EDIS Community and Engagement Officer

British Science Association

Hours
35 hours per week

About the Organisation

British Science Association (BSA) is a UK-based organization dedicated to promoting science, engaging the public, and encouraging inclusivity in scientific fields. Established in 1831, the BSA has a rich history of fostering curiosity and understanding of science among diverse audiences. Its mission is to transform the way people connect with and view science, making it more accessible and part of everyday culture.

About the role

The EDIS Community and Engagement Officer will provide the coordination, communication and relationship-building needed to support the growth, participation and value of the EDIS membership community. The role will support day-to-day member onboarding, engagement activity, communications, events and community-building processes across the EDIS portfolio. It will ensure that members are supported to connect, contribute to EDIS priorities and access opportunities to learn, share and collaborate. You will work with the EDIS team and with BSA communications team colleagues to support their work.

A central focus will be building effective, inclusive and accessible routes for member participation. Working with EDIS members, partners and colleagues across the British Science Association, the postholder will help to ensure that engagement activity is joined up, responsive to member needs and focused on meaningful participation across the science and health research sector.

This role would suit someone who combines strong organisational approaches with proactive communication, relationship building, and a commitment to and knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion. The successful candidate will be confident supporting communities, networks and membership groups, helping to strengthen the EDIS community while ensuring that engagement, communications and events are delivered effectively.​

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Support day-to-day member onboarding and support processes, ensuring new and existing members understand how to participate in EDIS activity.
• Coordinate with the Communications Team to develop member communications, newsletters and engagement content, ensuring activity is joined up, accessible and responsive to member needs.
• Plan and support delivery of events, workshops, peer learning sessions including ‘special interest’ groups and network activity that create practical opportunities for members to learn, share and collaborate.
• Maintain accurate membership records, contact lists and engagement data, supporting clear information flow across BSA, EDIS members and partners.
• Gather member insight and feedback, identifying themes, opportunities and barriers to participation that can inform programme design and delivery.
• Apply inclusive practice in all communications, events, engagement activity and member support, reflecting a clear commitment to and knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Support membership growth and retention by helping demonstrate the value of involvement in EDIS and strengthening routes for member participation.
• Work with the Research and Policy Officer and Programme Manager to ensure member insight informs evidence, programme design, engagement activity and delivery.
• Support the production of accessible resources, meeting materials and event content that help members connect and contribute to EDIS priorities.
• Contribute to the promotion of EDIS activity across sector networks and communication channels, supporting meaningful participation across the science and health research sector.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience of coordinating activity within a membership organisation, community group, network, events or engagement programme
• Strong approach to organisation, with the ability to coordinate varied tasks, manage competing priorities and work towards agreed deadlines with appropriate support. 
• Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, with practical experience applying inclusive approaches in events, communications, member support or engagement activity. 
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and through other appropriate channels, tailoring style and content to encourage understanding and engagement across varied audiences. 
• Experience developing communications tailored to specific professional audiences, including meeting materials, event content and engagement updates. 
• Experience maintaining accurate records, contact lists, membership information or engagement data, with attention to detail and appropriate handling of information. 
• Ability to build positive working relationships with members, partners, community groups or stakeholders, supporting participation and responding constructively to different needs. 
• Experience gathering feedback, insight or views from members, participants or stakeholders, and identifying practical themes that can inform activity or improvement. 
• Proactive and reflective approach to problem solving and continuous improvement, with the ability to identify practical improvements and support an evolving programme.

Desirable Criteria: 

• Experience working in science, research, health, charity or membership settings. 
• Experience using CRM, event or membership management systems. 
• Experience supporting consultation, co-design or peer learning activity. 
• Experience producing digital content or newsletters. 
• Community, network, membership or engagement support                 
• Organisation, coordination and delivery across varied tasks 
• Events, communications or engagement content 
• Accurate records, contact lists or engagement data 
• Relationship building with members and stakeholders     
• Inclusive events, communications or engagement practice 

Compensation & Benefits

• 27 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Up to two days paid leave per year for significant voluntary commitments in support of professional and personal development
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme after 3 months (4% paid by the employer).
• Up to five days’ unpaid leave per year
• Life assurance for death in service benefit from your first day (subject to scheme rules). Complementary access to a 24/7 online GP service.
• Occupational sick pay: up to six weeks’ full pay per year (pro-rata for part-time employees).
• Confidential telephone counselling service, offered by our legal insurance.
• Interest-free loan for season ticket, bike to work, and assisted study;
• Discounts may be offered on Science Museum tickets and in the shop.

Conditions of employment

• Only applicants who have a legal right to work within the UK will be considered. You will be asked to bring along proof of nationality and proof of ability to work in the UK.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• Applications should be made via this link
• Please send a CV and covering letter (each of no more than two A4 pages) that summarises your interest in the role and details your ability to match the criteria.​
• If you have further questions or would like this information in a different format, please contact: [email protected]
• The closing date for applications is Friday 5th October 2026.

Interviews

• First interviews are due to take place online on 4th November 2026, with second interviews (in person in London) expected on 11th November 2026.
• Interview dates have been scheduled outside the school holiday period to support participation from the broadest possible pool of candidates and to minimise potential barriers for those with caring or family responsibilities.
• You will be informed as soon as possible after the application deadline whether you have been selected for interview.

Policies

As part of the British Science Association’s commitment to being a Disability Confident employer, all disabled applicants who meet the ‘essential criteria’ for this vacancy will be offered an interview under our guaranteed interview scheme. ​If you wish to apply under the guaranteed interview scheme, you will be asked to indicate this when you submit your application by selecting ‘yes’ in the relevant box when asked during the application process.

Applicants do not need to state any further information or declare their disability at the application stage.​ Whether you are applying under the scheme or not, if you are successful in being shortlisted, we will ask candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions to let us know if they need any adjustments during the recruitment process.

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