The British Academy is looking to reshape their communications team.
The British Academy is a voice that champions humanities and social sciences. As a national body they support the study of people, cultures and societies, past, present and future.
Their purpose is: to be an independent Fellowship of world-leading scholars and researchers; a Funding Body that supports new research (nationally and internationally); and a Forum for debate and engagement.
The opportunity:
This is a new role that is designed to bring a fresh look to our events programme, as part of a newly integrated Events Team. As well as running our renowned Conference programme, you will also lead our fledgling summer exhibition. You will work with the Head of Events to explore new partnerships with external organisations, and with the Head of Digital to integrate digital elements into the events programme. You will develop an evaluation framework to deliver robust and useful reports, and insight to shape our activity.
Main responsibilities include:
Programme Planning
- Work closely with the Head of Events in planning and creating selected elements of the events programme, primarily the conferences (in liaison with the Head of Publications).
- Support the development and delivery of the Audience Development Plan and the programme’s evaluation framework
- Identify innovative programmes with digital elements to raise the profile of the Academy
- Work with the Head of Events and Development teams to develop new partnerships in order to deliver new external sponsors and partners
- Develop a programme of activity to develop our insight into audience habits and trends
Programme Management
- Manage delegated programme events and other activities
- Be responsible for the administration and smooth delivery of delegated events and activities
- Draft budgets for programme activities and ensure they remain within budget
- With the Assistant Events Producer, develop marketing strategies to effectively promote events to target audiences
Engagement activity
- Devise an annual summer exhibition for the Academy drawing content from the Fellowship and funded scholars to extend our reach to new audiences including younger audiences.
- Deliver this and associated events; managing the budget, staff volunteers, contributors, suppliers and develop a robust evaluation process
- Develop innovative activity to support and disseminate Academy Research projects to the wider public
- Work with the Head of Events to develop an Academy approach to public engagement with research and identify opportunities
General
- Support the Head of Events across the full range of his/her responsibilities
- Support the work of the Communications and External Relations department
- This post requires regular attendance at events which entail working outside normal working hours, particularly evenings and possibly weekends, as well as attending Academy events held outside London.
Required skills and experience include:
- Experience of creating, planning and organising different a variety of public events and public engagement
- Experience of working in partnership with external organisations and particularly those in the heritage, cultural or education sectors
- Experience in pitching for, and securing, funds from third parties (desirable)
- Experience in using databases, registration systems and other audience management tools
- Experience of delivering marketing activity to promote events, including the use of creative digital channels and techniques
- Educated to degree level or equivalent, ideally in an H or SS discipline
- Excellent interpersonal skills, able to communicate effectively with people at all levels
- Strong planning, organising and negotiating skills
- A creative nature and attention to detail
- Ability to work on own initiative
- High level of proficiency in core office computer skills
- Project management skills, and familiarity with a project management methodology (desirable)
- Demonstrable experience in raising income through events