The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Fellowship Officer to join our Fellowship Team in the Fellowship and Development Directorate, providing key support in the delivery of the Fellowship election cycle.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

As the Fellowship Officer, you will work closely with the Fellowship Manager to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the full election cycle.

This role would suit someone who is organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities. This is a practical, varied role for someone who enjoys making things happen: keeping track of detail, communicating clearly, working confidently with data and systems, and spotting ways to make processes work better. Experience using CRM systems would be valuable as well as an interest in UK higher education.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Fellowship elections

• Support with the delivery of the cycle of elections to the Fellowship of the Academy (Fellowship, international Fellowship and Honorary Fellowship), ensuring that procedures are correctly followed.

• Prepare paperwork concerning candidates for election for relevant bodies such as Sections, Section Chairs and Groups.

• Support Section Chairs throughout the electoral process, including identifying longlists, preparation of shortlists, receipt and count of ballots, presentation of case for election, recording of Section decisions and rationale.

• Ensure disclosure and data retention processes for candidates are followed accurately, including updating/removing disclosure records, commissioning/renewing or deleting supporting statements, updating Salesforce CRM.

2. Fellowship governance

• Support with committee planning and management as required (room, AV and catering booking), responding to queries, and other duties associated with the Fellowship.

• Stakeholder management of the Fellowship, including the governance officers and committee members.

• Support the Fellowship Manager and Head of Fellowship and Alumni Engagement with other tasks as required.

3. Fellowship data and information

• Maintain the Salesforce CRM system and ensure Fellowship information is kept up to date, including subscriptions, new appointments, engagement, changes of details, and reporting these as required.

• Ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations, particularly with regard to how Fellows’ personal data is handled.

• Act as an ambassador/super user for the CRM, advising colleagues and sharing best practice.

• Collate and report on Fellowship data, working with other data owners and the M&E team to produce the annual diversity report to Council.

• Ad hoc other administrative duties such as processing Fellowship subscriptions and travel claims, plus other expenses as arise.

4. Fellowship engagement

• Draft communications related to Fellowship elections via email, Section papers, newsletter content, supporting documentation, and other channels as required.

• Contribute to Fellowship publications including the Fellows Handbook and Guidance for Elections.

• Contribute to the management of the Fellowship Portal and website, uploading and monitoring information.

5. Directorate activities

• Contribute to other related projects, tasks and responsibilities on behalf of the Fellowship Team and Fellowship and Development Directorate as reasonably requested.

 Key Stakeholders

Internal:

All Academy Teams/Directorates, Vice Presidents, Section Chairs, Fellows

External:

Other Academies

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience of working in a demanding and varied delivery role

• Experience of drafting correspondence, reports and other written documentation

• Experience in running meetings and committees

• Experience of communicating effectively with staff across departments and at all levels of seniority

• Experience of using CRM systems effectively

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

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

• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards helping others by providing appropriate support and using initiative

• Communicates effectively both internally and externally, adapting communication styles appropriate to the situation and the audience

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in person, and in writing with individuals and a wide variety of organisations.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Shares knowledge and skills with others

• Makes suggestions for improving the way things are done and is receptive to new ideas and change, adapting own ways of working as appropriate

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

• Knowledge and understanding of UK higher education and research, and the role of fellowship organisations.

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

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

• Takes ownership of tasks, setting clear and structured objectives, and delegating effectively where appropriate

• Prioritises tasks to meet deadlines, monitoring progress effectively

• Keeps relevant colleagues informed and seeks input as needed

• Evaluates and reflects on plans and delivery and applies learning to future planning

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Identifies problems and opportunities, acting on them with a proactive, can-do attitude, and taking personal responsibility for correcting problems or resolving issues

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

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

APPLICATION PROCESS

We have a two-step approach to hiring, beginning with submitting an application through the Applied platform. This will be followed by a panel interview and may involve a task component.

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application questions.

Applications will be assessed in two stages. We will first review and shortlist candidates based on their CVs. Following this, the application questions of shortlisted candidates will be reviewed and scored to determine who progresses to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that we use AI screening software to identify responses that have been copied from AI sources and are not your own work.

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on 23 November 2026, however, we may close this role sooner if we receive a high volume of applications.  In these circumstances we will give those who have shown interest 24 hours notice of the change of deadline.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for 10 December 2026 but this may be subject to change.