The Royal Astronomical Society is looking for an enthusiastic and rapid/fast-witted individual to be their Membership Officer. Reporting to the Office,Events & Buildings Manager this is a key supporting role within a small team of 16 RAS staff based in Burlington House, Piccadilly, and London,and is a great opportunity for someone looking to gain further experience in a wide range of administrative tasks in a busy office.
The RAS encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar system science, or geophysics and closely related branches of science. It does this by organising scientific meetings,publishing journals, and recognising outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes, and supporting education through grants and outreach activities and representing professional scientists nationally and internationally.
The successful candidate will be required to:
• Process applications and payments for original membership (both Fellows and Friends of the RAS),maintain up-to-date records on the Society's database of Fellows, and respond to enquiries relating to membership.
• Undertake reception duties: including greeting visitors and promptly dealing with enquiries.
• Undertake basic accounting tasks such as maintaining and processing petty cash.[br]• Assist in the preparation of meetings and ensure they run smoothly on the day.
• Assist in the manning of public lectures and other events.
Support the Office, or Events & Building Manager in processes supporting the prestigious RAS Awards,Fellowships and Grant making.
• Undertake regular checks of the building, plant and equipment as directed by the Office, and Events & Building Manager.[br]• Health and Safety and commerce Continuity management.
The successful candidate should be an adaptable,friendly individual who is a rapid/fast learner and is happy working in a small team required to carry out a range of varied duties.
Essential competences
o Administrative or secretarial experience.
o Excellent organisational skills.
o Self-starter with the ability to multitask and complete tasks promptly with minimum supervision.[br]o Experienced in the consume of Microsoft Office, email, and spreadsheets,databases and diary planning software.
o Numerate; able to undertake basic book keeping tasks
o Sound communication skills; happy to engage with people across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Desirable competences:
o Experience of working in a membership organisation.
o Experience of working with the general public and academia.
o An interest in astronomy, geophysics and science.
The salary range for this post is £23K (rising by 2 annual increments to £25K). At the discretion of the RAS Council an annual cost of living increase may be if.
The annual leave entitlement is 20 days in the first year, and rising to 23 days after one year in post,then to 25 days after 5 years in post. The leave entitlement is exclusive of standard UK bank holidays and additional RAS Privilege days (4 days, usually the Tuesday, and following the Bank Holiday Monday).
The working hours for this role are on a changing rota,two weeks at 09:00 – 17:00, then the following week from 10:00 to 18:00, and then repeat,although the incumbent will be expected to occasionally cover early evening and weekend events where time off in lieu will be given or exceptionally overtime paid.
The application should be marked for the attention of Annette Webb, Office, and Events & Buildings Manager and include a covering letter explaining their skills,aptitudes and suitability for the post, a curriculum vitae and the contact details for two referees.
The closing date for applications is 22nd April 2016
Source: ras.org.uk