[Bups-l] BUPS Job Openings

[Edward Grefenstette]

If you're strapped for cash, then I'm sorry to disappoint you, the  
following jobs are all volunteer positions. If on the other hand,  
you're looking for some nice things to put on your CV, and more  
importantly, you want to get involved with the running of BUPS in a  
more specific way than the core committee officers do, and develop  
some interesting skills along the way, then read on.

The BUPS committee is composed of both general officers, who deal  
with running the society on an every day basis (as well as organising  
the conference) and specialist officers, which deal with specialist  
tasks. The following positions are open, for the next academic  
session (2007-2008). In each case, if you are interested in joining  
the team, and are considered suitable (i.e. reliable) by the current  
officer holding that position, you will be given a full explanation  
of your duties and responsibilities, as well as given training  
regarding the technical aspects of your job (if there are any), as  
well as given access to internal documentation. Your job in the  
committee as a whole will be limited to your area of specialisation,  
with limited required interaction with the rest of the committee  
(save the chair). However you will have the opportunity to  
participate more, on a voluntary basis (most of our current  
specialist officers have spoken, chaired, responded or simply shown  
up at our recent conferences, and helped in the organisation – so you  
definitely can do more than just specific specialised tasks if you're  
up for it).

1) Web Officer
The web officer deals mainly with the maintenance of the site.  
Regular updates are required for news items, conference programmes,  
and various temporary web-pages related to events we are running. The  
position also involves making sure we have regular backups of the  
site handy in case of a server failure, and that our email system is  
running fine.
Some degree of comfort with basic HTML is expected from applicants.  
Having some idea of how CSS works, and how to FTP into a server are  
also useful skills, but are not required, as these things will be  
explained to you if you have any knowledge gaps.

2) Twelve Project (Societies)
The Twelve Project (see http://www.bups.org/pages/societies.shtml for  
more info) is all about philosophy societies. Both networking with  
current societies, providing them with a point of contact for getting  
in touch with other societies or potential speakers for events on one  
hand; and helping enthusiastic students form new philosophy societies  
in their universities on the other. Some experience of running (or  
participating in the running) of a society is a plus, but all that's  
really needed are good communication skills. If you enjoy getting to  
know people from across the UK, and being the oil that helps the  
undergraduate philosophical machine run more efficiently, then please  
give the Twelve Project some thought.

3) School Project
The Schools Project (see http://www.bups.org/pages/ 
schools_project.shtml for more info) aims to bring philosophy to a  
younger audience. If you would like to get involved in the  
communication of the great experience that is the academic study of  
philosophy, or simply help youngsters broaden their horizons, this is  
for you. The job will involve networking with schools, preparing  
information packs for students interested in studying philosophy at  
university level, and even going to schools yourself to give talks.

If any of these jobs appeals to you, or if you would like more  
information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us by  
emailing chair at bups.org and we'll get in touch with you.

Working with BUPS is a great experience (of course I'd say that,  
wouldn't I...), and will most certainly help your improve your  
organisational skills and meet new people; so what are you waiting  
for? Give us a mail!

All the best,

Edward
Chair, BUPS