Recruitment Information
Pack
Marketing and PR Officer
(Maternity Cover, 0.6 FTE)
Welcome from the Principal
The vision of Ayrshire College is to raise aspirations, inspire
achievement, and increase opportunities and our aim is to create
a dynamic and innovative College to serve the communities and
businesses in Ayrshire. We work in partnership with businesses
and key stakeholders to ensure we are focused on providing
opportunities which meet demand in key industry sectors in Ayrshire and beyond.
Ayrshire College has a key role in helping to develop the economy in Ayrshire and beyond,
by ensuring that students develop the right skills and positive attitudes to support the local,
regional and national workforce needs.
The College offers a broad and balanced curriculum across Ayrshire, offering hope,
inspiration and opportunity to the communities we serve. By harnessing the strengths and
talent of staff from across all of our campuses, and with an ethos of continuous improvement,
we provide the highest quality learning experience for our students.
I am delighted that you are considering joining our successful team at this exciting stage of
our development. Following review of the vacancy information, if you feel that your
knowledge, skills and experience are suited to this role, and you are enthusiastic with drive
and ambition, we would be very pleased to receive your application.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this career opportunity with us
Heather Dunk
Principal and Chief Executive
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Introducing Ayrshire College
Aims, Mission and Objectives
The vision of Ayrshire College is to raise aspirations, inspire achievement and increase
opportunities. Raising the aspirations of our students and staff to set ambitious goals for their
learning and future careers, complemented with the right support to enable them to achieve
these, is a key aspect of our vision. The College also seeks to contribute to raising the
aspirations of the people, communities and
employers across Ayrshire, helping all to
achieve the goals important for their success.
As well as increasing opportunities for our
students and staff, we will work with partners
and employers to increase opportunities which
will benefit the wealth of the regional economy
and the wellbeing of local communities.
We have aligned the mission and vision of
Ayrshire College with the strategic priorities of
our partners, in particular to support the overarching ambitions of the three Community
Planning Partnerships in Ayrshire.
Fundamental to achieving our ambitions is a culture which supports this and our values will
underpin everything that we do.
Seven Star Ambition
In aiming to be a world-leading College, we have
developed a simple approach of delivering a seven
star service. Supported by staff and students, this
concept reflects our stretching ambitions for the
College:
1.
To deliver excellence in learning and
teaching
2.
To have an excellent reputation locally,
regionally and nationally
3.
To nurture new and further develop
excellent partnership working with employers and
Community Planning Partners
4.
To recruit and retain highly skilled staff and
enable students to flourish in excellent learning
environments
5.
To be the college of first choice for students
6. To be the training partner of choice for employers
7. To demonstrate excellence in financial sustainability
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Curriculum Portfolio
The curriculum portfolio is demand based to
meet the educational requirements of
learners across Ayrshire and the business
community. The curriculum currently
delivered
supports
the
Scottish
Government’s focus on the 16-19 year old
age group, and also reflects the
requirements of older students, including
adult returners and those accessing training
or education for the first time.
College Campuses
Ayr Campus
The Ayr Campus includes the Dam Park Building, Riverside Building, and the Aeronautical
Engineering Training Centre.
The Dam Park Building comprises a range
of student services as well as multi-purpose
classrooms, professional training kitchens
and
engineering
and
construction
workshops.
The Riverside Building hosts IT suites,
custom built studios for Creative Arts,
Fashion workshops and Hair and Beauty
salons.
The Aeronautical Engineering Training
Centre includes an aircraft hangar which is home to a “Bulldog” light aircraft, a flight deck
simulator, a wind tunnel and jet engines.
Kilmarnock Campus
Kilmarnock Campus offers a range of curriculum programmes and also incorporates the
Gallery Restaurant, The Hair Salon, Aqua Spa and Nail salons. The Campus also delivers a
range of engineering and motor vehicle programmes and has developed strong partnership
links with the engineering business community across Ayrshire.
The Kilmarnock Campus offers a full range of student support services to enhance learner
journeys.
The new campus in Kilmarnock campus has been progressing at a steady rate since work
began in June 2014 and will be ready for students in September 2016.
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Kilwinning Campus
The Kilwinning Campus offers industry standard resources which include design studios, IT
suites and hairdressing and beauty salons.
Nethermains Campus
Nethermains supports a range of construction
and motor vehicle courses and provides an
industry standard environment to support student
learning and teaching.
The Craig Centre
Horticulture and land management courses are
based at the Craig Centre, Gatehead.
Programmes delivered include tree surgery, and
landscaping.
Townholm Campus (Kilmarnock)
Townholm Campus is home to our Centre of Sporting Excellence, which delivers a range of
sport and fitness programmes. The Townholm campus also comprises a Trade Skills facility
