Social Research Institute Society: Outreach Officer (Partnerships & Sponsorships)

I’m applying for Outreach Officer (Partnerships & Sponsorships) because I’m genuinely interested in how ideas move beyond the university space and into the real world. As a Sociology student, I’m constantly thinking about how research connects to policy, industry and public conversations, and I see outreach as the bridge that makes that connection possible.

Over the past few years, I’ve led digital design and marketing initiatives, as well as been head of the organising committee, for my school’s Model United Nations conferences, helping grow audiences and secure engagement from external stakeholders. What I’ve learned is that partnerships work best when they feel intentional, and when both sides see clear value and shared purpose. I’m particularly interested in building relationships with think tanks, research organisations and socially-driven startups that align with SRI’s academic focus.

If elected, I’d focus on three things. First, mapping and targeting organisations that reflect the society’s intellectual direction. Second, creating a professional but warm outreach strategy through sponsorship decks and LinkedIn engagement. Third, building long-term relationships rather than one-off sponsorships, so SRI becomes a society external partners actively want to collaborate with.

I care about thoughtful communication and meaningful connection. I’d love to help position SRI not just as a student society, but as a credible and outward-facing space for social research.

My goal is to transform careers & outreach at SRI to feel accessible, practical & genuinely engaging. 

I will: 

• Develop a clear sponsor pipeline, systemizing long-term collaborations & partnerships → ensure communications are timely, transparent & professional.
• Introduce fun networking mixers––from policy-and-pastry bakery socials to “study crawls” across libraries + research-themed excursions e.g think tank visits & Parliament tours connecting theory to real-world spaces
• Invite professionals from policy, data science, research, NGOs, media & law to reflect SRI's interdisciplinary nature. 
• Ensure events interactive and welcoming––creating space for real networking and community-building, rather than one-off talks. 

Careers shouldn’t feel intimidating––they should feel accessible & achievable.  

As the current Outreach Officer, I manage external correspondence, partnerships & follow-ups with speakers. Beyond, I’ve built NGO partnership raising funds through student-led initiatives, interviewed professionals, & coordinated international collaborations –– strengthening my outreach strategy, professional communication, organisation, & follow-through.

I'm reliable, detail-oriented, & across divisions, my priority is the same: to help SRI expand its impact combining structure with approachability. 

I care about building real opportunities––not just events, but lasting connections. 

If you want careers that feel inspiring > overwhelming & engaging outreach, support