Main Responsibilities

1. Programme-Wide Operational Support

• Coordinate day-to-day processes, documentation, workflow, and team operations.
• Maintain trackers, logs, schedules, and programme information to support oversight by SIMs.

2. Lead Delivery-Focused Workstreams

Take forward defined workstreams underpinning smooth delivery, including:

• Event management – planning, logistics, materials, coordination, and follow-up.
• Administration – meeting organisation, inbox management, minutes, scheduling, and document handling.
• Communications support – drafting updates, collating content, and supporting internal and external communication workflows.
• Procurement and commissioning support – coordinating procurement in line with UKRI processes.
• MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning) – coordinating data collection, evidence returns, and maintaining MEL materials.
• Risk management support – updating risk logs, tracking issues, and raising concerns to SIMs.
• Reporting – gathering portfolio information and preparing summaries for SIM review.

3. Support SIM-Led Investment and Relationship Management

• Coordinate operational communication with award teams in support of SIMs who lead senior relationships.
• Prepare briefing materials, meeting notes, and information summaries for SIM-level engagement.
• Ensure follow-up actions from Cluster-related meetings are tracked and delivered.

4. Contribute to Wider Team Activity

• Support cross-AHRC and cross-UKRI coordination, including information gathering and meeting preparation.
• Collaborate effectively across AHRC directorates and with external partners.
• Provide flexible, evolving delivery support as the Clusters portfolio grows.

About You

The ideal candidate will bring:

• An enthusiasm for the creative industries and a demonstrable understanding of the research funding landscape.
• A solution-oriented, proactive mindset and experience delivering/managing funding activities in research and innovation (or other relevant sectors).

Person Specification

(Scoring done during: Shortlisting (S), Interview (I), or both (S&I)))

Essential Criteria

• Experience supporting programmes, projects, or portfolios in a complex environment. (S&I)
• Strong organisational skills, managing multiple tasks and deadlines. (I)
• Excellent communication skills, with an ability to draft clear documentation and coordinate information. (S&I)
• Ability to gather, organise, and analyse information to support reporting, risk tracking, and MEL activities. (S&I)
• Strong interpersonal skills, working collaboratively across teams and diverse partners. (S&I)
• High attention to detail and commitment to high-quality delivery. (S&I)

Benefits

In Return, You’ll Gain:

• In-depth knowledge of the UK and international arts and humanities research landscape, including AHRC’s role.
• Opportunities to work with UKRI colleagues and external research funding organisations.
• Experience in research administration, understanding of the UK higher education sector, and engagement with the academic community.
• Exposure to specific subject disciplines and thematic areas AHRC funds.
• Insight into the AHRC community, along with expertise in research portfolios and major funding priorities.

How to Apply

Only online applications are accepted. Submit an up-to-date CV and covering letter (each no more than two sides of A4). The covering letter must:

• Clearly outline why you’re applying for the role.
• Address each shortlisting and interview criterion in turn. (Ideally, use sub-headings for each assessment point.)
• Include the vacancy reference in the file name.

⚠️ Applications without a covering letter, or failing to address the criteria, will not be considered further.

Applicants requiring alternative formats (e.g., large print, Braille, audio), or unable to apply online, should contact 01793 867000, quoting the relevant reference number.