which supports Painting and Decorating, Bricklaying and Carpentry and Joinery.
Skills Centre of Excellence Irvine Campus (Irvine Royal Academy)
The Skills Centre of Excellence Irvine Campus is a new addition to Ayrshire College and
opened in October 2014. The first part of the development of the Irvine Campus will see the
delivery of Sport and Fitness and Health and Social Care courses. This campus will continue
to develop over the academic term to provide other exciting opportunities in the future.
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Governance and Management Structure
Board of Management
The Ayrshire College Board of Management was created on 1st August 2014. The Board
provides strong and effective governance and strategic leadership for Ayrshire College. The
current members of the Board include:
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Willie Mackie, Chair of the Board of Management
Alan Walker, Vice Chair of the Board of Management, Chair – Audit Committee
Heather Dunk, Principal and Chief Executive
Wai-yin Hatton, Chair - Estates and New Campus Development Committee
Barbara Graham, Chair - Learning and Teaching Committee
Nicki Beveridge, Chair - Human Resources and Organisational Wellbeing Committee
Tom Wallace, Chair - Finance Committee
Juliana Pyper-McFarland, Service/Support Staff Board Member
Julie Bradley, Curriculum/Teaching Staff Board Member
Angela Alexander, Student President
Holly Bates, Student Vice President
Bill Costley, Board Member
Gordon James, Board Member
Professor Alan McGregor, Board Member
James English, Board Member
Fiona Fawdry, Board Member
Executive Management Team
 Jane McKie, Vice Principal, Human Resources and Organisational Wellbeing
 Bernadette McGuire, Vice Principal, Learning and Teaching
 Michael Breen, Vice Principal, Finance and College Systems
 Jackie Galbraith, Vice Principal, Strategy, Planning and Performance
 Donna Vallance, Vice Principal, New Campus Development and Estates Services
Senior Management Team
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Elaine Hutton, Director of Learning and Skills (Creative)
Julie Maxwell, Director of Learning and Skills (Care, Education, Sport and Fitness)
Gavin Murray, Director of Learning and Skills (STEM)
Moira Birtwistle, Director of Learning and Skills (Hospitality, Tourism, Business and IT)
Carol Nisbet, Director of Learning and Skills (Partnerships and Employability)
Helen Canning, Director of Student Services
David Davidson, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development
Alistair Gordon, Director of Finance and Student Funding
Dave Swan, Director of ICT and MIS
Stuart Millar, Director of Education Contracts and Business Development
Michael McHugh, Director of Quality Enhancement
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Executive and Senior Management Structure
Heather Dunk
Principal & Chief
Executive
Donna Vallance
Vice Principal
Estate and New
Campus Development
Eileen Mackin
Project Director – New
Campus Development
(Kilmarnock)
Michael Breen
Vice Principal
Finance & College
Systems
Jane McKie
Vice Principal
Human Resources &
Organisation Wellbeing
Alistair Gordon
Director Of Finance &
Student Funding
(Kilmarnock)
David Davidson
Director of Human
Resources &
Organisational
Development
(Ayr)
Dave Swan
Director of ICT & MIS
(Kilwinning)
Helen Canning
Director of Student
Services
(Kilmarnock)
Bernadette McGuire
Vice Principal
Learning and Teaching
Jackie Galbraith
Vice Principal Strategy,
Planning &
Performance
Elaine Hutton
Director of Learning &
Skills – Creative
(Ayr)
Stuart Millar
Director of Education.
Contracts & Business
Development
(Ayr)
Julie Maxwell
Director of Learning &
Skills – Care, Education
and Sport & Fitness
(Kilwinning)
Michael McHugh
Director of Quality
Enhancement
(Kilwinning)
Gavin Murray
Director of Learning &
Skills – STEM
(Kilmarnock)
Moira Birtwistle
Director of Learning &
Skills – Hospitality,
Tourism, Business & IT
(Ayr)
Carol Nisbet
Director of Partnerships
& Employability
(Kilwinning)
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Ayrshire College News:
INDIAN EDUCATION LEADERS VISIT AYRSHIRE COLLEGE
Ayrshire College has welcomed a group of India’s education specialists to their Ayr
campus, as part of a visit to learn about Scotland's education policy and practice
across schools, colleges and universities.
Education Scotland invited the group to Scotland following the Education World Forum in
London 18th-20th of January. The British Council Scotland arranged for the party to visit
Ayrshire College, Scotland’s Rural College and Glasgow Kelvin College’s Fashion Show. The
delegation also attended a network reception where they heard from Dr Alasdair Allan,
Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages.
India is a priority country for the Scottish government and Ayrshire College is optimistic that
the visit could lead to real collaboration with India in the future.
The group was comprised of:
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Rittika Parruck, Assistant Director (Schools) at the British Council in India
Sujit Gulati, the Gujarat government's Principal Secretary for Primary and Secondary
Education
Srinivas Sriramdas, Education Advisor.
All three were interested in the provision of learning, teaching and training in aeronautics as
the Indian states of Karnataka, Gujarat and Andhra Paredesh are in the process of education
and skills reform.
The trio were given a tour of the College's Aeronautical Engineering Training Centre after first
hearing about the opportunities available to students at Ayrshire College.
They were given an explanation of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework and how
Ayrshire College's various STEM courses fit within it.
A key message that the education group took away from their visit was the importance of
working in partnership with industry leaders - after hearing about the College's strong
