CONTRACT: 0.4 FTE
SALARY: Up to £25,000 pro rated
DEPARTMENT: Education and Events
REPORTS: Jointly to the Education and Events Director and the Director of Case Operations and Outreach
PURPOSE: The role has two aspects. One, to assist the Education and Events Director in the delivery of a varied programme of events for FSU members, specialist audiences and the general public. Two, to assist in the administration of the Ian Mactaggart Programme, a funding scheme aimed at fostering a culture of open debate, independent thinking and free expression amongst young people in the UK, especially students.
HOURS: The administrative aspects of the post could be done from home (although we do require you to attend a monthly in-person meeting), but the candidate must be available to provide on-the-ground support at events. These usually take place on mid-week evenings, most often in central London, but also in regional cities and online, numbering between one and three per month.
LOCATION: Home-based for the administrative aspects with ability to travel to central London and to other major UK cities as required. Travel (and if necessary, accommodation) costs would be covered by the FSU.
Who are we?
The Free Speech Union is a non-partisan, mass-membership public interest body. We stand up for the speech rights of our 11,000+ members and campaign for free speech more widely. We have an exciting journey ahead and we’re looking for more talented individuals to join our organisation.
The role
This role is an excellent opportunity to develop skills in organising a wide range of events for diverse audiences around the UK; to acquire expertise and build contacts across the free speech landscape and to understand how free speech is situated within the broader political context. You will engage with hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds and have plenty of opportunities to contribute ideas to the development of FSU Events and the Ian Mactaggart Programme.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Events Assistant
- Supporting the Education and Events Director with a busy schedule of events, from specialist online seminars to large public debates, from book launches to private forums, from comedy nights to manning stalls at major conferences.
- Tasks involve planning kit-lists, transporting (lightweight) equipment and materials, producing printed matter, meeting and greeting attendees, taking payments, ensuring speakers are looked after, supporting volunteer staff.
Programme Assistant
- Assisting the Directors in managing the programme, including diarising meetings, tracking applications and funding, writing short reports.
- Responding to emails using Outlook, keeping records in Excel, writing reports in Word.
- Meeting with student applicants, online or in-person.
- Other reasonable duties that may be required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
- Outgoing, approachable, personable and confident.
- Would suit a recent graduate or current postgraduate.
- Strong interest in politics and current affairs and a passion for free speech.
- Well-organised, calm under pressure and willingness to muck in as required.
- Excellent communication skills with superb knowledge of the English language and an eye for detail.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and Outlook.
Desirable
- Prior involvement with debating, free speech or similar relevant societies or organisations.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter of no more than 750 words to [email protected]. The cover letter should answer the following questions:
– How will your skills and experience enable you to deliver all aspects of the role?
– When can you start?
We are seeking to appoint in Summer 2023. Applications will close on Friday 30th June with interviews to take place remotely thereafter. The FSU is actively recruiting for this role and may withdraw it at its discretion.