The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking an Events Producer to join our Communications Department, providing key support in the delivery of the British Academy’s brand-new public events programme, showcasing the best of humanities and social sciences research.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The British Academy, the UK's national body for the humanities and social sciences, is seeking an Events Producer to join our Communications Department and help plan and deliver our re-imagined year-round public events programme.

This role requires substantial creative thinking and close collaboration with the Public Events Manager to produce a diverse range of events, from panels to performances. Our events aim to bring our Fellows' and the Academy’s work to life, as well as showcase the latest research in the humanities and social sciences.

Our goal is to make our events exciting, engaging, and accessible to public audiences. In addition to individual events, you will help develop themed seasons with the Public Events Manager to attract new audiences and convey the Academy’s story.

As a small team, we seek an individual who is exceptionally organised, detail-oriented, professional, and motivated, and who has a passion for events.

The candidate must have experience delivering events in a professional environment, as they will play a key role in executing our public events programme in our brand-new event spaces at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme planning 

• Work closely with the Events Manager(s) to concept, plan, budget and deliver the events programme, including: public events (that include, but are not limited to: debates, panel discussions, festivals, performances, lates, Summer Showcase activities. 

• Work with the Events Manager(s) to research and identify key contributors (Fellows, funded-researchers, journalists, authors and creatives) and event ideas for inclusion in the programme with a consideration of diversity in all its forms.  

• Work with the Events Manager(s) to manage existing partnerships, and help develop new ones, with a range of organisations whose work complements that of the Academy. This may include university partners (such as British Academy Lectures) or arts/cultural partnerships (such as festivals). 

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

• Support the development and delivery of the Communications Strategy and evaluation framework. 

Programme delivery 

• Manage delegated programme events and other activities on the day at the Academy or other UK locations, including venue hire and room set-up, ticketing and registration, AV, speaker coordination, live stream set-up and generally representing the Academy to the public. 

• Be responsible for the administration and smooth delivery of delegated events and activities, booking facilities, managing event budgets, liaising with speakers, chairs and partners, and liaising with internal Academy departments and external suppliers / freelancers to ensure that all programme activities are delivered to the highest standard. 

• Work with the Events Manager(s) and Digital 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.

Audiences

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

• With the Events Manager(s), ensure the programme promotes the highest standards of access and inclusion. 

• Support the development and delivery of the Communications and Marketing Strategy and associated sub-strategies and the programme’s evaluation framework.

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 Academy’s Digital Team to create, edit and maintain events  related webpages.

General

• 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.

• Help with record keeping, filing and organisation of Sharepoint.

This post requires regular attendance at in-person events which entail 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 Carleton House Terrace Venue Hire and IT (AV).

External

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

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

N/A

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

• 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

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

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

• Lead and manage staff during event delivery.

OTHER

• 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 15 July 2024, 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 week commencing 29 July 2024 but this may be subject to change.