Job description

This is an important role within the Regional Studies Association, working directly with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board members to ensure that key administrative, operational and governance systems operate smoothly and efficiently. If you are looking to work within the charity sector, for an association with high ethical standards, focused on making genuine impact in our specialist area, we would be excited to hear from you. The postholder will be conscientious, possess their own initiative and exhibit exemplary customer service skills.

Why you should join us:

The Regional Studies Association (RSA) is a world-renowned learned society and a registered charity, which promotes regional and urban research, development and policy. We support the global community for regional researchers, practitioners and policymakers by publishing specialist journals and books and running conferences, events and networks for our members.

What we are looking for:

The ideal candidate for this role will have a good understanding or experience of working within the charity sector or membership organisations. Degree-educated, you will also have good experience of working within the academic sector. Accurate and attentive to detail, you will also be able to show initiative and respond flexibly within a small team.

You will possess exemplary customer service skills, with sensitivity to different national and territorial norms and have the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

You will have a good level of skill in the use of Microsoft Office applications and Customer Relations Management (CRM) systems.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job summary (purpose of role)

To run several key professional administrative operations within the Regional Studies Association (RSA).

The post holder will play an important role in the RSA’s work as part of its effective system of governance and by administering RSA grant and award schemes.

The successful candidate will liaise with people at all levels of the Association, working closely with all members of the staff team, the RSA Board and Committee members. They will co-ordinate various administrative processes across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

GOVERNANCE ADMINISTRATION

  • Issuing notices of meetings of the RSA Board, RSA Europe Board and RSA AGMs/EGMs, undertaking administrative tasks in advance of these meetings and managing attendance.
  • Issuing notices of meetings of the RSA Publications Committee and Journals Committee, undertaking administrative tasks in advance of these meetings, and managing attendance.
  • Coordinating the preparation of papers for the above meetings; collating and distributing papers to attendees.
  • Taking meeting minutes and disseminating these to attendees.
  • Preparing, updating and issuing Board members’ induction packs and providing administrative support for the induction of new Board members.

GRANT & AWARD SCHEME ADMINISTRATION

  • Administration for RSA Grant Schemes (Membership Research, Fellowship Research, Early Career Research, Research Network, Policy Expo and Travel)
  • Promoting and supporting calls for applications to the above grant schemes; updating grant application forms and handbooks and liaising with grant award committees.
  • Administering grant scheme processes including issuing award letters and liaising with RSA colleagues over the financial administration of grant schemes.
  • Administering RSA Award Schemes; promoting calls for applicants; liaising with RSA journals, the RSA Blog, Regions e-zine and the Board on winners; promoting award winners and supporting online award ceremonies.

RSA TERRITORIAL NETWORKS ACTIVITY ADMINISTRATION

  • Coordinating the recruitment of and liaising with territorial representatives.
  • Supporting annual meetings of the RSA’s territorial networks.
  • Supporting Annual General Meetings of Divisional networks.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

  • Manage the Chief Executive Officer’s diary and arrange meetings on their behalf.
  • Administer journal and publications editorial contracts.
  • Provide administrative support to the Regional StudiesBook Review Section Editor
  • Monitor RSA generic office email inboxes and distribute messages as needed.

OTHER DUTIES

  • The post holder may be expected to travel for one or more days at a time in order to attend meetings.

 

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 28 per week

Benefits:

  • Company pension
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Free parking
  • On-site parking

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Education: Bachelor’s (preferred)

Experience:

  • General Administration: 3 years (required)
  • Microsoft Office: 5 years (required)
  • Membership Organisations/Charity: 1 year (required)

Location: United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in United Kingdom

Reference ID: SEMRSA001

Expected start date: 04/04/2024

 

Application deadline: 31st March 2024 5pm UK time.

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the position to Sara MacDougall.