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 / OVERVIEW

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, including:

Private View – an invite-only event for key stakeholders such as policymakers, funders, civil servants, press and Fellows.

Schools and Colleges Day – a day of workshops and exhibits aimed at students aged 14-18

Public Late – an evening of events, activities and exhibits aimed at an under 35 year old audience.

Public Day – a family-friendly day of workshops, events and exhibitions aimed at a broad general public.

• Work with the Head of Events and Public Engagement and Director of Communications on developing and delivering annual objectives.

• Work with Communications and wider Academy colleagues to identify, target and grow key audiences for each part of the Showcase through effective marketing plans.

• Work with Communications colleagues 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 Committees.

• 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

Work with the Head of Events and Public Engagement to 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.

• Work with colleagues in Research Funding and Early Career Researcher Network to identify opportunities to support researchers to develop their skills in public engagement.

• Draw up, monitor and revise programme budgets with the Head of Events and Public Engagement, working closely with the Finance department, 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 – working in consultation with key stakeholders - to inform further programming and ensure objectives are being met.

• Work closely with the 10-11 Carlton House Terrace Venue Hire, AV and IT teams – and external partners - to deliver the programme effectively for both for in-person and online audiences, ensuring a high-quality visitor experience.

• Ensure all programmes are delivered safely, taking into account of the latest Health and Safety and Safeguarding legislation and Academy risk mitigation processes.

• Ensure all programmes promote the highest standards of access and inclusion, in line with the Academy’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

• Support colleagues in Development as part of their fundraising targets, such as through donations or programme sponsorship.

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.

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.

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

QUALIFICATIONS

None

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 the UK’s Higher Education and Research environment and the key challenges it faces.

• 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.

• Confidence to deputise for the Head of Events and Public Engagement from time to time

OTHER

• Prepared to work out of hours at events when needed.

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

• Presence on site at Carlton House Terrace for 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 12:00noon on 30 April 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 19 May 2025 but this may be subject to change.