Part Time Programme Coordinator

Job Summary

Robert Gordon University seeks two part-time Programme Co-ordinators to work in a small team to deliver the Islands Entrepreneurial Network across Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles, a key component of the TalEntEd Islands Growth Deal. This three-and-a-half-year initiative, funded by the UK and Scottish Government, aims to support economic growth by creating new business ventures, jobs, and delivering practical entrepreneurial programmes and events. You will support the Programme Manager in delivering the Islands Entrepreneurial Network aligned to the strategic objectives and KPIs on time and within budget, on behalf of RGU.

Working alongside the Island communities and key stakeholders such as Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Business Gateway, UHI, DYW and the local authorities and businesses, you will play a crucial role in driving economic, social and cultural development within the Island groups. Your responsibilities include planning, co-ordinating, and supporting the delivery of a portfolio of programmes as outlined in the TalEntEd work package of the Islands Growth Deal, including a Startup accelerator, masterclasses, a Creative Entrepreneurship programme, a 60+ programme and a Women in Business programme.

This role would suit an individual with an entrepreneurial spirit who demonstrates drive and determination and a bias for action. Local knowledge is essential. A working knowledge of the Gaelic language, particularly in the Western Isles, would be an advantage as would a valid driving licence and access to a car.

The hours of work are 17.5 hours per week, preferably worked over 3 days including a Monday, with flexibility around the remaining days. You will be expected to travel between islands and to RGU as required, as well as work some unsocial hours for events and programmes to meet the needs of the participants.

Applications are welcome from individuals in Shetland, Western Isles and Orkney, with the anticipation that there will be one member of staff in each Island Group. You will work closely with the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Group at RGU, and report directly into the Programme Manager - Islands Entrepreneurial Network.

This role is offered on a fixed term basis for 3 years. It may be available as a secondment opportunity, please speak to your current employer to discuss this in the first instance.

If you would like an informal chat about the role before applying, please contact Chris Moule, Head of Entrepreneurship & Innovation on 07855 277742.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role as set out in the requirements of the person specification. Please also include, in your cover letter, your preferred Island location.

Interviews will take place online on Wednesday 23^rd April 2025.

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: Programme Manager – Islands Entrepreneurial Network

RESPONSIBLE FOR: n/a

PURPOSE OF POST: Work in a small team to deliver the Islands Entrepreneurial Network across Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles, a key component of the TalEntEd Islands Growth Deal. This three-and-a-half-year initiative, funded by the UK and Scottish Government, aims to support economic growth by creating new business ventures, jobs, and delivering practical entrepreneurial programmes and events. The Programme Co-ordinators will support the Programme Manager in delivering the Islands Entrepreneurial Network aligned to the strategic objectives and KPIs on time and within budget, on behalf of RGU.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

Programme/Project Planning & Delivery

• Work within the team to deliver the Island Entrepreneurial Network programme project plan as part of the wider TalEntEd Islands Growth Deal objectives.

• Manage the pre-preparation, live event management and post event activities of the Island Entrepreneurial Network programmes.

• Monitor start-up activity and manage ongoing support for start-ups within the Island Entrepreneurial Network.

• Working with the Programme Manger, monitor progress and contribute to regular status reports for senior management and funders.

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks, adapting strategies to keep the programme on track.

• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including meeting minutes, deliverables, financials and lessons learned.

• Promote and facilitate RGU entrepreneurship and innovation locally.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

HND level or above or equivalent experience in business, entrepreneurship or project management.

Knowledge and skills

Demonstrable oral, written, and presentational communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in contributing to a team effort

Energy and high levels of personal motivation and resilience

Ability to adapt and willingness to get involved in a variety of activities

Knowledge of the entrepreneurial eco-system and the local Islands environment

Experience

Experience of working in a team to plan, and organise projects to multiple deadlines and agreed targets

Experience of building and maintaining constructive partnerships and collaborative relationships

Experience of delivering engaging presentations/content

Experience of developing and delivering successful initiatives, such as workshops, training and events

Experience of representing an organisation externally in different and challenging situations

Other

Ability to travel independently to locations around specific Islands in relation to project activities

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

First degree or above, in a subject relating to the role.

Knowledge

Understanding of public sector organisations including purpose, cultures, structure, and interrelations

Knowledge of entrepreneurial eco-systems in Scotland, including key stakeholders and policy

Experience

Experience of working in economic development, training, education or with start-ups

Track record of managing successful programme and project delivery in line with desired outcomes and agreed quality, time and cost limits

Experience in community project development and delivery

Experience of using IT systems including Microsoft packages and working with Learning Management Systems and CRMs

A working knowledge of the Gaelic language would be desirable, particularly in the Western Isles

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Service Delivery - Experience of exploring and adapting a service to meet customers’ expectations and also identifying ways of improving standards

Behaviour 2: Communication - Ability to receive, understand and convey both straightforward information, and information requiring careful explanation, in a clear and accurate manner

Behaviour 3: Liaison and Networking - Experience of circulating information in an accurate and timely manner, working across team boundaries to build and strengthen working relationships, leading and developing internal networks to pursue a shared interest and leading and building external networks to enhance the work of the organisation

Behaviour 4: Team Work and Motivation - Experience of being a team leader, agreeing clear team objectives and organising and delegating tasks according to individual abilities

Behaviour 5: Decision Making - Experience of using own judgement to make decisions, making collaborative decisions with others to reach conclusions and providing advice or information that will influence the decisions of others

Behaviour 6: Planning and Organising Resources - Experience of planning, prioritising and organising the work of yourself and others (within own area) on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, whilst ensuring the effective use of resources