The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking two Events Producers to join our Communications Department, providing key support in the planning and delivery of the year-round public, academic and public engagement events programmes.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Events Producer provides a key role in supporting the planning and delivery of the British Academy’s year-round events programmes which take place in London, across the UK and online. This includes: public events (themed seasons, lates, performances, book prize events and festival sponsorships), academic events (lectures, conferences, academic prizes & medals), and public engagement (Summer Showcase, SHAPE Involve and Engage).

The role holder will work closely with other members of the Events Team and the wider Communications Department. You will work directly with the Head of Events and three Events Managers to deliver events at our historic home in London, at partner venues across the UK, and online.

You will be someone who thrives on delivering engaging live events aimed at a variety of audiences – from first-time visitors to our Summer Showcase, to a student attending a Late; an early career researcher watching a lecture, to a leading academic attending a key-note speech at a conference.

You will be someone who is passionate about creating dynamic events which share the latest research and is keen to develop new ways to connect with our target audiences.

You be joining the Academy at an exciting time in our history as we have recently opened three new event spaces in our building, offering a new programme of activity to our audiences.

We are recruiting two full-time roles. One is a permanent contract, the other is a 12-month fixed-term contract. One role will work primarily on academic events programmes whilst the other will work primarily on public engagement programmes.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Working closely with the Events Manager(s) in the following areas:

 1. Programme planning

• Plan and deliver selected elements of the events programmes, mainly focussing on any of the following areas: Public Events and Book Prize (including themed seasons, book prize events and festival sponsorships); Academic Events and Prizes & Medals (including lectures, conferences, academic prizes & medals); or Public Engagement (including Summer Showcase, SHAPE Involve & Engage [SHAPE I&E] awards and Being Human sponsorship).

• Plan and deliver callouts to Fellows/researchers for programme activities such as public event ideas, conference / public engagement applications, prizes/medals/lecture nominations.

• Research and identify key contributors (e.g. Fellows, researchers, journalists, authors, creatives and event chairs) for inclusion in the programme with a consideration of diversity in all its forms. 

• Manage existing partnerships - and help develop new ones - with a range of organisations whose work complements that of the events programmes. This may include universities (lectures/conferences), arts/cultural partnerships (such as festivals/SHAPE I&E) or programme sponsors (such as Book Prize).

• Support the development and delivery of the Communications Strategy.

2. Programme delivery

• Deliver delegated areas of the programme including events and other activities taking place at the Academy, at other UK locations or online.

• Ensure the effective planning and delivery of key areas such as venue hire and room set-up, ticketing and registration, AV, speaker coordination, live stream set-up etc. Ensure activities are delivered to the highest standard including risk management, safeguarding and health and safety.

• Work with the Events Manager(s) and Content & Channels team to develop the digital legacy of events – exploring opportunities to share recordings on demand, growing digital audiences nationally and internationally and building awareness of the Academy.

• Issue post-event evaluation surveys to audiences and support the Event Manager(s) with regular reporting.

 3. Audiences

• Work with the Marketing and Brand team to develop marketing strategies to effectively promote events to target audiences, ensuring good attendance figures in person and/or online.

• Work with the Events Manager(s) to ensure the programme promotes the highest standards of access and inclusion.

4. Resources

• Maintain contact with suitable external suppliers including undertaking assessment site visits to possible external event venues, hotels, etc as necessary and order external supplies when required.

• Draft budgets for programme activities and ensure they remain within budget, finalising accounts for individual activities, processing invoices for activities run, dealing with travel and expenses claims and compiling financial reports.

• Work with the Content & Channels Team to create, edit and maintain events-related webpages.  

5. Other Responsibilities

• Attend relevant Committee meetings when required and liaise closely with internal teams to ensure an integrated programme which develops the Academy’s profile and reach.

• Support the Events Manager(s) 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 department.

• Represent the Academy at external meetings when required

This post requires regular attendance at in-person events which entails working outside normal working hours, particularly evenings and possibly weekends, as well as delivering and attending events held outside London.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

Communications; Development; Research Awards; Policy; 10-11 Venue Hire and IT (AV).

External

Event partners such as universities, arts and cultural organisations / festivals.

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

• Has knowledge and proven experience in delivering in-person events to a high standard.

• Has some knowledge and proven experience in delivering online and hybrid events and the technology needed to do so.

• Working knowledge of a range of creative event formats and an enthusiasm for new ideas.

• 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 in order to achieve own, team and organisational objectives.

• 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

• Able 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

• Can think outside direct area of expertise and ownership to contribute to the wider strategic aims of the organisation.

• May be required to deputise for the Events Manager(s) from time to time.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Will need to work out of hours at events.

• Will need to travel to events delivered outside of London, requiring overnight stays in some instances.

• Will need to be present at the British Academy (10-11 Carlton House Terrace) or events, team building and other activities.

From time to time, may need to be available at short notice in person.

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.

Please note that you may be asked to reference any literature that you may refer to, as applications that are highly plagiarised and not your own work. e.g. ChatGPT, will be declined.

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on 14 July 2025, 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 29-30 July 2025 but this may be subject to change.