Project Assistant (Remote)

About

This represents an incredible opportunity for a hands-on delivery role to be involved in a very active, transformational education charity. You will be looking for a challenging and demanding role on a freelance basis. Applicants must be UK based.

The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation, established in June 2020 (Charity Number 1191471), was set up to enable talented economically disadvantaged Black British students to attend UK universities by providing full scholarships. Black British students are found to be under-represented at many of our universities, and individuals from affluent areas are five times more likely than those from deprived areas to attend a high-tariff university. The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation aims to remove one fundamental obstacle – the financial cost of university education.

The Foundation has already allocated 70 scholarships and maintains a busy annual schedule of activity across partner and scholarship management; fundraising, communications and governance. The charity is led by the founder, Professor Richard Oreffo, and the Trustees, with the support of a freelance Project Manager.

An experienced Project Assistant role is offered on a consultancy (freelance contract, applicants must be self-employed) basis, initially on a 6 month contract with opportunity to extend a further 6 months; possible renewal to follow.

Key Targets

• Undertake day-to-day administration of the charity using Gmail, Google Drive and (Beacon) CRM database.
• Support the Project Manager in the operations of the charity, including in fundraising, events, and Scholar and partner collaboration, compliance and working.
• Support the founder, trustee board and Project Manager to develop strong relationship with core university and business partners, ambassadors, supporters, Scholars, alumni, and Friends of Cowrie.
• Undertake social media planning and scheduling.
• Support the running of the mentoring programme for Cowrie Scholars.
• Liaising with universities and corporate partners to share opportunities and information.

Responsibilities

Administration / Governance
- Day to day running of the charity’s ‘virtual’ office (email / Microsoft Office / use of Beacon CRM database / Google Drive).
- Managing correspondence and email flagging, filing, online storage / filing and retrieval of documents.
- Setting dates for trustee meetings and updating board papers.
- Prepare board notes for regular board meetings.
- Support the Project Manager and founder with any other project tasks.

Partner Management
- Ensure regular communications are sent to Scholars and universities as required.
- Ensure Cowrie donors (businesses and individuals) are kept up-to-date with progress.
- Manage administration with regards to university partnerships and annual student intake.

Communications and Events
- Assist with coordinating a range of events each year including annual summer events and the annual student festival.
- Handling and supporting with press / external enquiries for Professor Richard Oreffo.
- Assist with implementing planned content through social media to engage fundraising activities, potential donors, universities and students.

Requirements

• You must have at least 3+ years’ demonstrable experience in a comparable role in the charitable or corporate sector, and you will be motivated and passionate to achieve our aims as we are.
• Demonstrable familiarity with Gmail and Google Drive, CRM databases is essential (Beacon experience desirable), and social media scheduling would be an advantage.
• The ability to be proactive, a motivated self-starter, have discretion and be organised is essential. The role is not suited to entry-level applicants or applicants needing supervision or extensive training.
• Experience in Higher Education sector is desirable but not essential.

Role Details & Terms

• Contract: Freelance consultancy. Initial 6-month contract with opportunity to extend a further 6 months; possible renewal thereafter.
• Hours: A weekly commitment of approximately 10 hours per week. Flexible working hours across the week, with ~3 core hours on a Thursday. Occasional early evening board meetings (~2 hours, 3 times per year).
• Rate: £25 per hour.
• Location: Predominantly remote (work from home). Occasional UK face-to-face meetups as events allow/required (travel expenses covered on top of hours worked).
• Equipment: Must have access to own computer, appropriate software (MS Office etc.) and phone.
• Note: This is a freelance opportunity. The successful individual will be responsible for managing their own tax, national insurance, invoicing and associated activity.

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a closing date of March 1st set.