The British Academy - the UK's national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking an Events Assistant to join our Communications Department, providing key support in the planning and delivery of the year-round programme of public, academic and specialist audience events.ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEWThe Events Assistant supports members of the Events Team to deliver a large and varied programme of events, including: public events (debates, discussions, festivals, performances, lates), academic events (lectures, conferences, prizes & medals ceremonies), and our annual Summer Showcase, our yearly free festival of ideas.You will work directly with the Events Producers and Events Managers to support events delivered at our historic home in London, at partner venues across the UK, and online.The Events Team ensures that all events are delivered to a high standard, reflecting the Academy in a positive light and ensuring that we are open and inclusive. This is a great opportunity to develop your skills in events delivery given the range of formats, topics and speakers the programme covers.We are looking for someone who is excited to work on a dynamic range of events which share the latest research and bring in new audiences.You will be joining the Academy at an exciting time in our history as we offer a new programme of activity to public, policy and academic audiences.OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AHKEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Dealing with queries and maintaining recordsWork with the Events Producers to monitor inboxes and reply or escalate queries, acting as the first line of contact.Issue and log invitations to events and maintain guest lists, including on the Academy's contact database.Support with the administration of event ideas and award submissions.Support the Events and Marketing teams by identifying relevant university faculties and interest groups to promote and market events.2. Support the planning of eventsWork with the Event Managers and Events Producers to support with the planning, scheduling and logistics of event deliveryAdding events to team calendars, CRM and forward planning grids.Booking venues, refreshments, travel and accommodation.Inputting and tracking expenses.Preparing and printing handouts, holding slides, event badges and other assets.Attending and supporting relevant Committee meetings when required3. Assisting with events deliveryWork with the Events Producers and Managers to provide support on the day at events including:Assisting with event set-up, registration and delivery.Facilitating questions from the audience.Undertaking tasks required to ensure that events are delivered to a high standard.Attend and support events in London and across the UK, when required.4. Supporting the development of the events programmeWork with the Events Producers and Managers to conduct research as directed.Support the evaluation of events; circulating surveys, collating responses.Work with Head of Events and Events Managers to contribute to the Academy's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, supporting the events team to ensure events are accessible and inclusive.This post requires regular attendance at in-person events which entails working outside normal working hours, particularly evenings and possibly weekends, as well as delivering and attending events held outside London.Key StakeholdersInternal:Communications team colleaguesMembers of Committees/JuriesMembers of other teams such as IT and Venue SalesExternal:Service providers such as hotels and travel companiesPartner organisationsROLE REQUIREMENTSWORKING RELATIONSHIPSWorks and communicates effectivelyDemonstrates a positive attitude towards helping others by providing appropriate support, using initiative.Adopts a communication style appropriate to the situation and the audience, understanding that communication is two-wayHandles difficult situations with sensitivity & respectCommunicates effectively with staff across departmentsPromotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externallyKNOWLEDGE AND SKILLSDemonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skillsHas knowledge and some experience in delivering in-person eventsThinks about the needs of the audience and ensures they are met wherever possibleIs able to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, including via emailIs receptive to new ideas and change, adapting own ways of working as appropriateSeeks and uses opportunities to learn and develop, and is quick in picking up new tasksMakes suggestions for improving the way things are done.Has high level of proficiency in core Office packagesKnows how to use databases and keep records up to date effectivelyPROACTIVITY AND PLANNINGManages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectivesPrioritises tasks to meet deadlinesKeeps relevant colleagues informed and seeks inputMonitors progress effectively and adapts plans where possiblePROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKINGEnsures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approachAbility to multi-task and prioritise competing tasks to meet deadlines.Has a proactive, can do, attitude, taking personal responsibility for correcting problems or resolving issuesFocuses on solutions and manages pressureAnticipates obstacles and thinks aheadCopes with the unexpectedHandles difficult situations calmly, with sensitivity and respect.Takes a flexible approach to their work, happy to take on different responsibilities in the interests of the AcademyOTHER REQUIREMENTSWill need to work out of hours at events.Will need to travel to events delivered outside of London, requiring overnight stays in some instances.Will need to be present at the British Academy (10-11 Carlton House Terrace) or events, team building and other activities.From time to time, may need to be available at short notice in person.WORKPLACE VALUESThe 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 constructivelyCREATIVITY - 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 perspectivesEMPATHY-We are understanding, sensitive, compassionate, and considerate, mindful of our own wellbeing alongside that of othersEXCELLENCE - We always do our best, without striving to be perfect, applying our expertise and experience to develop and growINTEGRITY - 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 clearRESILIENCE - We are confident, bold, and tenacious, knowing when to listen as well as when to speak up. We respond positively to challenges and overcome problemsRESPECT - We are inclusive in our regard for each other, showing courtesy and appreciation. We treat people fairly and equally, welcoming everyone's contribution and differenceAPPLICATION PROCESSWe 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 on 18 September 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 3 October 2025 but this may be subject to change.
