The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Research Funding Officer (Grants) to join our Research Funding team, providing key support in the delivery of the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants, Neil Ker Memorial fund and the Stein-Arnold Exploration fund. 

You can find out more about the British Academy here, including our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Research Funding Officer works closely with other members of the research funding team and is part of the core Grants Team (currently 2 people) within the directorate.  The Grants Team is a friendly, engaging team, part of the Academy’s Research Funding Team, and the Academy’s wider Research directorate, comprising of the International Team, Early Careers Researcher Network and Research Funding teams. We take great pride in supporting our colleagues across the Academy as we deliver specific activities within the portfolio of funding schemes - this role will have specific responsibility for the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants, the Stein-Arnold Exploration Fund and the Neil Ker Memorial Fund. 

A core duty of the Research Funding Officer role is taking the lead in overseeing the day-to day operational management of the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants to provide funding opportunities to key researchers within the humanities and social sciences remit. Working closely with another officer and one assistant there are key opportunities to establish positive relationships and make an early positive impact to the wider research community. You will also contribute to the development of process changes and collaborate with the Fellows of the British Academy in ensuring robust decision-making processes. This includes tracking and managing databases, to provide the team with up-to-date statistics and financial reporting data. 

You will be an effective communicator, able to collaborate with both external and internal stakeholders. A keen attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving, in terms of planning, prioritisation and demonstrating resilience when faced with adversity is essential.

OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leading on the opening, closing, and award-making aspects of the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants scheme which runs twice a year, leading on alternate rounds while working with another Research Funding Officer (Grants).

• Manage the Academy’s funding system Flexi-Grant, to create the annual schemes and review applications made.

• Moving the applications through the appropriate eligibility, assessment, and shortlisting stages.

• Managing the inbox to answer queries from applicants, award-holders, university research offices, and assessors.

• Prepare draft text and collaborate with the Communications team to ensure promotion of schemes via e-bulletins and social media as appropriate. 

• Lead on delivery of the privately funded Stein-Arnold Exploration Fund scheme annually.

Maintaining key relationships with Fellows, Officers and Committee members to deliver funding opportunities

• Work closely with Fellows to provide assessments for applications – Including providing them with guidance and support on the Flexi-Grant system.

• Collaborate with Fellows in ensuring robust decision-making processes for the delivery of funding schemes and awards, including organising and managing selection meetings.

• Organise events related to the Academy’s funding opportunities and other relevant associated activities for grant holders, researchers and other stakeholders.

• Participate in university visits and presentations to promote awareness of the Academy's research funding programmes.

Financial tracking and monitoring

• Take responsibility for monitoring expenditure within an allocated budget.

• Monitor the financial tracker for the scheme, making payments for the scheme and updating accordingly.

• Provide senior members of the team with up-to-date statistics and summary reports of expenditure.

• Collect and review final expenditure statements and filing them accordingly with Finance.

• Collaborate with the Finance team on managing refunds and payments monthly.

Pre and Post award monitoring

• Monitor and report on award outcomes, chasing for submission of final reports by award-holders as necessary

• Maintain effective information databases

• Collaborate in producing diversity statistics and summary reports.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

• Director of Research, members of the Research Funding Team, members of the Development Team (especially with regard to non-governmental sources of funding), members of the Communications Directorate to promote schemes

External

• Research Awards Committee; Stein-Arnold Exploration Fund Committee; University Research and Finance Offices

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

5 GCSEs A-C or equivalent

Undergraduate degree – desirable but not essential

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Is proactive in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others internally and externally

• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards helping others by providing appropriate support, using initiative and not waiting to be asked

• 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

• Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externally

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills.

• Demonstrates knowledge around the work the British Academy does

• Is receptive to new ideas and change, adapting own ways of working as appropriate

• Proactively makes suggestions for improving processes and policies

• Is aware of own strengths and weaknesses and capabilities

• Seeks and uses opportunities to learn and develop, and is quick in picking up new tasks

• Shares knowledge and skillset with others

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives

• Keeps relevant colleagues up to date with workload and tasks. Seeks input where needed.

• Can prioritise tasks to meet deadlines, and managed conflicting priorities

• Takes ownership of tasks, including delegating effectively where appropriate

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach.

• Approaches tasks with a positive attitude and is not afraid to ask for help when needed.

• Identifies problems early on and acts on them

• Anticipate conflict and thinks ahead to resolve them quickly

• Takes a flexible approach to their work, happy to take on different responsibilities in the interests of the Academy

LEADERSHIP

Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions

• Is happy to support other team members during busy periods, whilst not compromising your own workload

• Treats other staff members and stake holders with respect and honesty.

• Sets the right balance between referring decisions to the appropriate level and taking things forward without referral

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must have the right to work in the UK.

BRITISH ACADEMY WORKPLACE VALUES

The Academy’s workplace values and supporting text are set out below. We share these core values with each other. They guide how we work together and with others. We demonstrate them through our behaviours.

COLLABORATION- We consistently work together to a common purpose, supporting each other, communicating openly and sharing knowledge. We are flexible and adaptable, receiving feedback constructively

CREATIVITY - We bring imagination and curiosity to our work, valuing learning, diverse thinking, and innovation. We are open-minded, receptive, and responsive, taking account of alternative perspectives

EMPATHY-We are understanding, sensitive, compassionate, and considerate, mindful of our own wellbeing alongside that of others

EXCELLENCE - We always do our best, without striving to be perfect, applying our expertise and experience to develop and grow

INTEGRITY - We are open and honest with each other, accepting personal responsibility and demonstrating loyalty. We are reliable and dependable, having belief that we will be transparent and clear

RESILIENCE - We are confident, bold, and tenacious, knowing when to listen as well as when to speak up. We respond positively to challenges and overcome problems

RESPECT - We are inclusive in our regard for each other, showing courtesy and appreciation. We treat people fairly and equally, welcoming everyone’s contribution and difference