ensuring alignment with FIRST’s objectives.
Post-Event Support and Follow-Up: Provide comprehensive post-event support, including tracking participant progress, offering personalised guidance, and coordinating with other support services.
Skills in Communication and Networking: Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, manage conflicts, and build lasting relationships within the startup ecosystem.
Networking and Relationship Building: Actively participate in networking events to facilitate signposting to other programmes and partners.
Inter-Programme Referrals: Seamlessly transition participants between various FIRST programmes (e.g., from level 1 to level 2 or Startup Awards North East) and into external programmes.
Outcome and Output Achievement for FIRST’s Contracts: Ensure the objectives of the funding are met, including effective utilisation of resources, and achieving targeted outcomes.
Partnership Maximisation: Leverage relationships with FIRST’s partners to provide participants with 1-1 support and access to various opportunities.
Additional Engagement Activities: Engage in roles such as attending networking, university social events, and enterprise weekends to maintain a consistent engagement presence.
Team Support and Responsibility Sharing: Work collaboratively with the team to effectively distribute tasks and responsibilities, supporting other departments as and when needed.
Experience in Managing Staff: Demonstrate previous experience in managing staff within a dynamic work environment.

Skills and Qualifications:

Proven experience in event management, with a focus on engagement and networking.
Strong understanding of the startup ecosystem, with an ability to relate to and support early-stage entrepreneurs.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, capable of building and maintaining strong relationships.
Ability to multitask and manage various programme elements simultaneously.
Strong organisational skills to track participant progress and outcomes.

Education:

A university degree or equivalent experience in a related field is preferred.

Benefits: We offer a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse workplace, opportunities for professional development and career progression, and a competitive salary.

If you’re interested in this amazing opportunity with FIRST, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to hello@youarefirst.co.uk

We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace, valuing individuals from all backgrounds, including different ethnicities, genders, and abilities. In line with UK law, we encourage applications from a wide range of candidates. Our commitment extends beyond compliance, through initiatives like diversity training and supportive work culture. If you're passionate about contributing to a diverse team, we'd love to hear from you.