Head of Events and Engagement

The Alan Turing Institute (the Institute) is the national centre for data science, established in 2015 with the mission to make great leaps in transformational data science research that will have positive real-world impacts.

The Institute has cross-disciplinarity at its core; we bring researchers in mathematics and theoretical computer science, statistics and machine learning, algorithm for data analytics and distributed computing, computational social science and data ethics, and industry partners, to work together in an open and collaborative environment with a shared goal to generate world-class research in data science.

Our researchers are motivated by driving impact, both through theoretical development and application to real-world problems. In our first year we have identified six priority sectors to focus our translational research: Data-Centric Engineering; Defence and Security; Smart Cities; Culture and Media; Financial Services; and Health and Wellbeing.

We have attracted strategic partnerships with a broad range of users of data science including the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Intel, GCHQ and HSBC. We are looking to develop partnerships with government departments and have recently announced a collaboration with the Office of National Statistics.

We invite you to join us as we grow our research community, supporting our goal to develop the next generation of data science leaders, shape the public conversation, and push the boundaries of this new science for the public good.

THE ROLE

This new role has been introduced because of the expanding activity within events, and the Institute’s desire to grow capacity in the areas of public and international engagement. Working closely with the Director of Academic Engagement and the Communications Team, the successful candidate will lead a small team responsible for delivering the Institute’s scientific events programmes.

This role also presents an exciting opportunity to work with other members of the Business Team to develop the Institute’s public engagement and international strategies. The successful candidate will have previous experience working in a research or academic setting.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities may evolve and change as our events programmes, engagement and international activity across the Institute expands but will initially include:

  • Lead and manage the events team and work closely with the events manager to deliver the full programme of Turing workshops, lectures and externally sponsored events
  • Lead on the planning and delivery of the Turing’s annual international conference, including the annual members’ meeting and annual Scientific Advisory Board visit
  • Work with Turing Events Steering Group to review the landscape of Data Science events and ensure that Turing attends and/or sponsors as appropriate
  • Attend Events Steering Group Meetings and support the Chair of the Events Steering Group in driving the agenda
  • Work with the Communications Team to ensure that the Turing receives appropriate recognition for sponsorship of external conferences and events
  • Attend and represent the Institute at external Data Science conferences, workshops and lectures as appropriate
  • Report on the event, engagement and international activityto the Programme Committee and Board of Trustees as required
  • Lead on developing relationships and organising joint activities with appropriate UK Learned Societies, Research Institutes and other key organisations in the Data Science sector
  • Work with the Senior Research Facilitator to develop the Institute’s International Strategy, focusing particularly on developing relationships with data science institutes, relevant university departments and professional bodies overseas
  • Work with the Communications Team to develop and implement the Institute’s public engagement strategy, including an awards programme
  • Work with the Head of HR to develop the Institute’s Diversityin Data Science strategy
  • Travel and work evening and weekend hours as required

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

ESSENTIAL

  • Educated to degree level(or equivalent qualification), or demonstrate equivalent work experience, ideally in a related discipline
  • Previous experience in a similar role, including experience of working within a research/academic setting
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of researchers/academics and translate this into the events, public engagement and international programmes delivered through the team
  • Experience of developing and managing effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels of seniority
  • Ability to demonstrate initiative and flexibility to manage competing demands and pressures whilst remaining calm
  • Experience of developing and implementingstrategy
  • Exceptional project management and organisational skills combined with a strong attention to detail
  • Diplomatic, able to negotiate and to apply judgement in often complex areas
  • Ability to lead a small team with a track record of success

DESIRABLE

  • A higher-level degree in a related discipline
  • Experience of managing and supporting committees

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your CV, with contact details for your referees and a covering letter that outlines how you meet the person specification above to . If you have questions or would like to discuss the role further with a member of the Institute’s HR Team, please contact them on 0203 862 3322 or email .

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 28 July 2017

INTERVIEWS: w/c 7 August

Please note all offers of employment are subject tocontinuous eligibility to work in the UKand satisfactorypre-employmentsecurity screening which includes a DBS Check.

Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from .