STEPS Executive (1 year fixed term)

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, STEPS is seeking an individual experienced working with schools and corporates to join our team to champion the STEPS Young Engineers Award, support delivery of Engineers Week and to secure funding opportunities as some of our work relies on external partnerships.

Purpose of Role

Reporting to the STEPS Team Leader, the primary purpose of the STEPS Executive is to project manage one of our flagship initiatives, Young Engineers Award which encourages primary school students, in 3rd and 4th class, to develop creative engineering projects to help or improve their local community.

The role will also assist in the planning and coordination of the Engineers Week Programme targeted at school children (aged 5 to 16).

It also assists the STEPS team to promote and seek sponsorship for STEPS core initiatives.

Main responsibilities

• Implement and develop Young Engineers Award strategic plan.
• Ensure the delivery and execution of key areas of the Young Engineers Award project within timeline and budget.
• Design and maintain high quality engineering education resources, such as hands-on activities and engaging engineering learning experiences for primary and secondary school teachers to integrate Young Engineers Award and Engineers Week into their curriculum.
• Grow participation by recruiting existing and targeting new Engineering Organisations nationwide to host workshops, school talks, and industry tours during Engineers Week that showcase their engineering opportunities.
• Create and maintain promotional materials, such as websites, brochures and social media pages to ensure initiatives are widely promoted to a range of stakeholders.
• Present externally and deliver volunteer role model training to engineering organisations and professionals.
• Assess and evaluate the impact of Young Engineers Award and report on outcomes to stakeholders and industry partners.
• Acting as a representative of STEPS, establish and maintain relationships and actively pursue connections with regional and national networks including, STEM organisations, regional and national STEM outreach bodies and education centres.
• Support a sponsorship strategy to develop new and sustainable funding for the STEPS programme.
• Provide support to STEPS team and development of STEPS engineering initiatives including projects and competitions.
• Manage STEPS stands at career events showcasing routes to engineering, engineering careers and STEPS programme.
• Encourage participation in STEPS initiatives from under-represented groups.
• Collaborating with other Engineers Ireland team members on strategies and engaging in other Engineers Ireland work as required.

Essential Skills and Experience

• A Third Level qualification in in a relevant area (education/engineering /event management/volunteer management/communications or related field) or equivalent experience.
• Project management experience including organisational, and planning skills.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire others.
• Website and social media management experience. Ability to write engaging content.
• Positive, enthusiastic and friendly, with a proven ability to work independently, as well as part of the wider team.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritise to meet deadlines.

Desirable Skills and Experience

The successful candidate may also have:

• Excellence knowledge of Irish school system and curriculum.
• Fundraising experience. Strong understanding of the fundraising and not for profit landscape in Ireland.
• Some understanding of engineering careers and pathways.
• Experienced in creating engaging content for school children (lessons, resources, workshops).
• Interest in widening participation and promoting diversity in engineering.