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Multi-talented problem-solver | Experienced HR Officer and project coordinator | Creative Thinker | Highly Resilient | Innovative Trainer &…
The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking an Events Manager (Public Engagement) to join the Communications and Marketing department to devise and deliver the year-round public engagement programme.
ROLE PURPOSE
The role will be responsible for the planning, management and delivery of programmes designed to support researchers to develop their skills and experience in public engagement as a route to impact. This includes the annual flagship Summer Showcase festival, the nationwide public engagement funding scheme SHAPE, Involve and Engage and key partnerships and collaborations with other organisations in the sector.
The role holder will work closely with the Head of Events and Public Engagement on the strategic development of these programmes and will be responsible for supporting and guiding researchers to develop high quality, innovative projects which provide meaningful opportunities for two-way dialogue with the public about their research and the humanities and social sciences more broadly.
You will be someone who has passion and experience of delivering high-quality public engagement activities and who thrives in the ‘live’ environment of events and other public facing activity. You will be equally as comfortable with planning, including developing frameworks for monitoring and evaluation.
You will also have experience in managing and developing people, whether directly managing staff or leading on a task with a dotted line basis. A core part of this role is working in partnership with both internal teams and external organisations, and so we are looking for someone who is collegiate, flexible and understands how to build positive working relationships across a diverse range of skillsets and experiences.
You will be joining at an exciting time with the recent completion of three brand-new state-of-the-art events spaces at our home on Carlton House Terrace and continued growth in the Academy’s role as a research funder. You will play an important role in contributing to the ongoing programme for this new development.
OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Lead and manage the planning, strategic development and delivery of the annual Summer Showcase, the Academy’s flagship annual public engagement festival.
* Work with key stakeholders, including the Head of Events and Public Engagement and Director of Communications on developing and delivering annual objectives; Communications and wider Academy colleagues to identify, target and grow key audiences for each part of the Showcase through effective marketing plan; Communications team to develop wider coverage of the Showcase through Press, Media and Social Media Engagement to broaden the reach of the Academy.
* Ensure key milestones are delivered on time and on budget including (but not limited to): exhibitor callout and selection, event and workshop curation, staff training/engagement, health and safety / compliance, AV and catering, programme and marketing design.
2. Lead and manage the planning, strategic development and delivery of the British Academy’s Public Engagement programme SHAPE, Involve & Engage which supports ambitious projects to engage the public with the humanities and social sciences.
* Devise and deliver the annual cycle including callout, assessment, awarding and delivery, working with relevant internal departments, Fellows and Committee
* Support the professional development of award holders across the UK through the provision of training, resources and guidance to develop successful public engagement activities, ensuring best practice.
* Provide guidance and support to enable effective public engagement activities with project partners, including cultural organisations, community groups and universities.
* Be the key contact for public engagement to liaise between the Vice President for Public Engagement and the Research Awards department.
3. Strategic / Financial
* Create and deliver a new events and public engagement strategy in line with the 2025-28 Communications strategy.
* Be the key contact with the Being Human Festival, working with colleagues at the Arts and Humanities Research Council and School of Advanced Study in the development and successful delivery of the festival, including contributor selection.
* Keep up-to-date with the latest developments within the public engagement sector ensuring programmes align with best practice.
* Identify opportunities to support researchers to develop their skills in public engagement.
* Draw up, monitor and revise programme budgets, producing accurate and up-to-date forecasts as necessary and ensuring programmes are delivered on time within agreed budgets to the highest standard.
* Evaluate the success of each programme in line with the Academy’s monitoring and evaluation framework - to inform further programming and ensure objectives are being met.
* Deliver the programme effectively with venue sales and AV staff for both for in-person and online audiences, ensuring a high-quality visitor experience.
* Ensure all programmes are delivered safely and promote the highest standards of access and inclusion.
* Support colleagues in Development in meeting their fundraising targets.
4. Management / General
* Manage the work of direct reports providing clear direction and delegation, resolving issues, supporting their professional development, and holding annual appraisals.
* Play a key role in championing and developing public engagement activities across the Academy, developing expertise within the organisation.
* Support the wider Events team through the planning and delivery of areas of the public and academic programmes where required.
* Attend and present at relevant Committee meetings when required.
* Provide support to colleagues across the organisation who organise events, offering practical advice and guidance where necessary.
* Support the Head of Events and Public Engagement across the full range of their responsibilities as directed, including deputising whenever necessary.
* Carry out such other duties as may reasonably be requested to support the work of the Communications and Marketing department.
Key Stakeholders
Internal: Communications; Fellowship; Development; Research Awards; Policy; Venue Sales & Marketing and IT (AV).
External: Partners such as universities, festivals (including Being Human), arts and cultural organisations and community groups.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Works and communicates effectively
* Is proactive in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others internally and externally.
* Adopts a communication style appropriate to the situation and the audience, understanding that communication is two-way.
* Is sensitive to different working styles and views, adapting where appropriate.
* Is willing and able to compromise and negotiate, including to resolve possible conflicts.
* Handles difficult situations with sensitivity & respect.
* Communicates effectively with staff across departments and with Fellows and funded researchers.
* Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externally.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills
* Good knowledge of Public Engagement within a Higher Education and Research environment
* Good knowledge and understanding of public audiences.
* Proven experience of programming and delivering engaging events, scheduled and delivered to a high standard.
* Knows how to forge and maintain successful partnerships with external organisations.
* Is receptive to new ideas and change, adapting own ways of working as appropriate.
* Makes suggestions for improving the way things are done.
* Seeks and uses opportunities to learn and develop and is quick in picking up new tasks.
* Shares knowledge and skills with others.
PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING
Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives
* Manages own time and resources effectively and that of the Events and Public Engagement Team to achieve own, team and organisational objectives.
* Takes ownership of tasks, including delegating effectively where appropriate.
* Keeps relevant colleagues informed and seeks input.
* Evaluates and manages risks effectively.
* Monitors progress effectively and adapts plans where possible.
PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING
Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach
* Ability to multi-task and prioritise competing tasks to meet deadlines.
* Anticipates obstacles and thinks ahead, referring to the appropriate level where necessary.
* Has a pro-active, can-do attitude, taking personal responsibility for correcting problems or resolving issues.
* Focuses on solutions and manages pressure.
* Copes with the unexpected.
* Handles difficult situations calmly, with sensitivity and respect.
LEADERSHIP
Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions
* Skilled at providing appropriate challenge, support and development to direct reports.
* Ability to delegate tasks and provide an appropriate level of oversight and support to team members.
* Can think outside direct area of expertise and ownership to contribute to the wider strategic aims of the organisation.
* Confident to deputise for the Head of Events and Public Engagement from time to time.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
This post requires regular attendance at in-person events which entails working outside normal working hours,particularly evenings and weekends. The role may also involve attending events / projects held outside London.
MUST BE COMMITTED TO THE BRITISH ACADEMY'S WORKPLACE VALUES OF:
COLLABORATION, CREATIVITY, EMPATHY, EXCELLENCE, INTEGRITY, RESILIENCE AND RESPECT
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Project Management
* Industries
Research Services and Non-profit Organizations
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