The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Head of Events to join the leadership team of an integrated Communications and Marketing department and drive the organisation’s events strategy and delivery.

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

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Head of Events will lead the strategy, management and delivery of the British Academy’s programme of events, prizes and medals. This role holder will ensure that all events are delivered to a high standard, partnerships are stewarded effectively and develop a high performing team of staff members. The Head of Events will also act as a source of expertise and advice and setting standards and providing advice to other departments hosting events. The Head will lead a highly performing team of events professionals and contribute to the strategic development of the Academy’s Communications and Marketing as a member of the directorate leadership team. You will be joining at a time of exciting change, with construction about to begin on brand-new events spaces at our home on Carlton House Terrace. You will be instrumental in defining the opening and ongoing programme for this new development.

You will be someone who thrives on delivering live events, whether in-person or online, and has an audience-first approach to programming, reflecting the latest trends and insights to ensure the Academy events are effective and of the highest quality. You will be experienced in managing and developing people, whether directly managing staff or leading on a task or dotted line basis. A core part of this role is working in partnership with teams across the organisation, 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. Externally, you will develop and nurture partnerships with a wide range of external organisations in order to deliver our strategic goals.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1 - Devise and deliver the Academy’s open events programme aimed at a general public audience

• Develop the strategy, taking account of market research, audience insight and in consultation with other teams, VPs and Committees.

• Curate a programme, pulling in ideas from the Fellowship, other teams, the department and liaise with partners.

• Ensure the effective delivery of events, upholding high standards in all aspects including risk management, health and safety, budgeting and evaluation.

2 – Deliver the Academy’s open events programme aimed at an academic audience

• Deliver and develop the British Academy Conference Scheme, liaising with the Publications and Conference Committee on the selection, ensuring the effective delivery including promotion and leading process and product improvements following evaluation.

• Deliver and develop the British Academy Lecture programme, liaising with the Communications and Engagement Committee on the selection, ensuring the effective delivery including promotion and leading process and product improvements following evaluation.

• Manage the delivery of ad hoc or short turnaround conferences or events aimed at an academic audience, ensuring they are delivered to a high standard and in close collaboration and good working relationships with other teams such as Policy and Research.

3 – Oversee the delivery of the Academy’s portfolio of Prizes and Medals

• Ensure that the Academy’s portfolio of disciplinary specific prizes and medals is delivered to a high standard, with a focus on communications with Sections and sponsors and identifying ways in which the portfolio can deliver increased value in future.

• Work with the Director of Communications to oversee the British Academy Book Prize, ensuring the Prize is delivered effectively and identifying growth opportunities for the future in liaison with the Development Team.

• Identify new opportunities for the Academy in the field of Prizes and Medals, taking account of industry shifts and feedback from Fellows and partners.

4 – Provide leadership on events delivered by other teams within the Academy

• Lead the Events Organisers Network in partnership with the Head of Venue Sales and Management.

• Develop and provide advice and guidance and clear standards and practices for events delivered by the Academy regardless of the lead team or department.

• Oversee the Academy’s calendar of events, liaising with the relevant departments and teams on an ongoing basis.

 KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

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

External

• Sponsors of Prizes and Medals and Conferences; Events leads in similar organisations such as the other national academies; Suppliers; Conference Convenors and Partners such as universities and museums.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Working Relationships

• 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.

• Has experience of working effectively with people at a senior level, such as Senior Management Teams or Trustees.

• 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

• Good knowledge and understanding of the UK’s Higher Education and Research environment and the key challenges it faces.

• Good knowledge and understanding of at least one of our key audiences.

• Good 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.

• 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.

• Is aware of own strengths and weaknesses, and prepared to admit own mistakes.

• 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 own time and resources effectively and that of the Events Team in order to achieve own, team and organisational objectives.

• Prioritises tasks to meet deadlines

• Displays resilience in coping with workload

• Keeps relevant colleagues informed and seeks input.

• Evaluates and manages risks effectively.

• Takes ownership of tasks, including delegating effectively where appropriate.

• 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.

• Identifies problems and opportunities and acts on them, 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.

• Anticipates obstacles and thinks ahead.

• 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.

• Able to operate at a strategic level as well as being hands-on in events delivery, when required.

• 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.

• Will be required to deputise for the Director of Communications and Marketing 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 10-11 CHT for events, team building and other activities.

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

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.