partnerships with Ryanair, BAE Systems and other major aeronautical companies.
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YOUNG PEOPLE BENEFIT FROM PRINCE'S TRUST
PROGRAMME
Ayrshire College Prince’s Trust teams from Ayr, Kilmarnock and Kilwinning marked
the successful completion of their ‘Team Programme’ with a celebration at the
Masonic Hall in Kilmarnock.
Friends and family watched as their loved ones were presented with certificates and
congratulated on their achievements. The young people involved, many of whom lacked
confidence prior to the programme, shared their experiences. They spoke about what they
had learned and how they had grown during the 12 week personal development course.
The Prince’s Trust Team Programme is aimed at those aged 16-25. It offers practical skills, a
residential week, community projects and work experience. Each student who completes the
course at Ayrshire College gains seven qualifications.
Jacqueline Mcfadzean, Prince’s Trust Team Leader, Kilwinning, said “Most young people
leave the programme with increased confidence and self-belief as well as a better
understanding of the importance of teamwork and a renewed focus for life and work.”
The teams first came together in week three when they bonded during the residential stay at
Auchingillan outdoor centre. They took part in team building activities which pushed them out
of their comfort zones but ultimately empowered them and boosted their confidence.
For their ‘Community Projects’ Ayr and Kilmarnock teams created an Eco-garden at
Glencairn Primary in Prestwick. The Kilwinning team worked with St Johns Primary in
Stevenston tidying up a neglected area of the playground.
Work placements included Superdrug, Rathbone, Dumfries House, Corsehill Primary,
Fullarton Care Home, Buckreddan Care Home, Kilwinning Sports Club and Ayrshire College
ICT and Administration Departments.
The final element of the course was the ‘Team Challenge’. The Kilmarnock team collected
and distributed food parcels in conjunction with Arnold Clark Ayr. The Ayr team created a
Santa’s grotto for Struthers Primary and the Kilwinning team worked with students on the
PEZ (Personal Empowerment Zone) course to put on a pantomime. All teams also raised
money for help for heroes
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Recruitment Advertisement
Career Opportunity
Marketing and PR Officer (Maternity Cover for approximately 9 months)
21 hours per week
Kilmarnock (Main Base)
£25,452 per annum (pro rata)
You will support the Marketing and PR Manager in delivering a comprehensive Marketing
and PR service. This will involve supporting all aspects of Marketing and PR activity to
enable positive brand management and promote the College effectively across external
media sources, through developing and delivering marketing campaigns to promote the
College and its services.
You must have significant experience of writing engaging content and designing interactive
tools for websites, blogs and social media posts to extend our reach and engagement levels.
You will be competent at managing website CMS to improve navigation on a website to
provide an excellent user experience. You should be proficient using Google Analytics and
report on the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
You will be educated to HNC level or equivalent qualification, with experience in development
of Marketing and Public Relations campaigns and providing support within a customer
focused Marketing environment. A comprehensive knowledge of the Microsoft office suite
and Marketing and PR principles relating to the development and delivery of marketing
services are also essential for this post.
Informal enquiries to Shelagh McLachlan, Marketing and PR Manager, 01563 523501 ext
4166, or email shelagh.mclachlan@ayrshire.ac.uk
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Job Description
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Post Title:
Responsible to (Post Title):
No of Job Holders:
Last update:
Marketing and PR Officer
Marketing and PR Manager
4
Jan 2016
2. PRINCIPAL JOB PURPOSE
The Marketing and PR Officer will support the Marketing and PR Manager in
delivering a comprehensive Marketing and PR service.
Support all aspects of Marketing and PR activity to enable positive brand
management and promote the College effectively across external media sources.
3. JOB DIMENSIONS & CONTROL OF RESOURCES
The post holder will support the development and delivery of on-line marketing and
PR campaigns to promote the College and its services across a range of external
networks and communities. Responsibility for developing campaigns for the Ayrshire
College website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Google+ platforms.
The post holder will have no responsibility for staff or budgetary management
4. ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
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5. MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Support the Marketing manager through development and delivery of on-line
marketing and PR campaigns to promote the College and its services
effectively across a range of external networks and communities.
2. Contribute to the development of the Marketing and PR strategy to
continuously promote the Ayrshire College Brand on-line.
3. Contribute to the development and implementation of systems, procedures
and policies in order to establish and maintain an innovative, high quality and
demand led service.
4. Produce and maintain the College’s calendar of events, in order to support
effective event planning and organisation.
5. Maintain robust operational processes to ensure that all users of the service
are supported appropriately.
6. Engage effectively with College staff in order to support the planning and
organisation of events e.g. Graduation ceremonies and other celebratory and
