The British Academy the UKs national body for the humanities and social sciences is seeking a Deputy Head to join our Research Funding Department, providing key support in the delivery of a range of research funding programmes, in particular the operational management of the British Academys relationship with the British International Research Institutes (BIRI).
The role
The Academy plays a crucial role as a funder in the UKs higher education landscape, providing support for talent at a wide range of career stages from early-career to senior researchers. This role works closely with the Head of Research Funding to ensure the robust and successful delivery of a range of programmes, including the Academys flagship Postdoctoral Fellowships and Small Research Grants. In particular, the Deputy Head directly manages the Academys relationship with the nine British International Research Institutes, each of which is a separate entity and has its own programme of activity.
You will also work proactively to raise awareness of the Academys funding opportunities with universities and independent research organisations across the UK. As the Academy moves towards full integration of its Grants Management System, Flexi-Grant, with our new CRM, Salesforce, the Deputy Head will play a crucial role in supporting the team to deliver this major new project.
We are looking for someone who has strong organisational capability with demonstrable attention to detail. You will need to be resilient to manage a fast-paced, demanding workload and multiple activities. Confidence in dealing with financial management, figures and budgets is essential, as is commitment to a collaborative approach across the team, the broader Research Directorate and wider Academy, as well as tactful, empathetic and non-bureaucratic support for award-holders and applicants.
About the Academy
The British Academy is the UKs national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Todays complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas, engages the public with fresh thinking and debates, and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.
The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing, Development, Policy, Research, and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team.
Working at the Academy
Our senior management team has worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning and development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity and inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success as we move forward and continue to grow.
Terms and conditions
The British Academy is based at 1011, Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1 a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package, including a 35-hour working week, 34 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.
How to apply
To apply, and to see the full job description and our workplace values, please follow the link to apply now on the Applied recruitment platform.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment, promoting equal opportunity, and addressing under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.
Closing date: Noon on 2 March 2026.
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