Vacancy

Applications are now closed

Expedition Manager

An opportunity to take a major role in a ground-breaking British polar expedition.

Polar expeditions are substantial and expensive undertakings that require corporate sponsorship and considerable planning.  Sponsors need media exposure and contact with the expedition to gain value from their investment, and the explorers' training and preparedness can suffer from the numerous diversions.  Expeditions can seem as much about the planning, marketing, fundraising, and sponsor relations as they are about logistics, preparation of specialist equipment and the journey itself.  Accordingly, the non-expeditionary members of a team may be vital to the success of the venture.

In 2010, a ground-breaking expedition is setting out for Antarctica.  We are a British duo, attempting to make history and be the first to trek wholly unsupported from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole - and back again, some 2,200 kilometres.  The expedition will take 3 months, but the planning much longer. 

We are looking to recruit an Expedition Manager.

Based anywhere in the UK (probably), the role will be part-time, with highly flexible hours, until the expedition departs in October 2010. During the expedition the work will increase substantially. 

 The Role:

 During the expedition:

 To be the team's link with the outside world, communicating regularly via satellite phone.

Supervise the interactive website with the expedition's position, progress reports, blog, photos, etc.

Provide support to sponsors.

Liaise with media.  Organise live interviews from Antarctica.

Act as expedition trouble-shooter. 

 Prior to departure, to help the team:

Liaise with partner organisations regarding lectures, presentations and pupil/staff involvement.

Assist in the preparation of sponsor presentations.

Develop media relationships and maintain media interest.

Help develop and maintain strategies with the expedition charity.

Generally increase awareness of the expedition.

The role is unusual and challenging.  We have no fixed concept of the ideal candidate, other than you will have an enthusiasm for the venture and excellent inter-personal and communication skills, being able to deal professionally and credibly with large corporations and media sources.  Importantly, you will be able to commit to the role for the duration of the project and be prepared to work some unsocial hours during the expedition.  You should be prepared to appear in the media.  Some travel will be required for which expenses will be paid. 

The location of the position is flexible.  No expedition management, or polar, experience, is required, although may of course be an asset.  The position is unlikely to suit someone already in a full-time employed position.

The Benefits 

No salary is offered.  However, this high profile role provides a unique opportunity to be a vital team member in a world-beating polar expedition and to exhibit organisational, presentational and inter-personal skills to a wide and varied audience. 

Application 

If you feel you have outstanding qualifications for the role, believe that you can enhance the expedition's chance of success, that the role will add value to your C.V., or just that it sounds incredibly interesting, we'd like to hear from you.

To apply, please send a photo of yourself, together with no more than 2 sides of A4 describing yourself and why you feel you would be suited to this unusual role, to: 

Last Great Challenge, Hoppers Barn, Clyst Honiton, Exeter, Devon EX5 2HR

Or email:  marketing@lastgreatchallenge.com

Closing date for applications: 30^th October 2009