promotional events.
7. Support the design and development of the College’s marketing and
promotional materials to enable maximum external coverage across the
communities of Ayrshire and beyond.
8. Support the Marketing and PR Manager in the preparation of reports and
analysis to assist in strategic development.
9. Effectively maintain systems and databases to ensure the efficient
performance of the full range of Marketing activities.
10. Maintain effective administration procedures to underpin the efficient
performance of the service area and support the management of relationships
with College alumni.
11. Participate fully as a member of the team providing support as required to
ensure a seamless service is delivered at all times across all campuses.
12. Provide high-quality customer focused assistance for all enquiries to support
the activities of the team.
13. Support the implementation of all College policies, procedures and regulations
with specific reference to finance, quality enhancement, health and safety, risk
management, equality and diversity and staff performance to sustain an
inclusive and supportive environment in accordance with College policy.
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6. COMMUNICATIONS (Internal & External)
The Marketing and PR Officer will communicate regularly using a variety of methods
with key internal and external stakeholders including Directors, Managers, external
partners (e.g. media organisations) and service providers.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both oral and written are required
to achieve effective working relationships with managers, staff, the public,
stakeholders, external agencies and existing and potential partners.
7. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
The post-holder will function with a degree of independence and autonomy within
parameters agreed in conjunction with the Marketing and PR Manager and has
some discretion to prioritise and determine workload. Work is demand driven and
generated through the service area objectives and priorities. Work activity will also
be delegated by the Marketing and PR Manager. The post-holder will have some
responsibility for prioritising work load.
The post holder will agree personal objectives relating to the delivery of the
Marketing, PR and Communication operational plan and these will be reviewed after
6 months then in 12 month periods thereafter.
8. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Education
 Educated to HNC level or equivalent qualification or relevant experience in a
related environment.
 Evidence of Continuous Professional Development
Knowledge:
Demonstrable knowledge of:
 The services of the College
 Marketing and PR principles relating to the development and delivery of
marketing services.
 Use of relevant software: Website Content Management System and Google
Analytics. Hootsuite, Facebook (+Facebook advertising), Twitter, Google+,
LinkedIn, Instagram and Google AdWords.
 Comprehensive knowledge of the Microsoft office suite
 Working knowledge of specific systems within the Marketing and PR Team
Skills and Competencies:
 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to
communicate in a range of formats.
 The ability to develop creative solutions to meet the needs of all customers.
 The ability to plan and prioritise a range of work activities, involving personal
and confidential information, meet deadlines and work to tight timescales.
 Maintain confidentiality at all times and support the management of sensitive
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issues appropriately.
Customer focussed with the ability to provide a professional service at all
times.
Excellent ICT skills and the ability to produce high quality work first time.
Ability to produce high quality work with attention to detail.
Ability to analyse and present data and information in final format with minimal
supervision.
Ability to work flexibly across regional campuses.
Experience:
 Demonstrable experience of delivering high quality work on time and to tight
timescales within a Marketing environment.
 Significant experience of developing on-line Marketing campaigns.
 Experience of providing support within a customer focused Marketing
environment.
9. MAIN JOB CHALLENGES
Planning, development and delivery of on-line marketing campaigns which to support
the Marketing and PR Manager in delivering a high quality service and promote the
Ayrshire College brand.
10. WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Physical
 The post will involve office-based work, which will also involve the post-holder
travelling to other campuses;
 Keyboard skills for production of paperwork and reports;
 Operation of a wide range of office machinery/equipment including:
- Personal computer for production of relevant documentation and use of
email;
- Photocopier
Mental
 Concentration required to prepare materials and quality check final output;
 Frequent and constant interruptions, on issues relating to the work of the
Marketing and PR Team;
 Concentration for long periods when preparing reports.
Emotional
 The ability to maintain professionalism and deal with conflicting views and not
be provoked by occasional challenging, hostile, confrontational or aggressive
behaviour.
 Dealing with challenging customer groups.
Working Environment
 Mainly desk/office based.
 Travel to other campuses as required.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Post Title:
Marketing and PR Officer
Responsible to:
Marketing and PR Manager
Attributes
Education
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Knowledge
Skills and
Competencies
Essential
Educated to HNC level or
equivalent qualification or
relevant experience in a related
environment.
Desirable
Evidence of Continuous
Professional Development
Demonstrable knowledge of:

