The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences – is seeking an ECR Network Regional Coordinator to join the Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network team within the Research Directorate. This is an exciting moment to help deliver the activities of the ECR Network, which has recently expanded nationwide, with membership currently at over 8,000.

 ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The ECR Network Regional Coordinator is the main point of contact for three out of nine ECR Network clusters. The role holder will oversee the day-to-day operational management and delivery of their regional areas. This will include managing the operational relationships with their regional delivery partners; organising and coordinating regional and network-wide events; managing network-wide funding opportunities; and supporting related initiatives such as the Leadership and Advancement programme.

They will be the key liaison between the Academy and the delivery partners of each region they coordinate and will be responsible for maintaining and improving operational practices and policies and working closely with ECRs, regional partners, Fellows and staff of the British Academy, and other relevant stakeholders.

This is a key role in supporting the successful operation of the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network. You will be an effective communicator, a team player who is able to collaborate with both external and internal stakeholders, be self-directed, and happy to take the initiative. A keen attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving in terms of planning, prioritisation and demonstrating resilience when faced with adversity is essential. 

This role will require occasional travel between allocated clusters, for example to attend events and meet with delivery partners.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Network Leadership, Management, and Delivery

•  Lead the delivery and implementation of the ECR Network within your allocated regions and remain fully informed of how the wider network operates and its activities and programmes.

• Manage three clusters, through regularly chairing meetings, delegating tasks to institutional partners, ensuring continuous engagement, attending regional consortium meetings, and ensuring cross-cluster collaboration.

• Manage a comprehensive programme of events for your three regions and where necessary recruit and onboard new delivery partners.

• In consultation with other members of the ECRN team, implement consistent, transparent, and effective network management processes.

• Respond to and deal with enquiries from internal and external stakeholders regarding the ECR Network. 

• Review the narrative reports of regional partners and provide feedback on the level of achievement, need for further information and recommendations for improvement.

• Lead on at least one cross-network activity such as the Seed Fund and/or Development Fund, and, when not leading, support their promotion and delivery within your regions.

 2. Communication and Events

•  Provide regular written and verbal reports, clearly communicating information with key internal and external stakeholders

• Demonstrate effective stakeholder management and effective communications approaches to ensure effective engagement.

• Lead on the design, planning, and delivery of events with delivery partners, ranging from small ad hoc events to annual larger events.

• Host events and training for researchers in person, online and hybrid and travel to and support events organised by ECRs and regional Project Officers.

• Liaise and coordinate with the Communications directorate for external promotion and communication about the Network as required. As well as working with delivery partners, ensure event promotion is effectively communicated.

• Scope and plan training opportunities, launch and facilitate events, symposia, and conferences for researchers in the Network, engaging with external suppliers and experts and overseeing the delivery of contracts.

3. Team Working and Other

• Work as part of a high-performing team, supporting others as required e.g. onboarding new team members, delegation of tasks, and management of workload.

• Support with maintaining and updating the Network’s Online Community platform and the successful delivery of the SHAPE Leadership and Advancement Programme.

• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and implement processes to improve operational delivery, working within agreed parameters, policies and procedures.

• Proactively work with colleagues across the Academy to support the success of the Network and the wider Academy’s objectives.

• Undertake other tasks and responsibilities that reasonably may be requested.

• Engage with the Fellowship of the Academy, keeping them updated on network activities and engaging them as speakers, workshop facilitators for events when necessary.

 4. Support, Training and Learning

•  Build positive and trusting relationships with ECRs, regional partners and other key stakeholders.

• Lead in developing new or updated resources for network members and regional partners.

• Work with your line manager and the Head of ECRN to identify specific performance issues that need to be addressed and agree appropriate action to help resolve them.

• Lead on the training and onboarding of new delivery partners and working closely with delivery partner leads e.g. project managers

Key Stakeholders

Internal:

Vice President Research and Higher Education, Director of Research, members of the ECRN team, members of the Research, Policy, Communications and Development directorates, Fellows, ECRN Governance Board.

External:

Vice President Research and Higher Education, Director of Research, members of the ECRN team, members of the Research, Policy, Communications and Development directorates, Fellows, ECRN Governance Board.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

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

• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards helping others by providing appropriate support, using initiative and not waiting to be asked

• 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 and respect

• Communicates effectively with staff across departments

• Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and external

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Experience of office practices and administrative processes

• Demonstrates knowledge around the work the British Academy does

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

• Proactively makes suggestions for improving processes and policies

• Is aware of own strengths and weaknesses and capabilities.

• Seeks and uses opportunities to learn and develop, and is quick in picking up new tasks

• Shares knowledge and skillset with others

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

• Can meet deadlines while under pressure, maintain accuracy and attention to detail, often balancing conflicting priorities

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

• Displays resilience in coping with workload

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

• Keeps relevant colleagues up to date with workload and tasks. Seeks input where needed.

• Prioritises tasks to meet deadlines, and manages conflicting priorities well

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

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Approaches tasks with a positive attitude and is not afraid to ask for help when needed.

• Identifies problems early on and focuses on solutions

• Anticipates conflict and thinks ahead to resolve them quickly

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

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

• 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 colleagues as appropriate

• Positive attitude to challenges and co-operation with colleagues

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

• Is happy to support other team members during busy periods, whilst not compromising your own workload

• Treats other staff members and stakeholders with respect and honesty.

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

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• 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, including overnight stays, within UK.

• Flexible about working location and hours on occasion

• Professional and confident approach when dealing with a variety of people

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 we use AI screening software to identify responses that have been copied from AI sources and are not your own work.

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on 13 November 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 2 December 2025 but this may be subject to change.