The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Regional Manager to join our friendly and collaborative team in the Research Directorate, providing key support in the delivery Early Career Researcher Network.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The ECRN Regional Manager is part of the Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) team in the Research Directorate.

In this role you will work closely with the Head of ECRN to manage and deliver the day-to-day operations and logistics of the Network, managing three Regional Coordinators and supporting with the financial management for the ECRN.

You will also contribute to the development and implementation of appropriate and efficient working systems, policies and processes, and work closely with the Head of ECRN for finding solutions to operational problems that may arise.

The role will require travel between the BA ECRN Regional clusters to provide logistical and operational support during training and workshops, in addition to hosting online events.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Programme Administration, Training delivery and Line Management

• Work collaboratively with the Head of ECRN, Regional Coordinators, ECRN Assistant and rest of the ECRN team to manage and deliver the daily operations in the regions and Network more widely.

• Manage the three ECRN Regional Coordinators and support their professional development.

• Represent the Academy at appropriate meetings and events, including giving formal presentations.

• Support with production of regular and ad-hoc programme reports, updates and financial analyses.

• Engage with and support external providers delivering activities for the  Network.

• Organise and deliver a range of activities for the Network both regionally and nationally that is aligned with the needs of the members.

2. Compliance, Financial Processes, Monitoring and Reporting

• Oversee budgets associated with the general Network, including Delivery Partner allocation, Development Fund and Seed Fund payments and any other general  financial monitoring and reporting.

• Oversee and manage the Seed Fund programme

• Review and implement robust monitoring and evaluation processes and ensure rigorous compliance with reporting requirements.

• Prepare and provide reports to relevant bodies, both internal and external to the Academy.

• Manage day-to-day compliance tasks (such as checking of and/or submission of financial returns and approving invoices).

• Contribute to the development and implementation of appropriate and efficient working systems, policies and processes, and take responsibility for finding solutions to operational problems that may arise.

• Provide support for other Academy activities as requested from time to time.

 3. Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide support and advice to Academy Officers and senior staff.

• Liaise and work with colleagues across the Academy to take advantage of, and ensure, joined-up working in relevant areas.

• Engage with and support Network members to actively participate in and benefit from the Network.

• Assist committees, steering and working groups to help deliver strategic projects.

• Develop and maintain strong and positive relationships and agreements with external stakeholders, including contributing partner organisations

• Work with the other UK national academies where relevant on specific projects and initiatives, to ensure a joined-up approach.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal:

ECRN Team, Research Funding and International Team, ECRN Governance Board, Digital and Communications, Finance, Development, Policy and Front of House Teams

External:

ECRN Network members, Cluster partners and Consortium partners,       Learned Societies, Training leads, other external stakeholders, National Academies

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Committed to working within a team, with an ability to work independently and show initiative and exercise sound judgment

• Communicates effectively with staff across departments

• Takes a professional approach when dealing with a variety of people

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

• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards challenges and co-operation with colleagues

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Experience of leading and supervising staff in an Office environment, applying office practices and administrative processes.

• Experience of working with committees/expert panels/steering groups

• Experience of supporting and managing training and development programmes and initiatives.

• High level of literacy and numeracy skills

• Experience of monitoring budgets for specific activities and/or programmes

• Strong IT skills and confidence in using key Microsoft packages including Office 365, Excel, Word and PowerPoint

• Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

• Able to meet deadlines while under pressure, accurately and with attention to detail, often balancing conflicting priorities to meet agreed deadlines

• Able to use tact and diplomacy and to handle confidential information

• Demonstrable knowledge of UK higher education system and the research landscape

• Willing to share knowledge and skills with others

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

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

• Excellent planning, organisational and time management skills

• Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

• Able to plan and deliver role-specific tasks and be an effective team worker with strong interpersonal skills to deal with multiple tasks in parallel 

• Prioritises tasks to meet deadlines

• Displays resilience in coping with workload

• Keeps relevant colleagues informed and seeks input

• Takes ownership of tasks

• Responsive, flexible, and willing to work across a range of tasks within changing priorities.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Results-focused attitude

• Strong problem-solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

• Focuses on solutions and manages pressure

• Is receptive to new ideas and change, adapting own ways of working as appropriate

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

LEADERSHIP

Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions

• Able to work on own initiative, plus lead and direct a team

• Positive attitude to challenges and co-operation with colleagues

• Maintains, demonstrates, and expects high levels of honesty and integrity

• Experience of managing staff in an office/hybrid environment

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Commitment to high quality service and efficiency in all aspects of the organisation’s operations

•  Personal commitment to the values, vision, and objectives of the British Academy

• Evidenced commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity

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

• Willing to travel on British Academy business

• Able to be flexible about working location and hours on occasion

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 not progress to the next stage.

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on 12 August 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 28 August 2025 but this may be subject to change.