Training Courses Lead

Geological Society of London

About the Organisation

Founded in 1807, we are the oldest geological society in the world. Today, we are a world-leading communicator of Earth science through publishing, library and information services, cutting-edge scientific conferences, education activities, and outreach to the general public. We also provide impartial scientific information and evidence to support policy-making and public debate about the challenges facing humanity.

We have a membership (Fellowship) of approximately 12,000, more than 2,000 of whom are based outside the UK. Approximately 3,000 are Chartered Geologists or Chartered Scientists - professionals who have demonstrated a high level of technical competence in their field and a commitment to professional ethics.

About the role

This is an exciting role helping to bring one of our most successful innovations of recent years to the next level. You will take the lead on management of the Training Course programme from inception to completion, working within a friendly and dynamic events team. With help from our Training Course Committee and others you will secure a pipeline of repeat courses, lead the process of developing and commissioning new courses, work closely with convenors and trainers to bring courses to fruition, develop relationships with big customers, and work with marketing colleagues to promote courses, organise the delivery of the courses and ensure customers are delighted with the outcome.

In 2021, the Geological Society embarked on a journey by introducing its highly anticipated training courses, following a successful trial in 2020. Since then, these courses have become a cornerstone of knowledge dissemination within the geological community, covering a spectrum of topics, and have experienced a surge in participation. This widespread interest reflects the industry's recognition of the invaluable insights and skills that can be gained from these training programs taught by experts in the field.

Training courses have become a beacon of excellence within the geological community. Their success, marked by increasing participation and the positive impact on professional development, reaffirms the Society's dedication to advancing knowledge of geoscience and fostering a community of skilled and knowledgeable practitioners. They have also become an important part of our financial strategy; the continued growth of our training course income will help the Society continue to thrive. Our training courses are mostly online and delivered by subject matter experts.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility within the Events Team for our Training Courses programme, from promotion to delivery, and achieving our net income targets.
• Develop effective working relationships with society stakeholders, events team, Training Course Committee, Professional Committee, Chartership Officer, and wider teams at the society, including Publishing House, to maximise opportunities for courses.
• Lead on Training Course Committee meetings, creating agendas and keeping members regularly informed.
• Report on key areas in the Professional Committee meeting.
• Successfully meet annual sales target for Training courses, providing regular feedback on performance to the Head of Events and the Training Course Committee.
• Work closely with our Marketing Executive to prepare detailed marketing plans and high-quality campaign content for promoting courses to delegates.
• Total end-to-end management of course speakers, ensuring these relationships are nurtured and all documentation is processed promptly and accurately.
• Ensure that all courses are accessible and organised to Society standards.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience in managing multiple deadlines and delivering work and projects to schedule and budget.
• Experience of events and/or project management
• Budget experience
• Commercial awareness and an ability to identify and capitalise on opportunities
• High level of IT literacy
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent and demonstrable influencing, negotiating, and relationship-building skills.
• A willingness to embrace innovation and new ways of working.

Desirable:

• Experience of adult education or training courses management
• Familiarity with scientific and/or technical disciplines
• Proven ability to engage with complex subjects
• Experience of working for a learned or professional society (other charitable organisation with trustees, committees, and volunteers)

Personal Qualities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to collaborative working across the Society
• Self-motivated, proactive, with the confidence to act independently and with a flexible approach
• A commitment to personal development and learning
• Leadership qualities.
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines, prioritising work accordingly
• Positivity and enthusiasm
• Commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion, reflecting the Society’s obligations as an equal opportunities employer

Required Qualifications

• Degree-level education

Compensation & Benefits

The Geological Society is a registered charity and employs circa 60 staff at its offices in London and Bath. Our London office is situated in the beautiful London hotspot of Piccadilly in Burlington House, just next door to The Royal Academy.

As an employee-conscious company, we invest in our staff by emphasising training, growth, and progression in every role. We firmly believe in creating a positive workplace wellbeing culture and offer a range of benefits to our staff, including:

• 25 days basic holiday entitlement you start, increasing up to 30 days with continued service (pro-rated for part-time staff)
• Option to purchase up to 2 extra holiday days per year
• Contributory pension scheme with 10% employer contribution
• Access to 24/7 online GP with mental health & wellbeing counselling
• Free premium Headspace account for you and 2 members of your friends/family
• Discounts and recognition scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan scheme
• Life Assurance and Income Protection schemes
• Free access to Royal Academy exhibitions
• Free Geological Society Fellow membership for qualified staff

Conditions of employment

• All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• To apply for this position, please forward a copy of your CV together with a cover letter to [email protected]. Please ensure that your cover letter highlights your experience in no more than 750 words.
• As part of our inclusive recruitment initiative, we have introduced the concept of anonymous recruiting in order to evaluate applicants solely on their skills and experience. With this in mind, we encourage you to:
  • Anonymise your application by stating only your initials in your CV (including your file name) and cover letter.
  • State your initials only in the subject line when sending your application.
  • Ensure that you have included your contact email and number, as well as dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the indicative timetable.

Interviews

• First round interviews will take place remotely. Please let us know if you will require any special provisions to be made should you be called for an interview. We regret that unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.
• Interviews: Early December

Policies

The Society is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality, values diversity, and maintains a harmonious, inclusive environment in which the rights and dignity of all its members, visitors, and staff are respected. We are an equal opportunity employer, and the post-holder will be expected to adhere to and support the Society’s commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion.

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