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 9,500.
ROLE PURPOSE
The ECRN Regional Coordinator is the main point of contact for three out of the nine regional clusters which are London, Southeast and East of England. 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 the 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.
In post, you will be the key liaison between the Academy and the delivery partners of each region. You will coordinate and be responsible for maintaining and improving operational practices and policies, working closely with early career researchers (ECRs), regional partners, Fellows and staff of the British Academy, and any other stakeholders.
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 initiative. 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. The role will require travel between your allocated clusters. This will be to attend events and meetings with delivery partners where appropriate with an expectation to be in the London Office at least once a month.
For further information about the Early Career Researcher Network, see:
https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/early-career-researcher-network/
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 the Head of the ECRN and 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 when required.
- Scope and plan training opportunities/launch events/summits/conferences for researchers in the Network, engaging with external suppliers and experts and overseeing the delivery of contract.
3. Team Working and Other
- Work as part of a high-performing team, supporting others as required
- Support with maintaining and updating the Online Community platform and the successful delivery of the Elevate Programme.
- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and implement processes.
- 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 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: ECRs, Regional Partners, Learned Societies and Subject associations, other external stakeholders
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
- 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 externally
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
- Excellent planning, organisational and time management skills
- Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach
- Ability 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
- Approaches tasks with a positive attitude.
- 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
- 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
- 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
MUST BE COMMITTED TO THE BRITISH ACADEMY’S WORKPLACE VALUES OF: COLLABORATION, CREATIVITY, EMPATHY, EXCELLENCE, INTEGRITY, RESILIENCE AND RESPECT
Role closes to applications on 13 July 2026
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