The services of the College

Marketing and PR principles
relating to the development and
delivery of marketing services.

Use of relevant software: Website
Content Management System and
Google Analytics. Hootsuite,
Facebook (+Facebook
advertising), Twitter, Google+,
LinkedIn, Instagram and Google
Adwords.

Comprehensive knowledge of the
Microsoft office suite

Working knowledge of specific
systems within the Marketing and
PR Team

Excellent communication and
interpersonal skills with the
ability to communicate in a
range of formats.

The ability to develop creative
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solutions to meet the needs of
all customers.
Experience

The ability to plan and prioritise
a range of work activities,
involving personal and
confidential information, meet
deadlines and work to tight
timescales.

Maintain confidentiality at all
times and support the
management of sensitive
issues appropriately.

Customer focussed with the
ability to provide a professional
service at all times.

Excellent ICT skills and the
ability to produce high quality
work first time.

Ability to produce high quality
work with attention to detail.

Ability to analyse and present
data and information in final
format with minimal
supervision.

Ability to work flexibly across
regional campuses.
Demonstrable experience of
delivering high quality work on
time and to tight timescales
within a Marketing environment.


Significant experience of
developing on-line Marketing
campaigns.

Experience of providing support
within a customer focused
Marketing environment.
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Application Procedure
Please return your completed application form by 12 noon on Friday 12 February 2016 via
email to ayrshirecollegecareers@ayrshire.ac.uk or alternatively to Human Resources,
Ayrshire College, Ayr Campus, Dam Park, Ayr, KA8 0EU.
The College is an Equal Opportunities employer and in this respect it would be most helpful if
you could complete and return with your application form the appropriate questionnaire. This
questionnaire will be retained by Human Resource Services and will not be used in the
selection process. Similarly, you are asked to complete the Criminal Conviction Declaration
and return. The information given on this form will be treated in the strictest confidence. Both
forms are incorporated within the College’s application form.
Please note that we do not accept CVs.
Please note that if you are shortlisted you will be advised within 4 weeks of the closing date.
If you have not heard from us by then you must assume that you have been
unsuccessful on this occasion. If you would like to receive confirmation of this, then
please do not hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to receiving your completed application form and thank you for the interest
you have shown in the College.
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