A bit about the Union …

We are 60+ societies, we're a bite to eat in Liberty's and a pint in Geordies. We are support from the Advice Hub, Therapets, and Class Reps and Department Officers. We're Freshers Week, Beer Fest and volunteering.

We are a lot of things but our purpose is to put our students first. We aspire to be the best Student Union in Scotland so that our amazing students receive the experience they deserve. We want to have fun, are open to change and empower our students to make a difference.

We do this by representing, supporting, advising and promoting the interests, health and welfare of students at Heriot-Watt University. We are a charitable company limited by guarantee and run charitable and commercial services including an advice centre, bar, shop, club and café.

We have our strategy, also known as our "Big Plan", which guides us as we shape our Union, its objectives and activities as we continually learn how best to deliver our services in a changing world. This is an exciting time of transformation.

We are a democratic organisation which means we have an elected Student Parliament, including four paid full-time Student Officers who are also Trustees. We have a career staff team of around 25 and a senior management team of four, led by the Chief Executive Officer. Our turnover is in the region of £3M with a block grant of around £845k and the remainder made up by trading income. 

A bit about the role ...

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, self-motivated and passionate individual for an immediate start to become the Galashiels Intern, supporting the Union to deliver an exceptional student experience for students studying at Galashiels.

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to make a difference!

You will be expected to work 10 hours per week, at least 2 of which will be specifically office based. There will be an office rota which you will be expected to contribute to. Your hours are likely to increase, subject to mutual agreement, over busier periods including, but not limited to larger events such as Freshers’ Week and elections. You will be paid £11.44 per hour, this is inclusive of holiday pay. This role will until May 2025. You will report to the Student Engagement Manager.

This role will work closely with the Full-Time Officers, Student Engagement, Marketing and Events teams to make sure new and returning students in our Scottish Borders Campus have the best start to the 2024-25 academic year.

You will support the creation and delivering of a diverse range of activities that will help students connect with their peers while having fun and navigating life in Galashiels.

This role is perfect for a recent graduate from our Heriot-Watt Galashiels campus, or a current student who loves organising and planning events!

Over summer you’ll be focused on:

• Working with the VP Community and other staff to create a diverse Freshers’ Week programme of events that will appeal to students at our Scottish Borders Campus
• Supporting the recruitment of Freshers Reps
• Engaging with current students to understand what they want to see going on
• Planning the logistics of individual events, including contacting venues and suppliers
• Ensuring plans stay within the set budget
• Liaising with the Marketing Coordinator to maximise the publicity of events

During Freshers’ Week you will:

• Help to organise Freshers’ Reps
• Attend and ensure the smooth running of events
• Be an ambassador of the Union, welcoming new and returning students

After Freshers’ Week you will:

• Continue to work with the VP Community to deliver and evaluate a diverse programme of activities
• Continue to ensure access to the SU office

This is not a full list, there may be other things you need to do to deliver an amazing programme of activities to enhance the student experience.

As an employee of the Union we ask that you follow all our policies, procedures and governing documents at all times. While we know you’ll use your initiative when working with us, there will also be staff to support you!

WHAT MIGHT A DAY LOOK LIKE?

There is no such thing as a typical day within the Student Union however you will be:

• Send and reply to emails, these can be from students or event organisers
• Communicate with students to find out what they’d like and organise meaningful campaigns and events
• Evaluate your events and consider the impact for the students
• Provide regular updates to students and staff at both the Union and Galashiels, asking for support as and when required and ensuring these are promoted as widely as possible
• Create a rota for when the Full-Time Officers are required throughout the year
• Book spaces for your events and ensure these are suitable (clean, access to power, tables, chairs, etc.) before event organisers arrive.
• Working alongside the Activities Coordinator, support current societies and encourage the creation of new groups

KEY CONTACTS

In this role you’ll work across the Union with a variety of staff to plan and execute a brilliant Freshers’ Week and beyond. The key staff you will work with are:

• Full-time Officer team, especially the Vice President Community
• Student Engagement Manager
• Activities Coordinator
• Marketing Communications Coordinator
• Head of Commercial Development
• Bar and Events Manager
• Key University staff, e.g. the Student Success Advisor, Estates and Facilities staff, etc

TO BE SUCCESSFUL YOU’LL NEED TO BRING…

• An understanding of the student experience, and what students want, especially at our Scottish Borders Campus
• Great written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to talk to a diverse range of people from students to university staff and suppliers
• Some experience of planning and organising events, whether it’s large or small scale
• An ability to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines
• Creative thinking and problem solving, with original ideas
• Genuine enthusiasm
• Your initiative! You will be working on your own sometimes, as well as working as part of the team

IT WOULD BE AMAZING IF YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING…BUT IT’S NOT ESSENTIAL!

• Some Student Union experience, like being involved in a society, or volunteering as a Freshers’ Rep in the past
• Experience planning large scale events and marketing them to an audience
• Experience marketing and promoting events

REGARDLESS OF THE ROLE, OUR TEAM CAN ALL DEMONSTRATE OUR VALUES…

• Make sure everything we do is inclusive to students, regardless of background, culture, or experience by being welcoming
• Be brave and take a few risks to push yourself out of your comfort zone
• When working with students, encourage their creativity and empower them to make their ideas a reality
• Enjoy every minute of the role and the events you plan / deliver by making sure you have fun
• Make sure you’re student focused in everything you do

So what next…?

• Read the Person Specification here
• If you are interested please complete an application form and return it by 12 July (2pm)
• Shortlisting will take place the week commencing 15 July
• Online interviews will take place the week commencing 22 July

This role is for an immediate start, subject to the receipt of satisfactory references