The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The role of the Research Funding Officer is to deliver specific activities within the portfolio of funding schemes managed by members of the Research Funding Team with specific responsibility for the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants, the Stein-Arnold Exploration Fund, and the Neil Ker Memorial Fund. The Officer will be responsible for pre and post award management; planning and budgeting; advising applicants, award holders and assessors; monitoring and reporting on award outcomes; producing statistics and summary reports; and contributing to the ongoing improvement of the Academy’s grant management system.  

They will work closely with another Research Funding Officer to deliver and administer the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants, leading on the opening, closing, and award-making aspects of alternate rounds, as this scheme runs twice a year. They will work closely with the Academy’s Fellows, university research offices, applicants, grant holders, researchers and other stakeholders. The role will be involved in the organisation of selection meetings and other relevant associated activities for grant holders, researchers and other stakeholders.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leading on the opening, closing and award-making aspects of the British Academy Small Research Grants and Neil Ker & Stein Arnold Awards

• Manage the Academy’s funding system Flexi-Grant, to set up the annual schemes and review applications received.  

• Move the applications through the appropriate eligibility, assessment, and shortlisting stages.  

• Manage the shared Grants inbox to answer queries from applicants, award holders, university research offices and assessors. 

• Prepare draft text and collaborate with the Communications team to ensure the promotion of schemes via e-bulletins and social media as appropriate. 

• Collate assessment and application information for the preparation of panel papers for the Research Awards Committee and Final Awarding Panel Meetings.

Maintaining key relationships with Fellows, Officers and other stakeholders

• Work closely with the Fellows of the British Academy to provide assessments for applications – including providing them with guidance and support on the Flexi-Grant system. 

• Collaborate with Fellows in ensuring robust decision-making processes for the delivery of funding schemes and awards, including organising and managing Committee meetings. 

• Organise events related to the Academy’s funding opportunities and other relevant associated activities for award holders, researchers and other stakeholders. 

• Participate in university visits and presentations to promote awareness of the Academy’s research funding programmes.

Financial tracking and monitoring

• Take responsibility for monitoring expenditure within allocated budgets.  

• Monitor the financial trackers for the schemes by making regular payments, reviewing final expenditure statements, and identifying and processing refunds against specific awards. 

• Provide senior members of the team with up-to-date statistics and summary reports of expenditure. 

• Collaborate with the Finance team in managing refunds and payments monthly.

Pre- and post-award monitoring

• Monitor and report on award outcomes, chasing for submission of final reports by award holders as necessary.  

• Maintain effective information databases. 

• Collaborate in producing diversity statistics and summary reports.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

• Director of Research, members of the Research Funding Team, members of the Development Team, members of the Public Policy Team, members of the Finance Team, and members of the Communications Directorate to promote schemes.

External

• Research Awards Committee 

• Fellows of the British Academy 

• University Research and Finance Offices

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree - desirable but not essential.

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 & respect. 

• Communicates effectively with staff across departments. 

• Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externally.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• 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.

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

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

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

• Can prioritise tasks to meet deadlines, and managed conflicting priorities. 

• 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 acts on them. 

• Anticipate 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.

LEADERSHIP

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

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

• Treats other staff members and stake holders with respect and honesty. 

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

OTHER

N/A

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 12:00 noon 7 August 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 21 and 22 August 2024 but this may be subject to change.