Community & Events Officer

Wehave an exciting opportunityavailable for a Community & Events Officer to join one of the world’s leading research Institutes at a crucial time in its evolution, and play a definitive role in shaping it for the future. You will join us on a full-time, (or possibly 0.8 FTE) fixed-term 12-month contract, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary.

The Community & Events Officer role:

The KQ Labs accelerator programme, an initiative delivered by the Francis Crick Institute, is seeking a pro-active Community and Events Officer to manage its vibrant ecosystem. This role calls for a pro-active individual with the operational skills, confidence and charisma to represent KQ Labs and support the delivery of a world-class accelerator programme. You will be part of a driven, energetic, and agile team.

The role is centered around nurturing our vibrant community of innovative startups and expanding our alumni and stakeholder engagement through targeted events. You will bring excellent organisational and communication skills to support and grow our data-driven health community. 

Since its inception in 2018, KQ Labs has been committed to developing a community of startups at the intersection of data science and biomedical research. Our tailored five-month program includes expert workshops, funding opportunities, skills training, and strategic networking, culminating in a Demo Day to connect with investors and industry leaders. Given the evolving nature of KQ Labs' activities, you will also be instrumental in managing other programmes and events that contribute to the programme's overarching success all year round. 

This role operates in a fast-paced environment, demanding proactive problem-solving skills, and a passion for orchestrating impactful events and managing networks.

Responsibilities of our Community & Events Officer:

These include but are not limited to:

Event management for all KQ Labs events:  

• Responsible for all pre-event planning for KQ Labs events, including induction days, Demo Day, Office Hours, and community events. Coordinating with catering, AV,?logistics, security, housekeeping,?reception?and safety teams is essential
• Plan and deliver innovative community events to sustain engagement with our alumni and key stakeholders (e.g., investors, mentors) and grow the ecosystem in the UK and globally
• Manage on the day?logistics?and provide event support as agreed
• Maintain clear communications with?timely?and detailed event briefings for relevant teams to ensure effective use of resources and quality delivery across all event elements
• Create and manage expenditure records and ensure events are delivered within agreed budget; track and regularly update stakeholders on finance
• Deliver hybrid events using the zoom?webinar?platform

Manage and build the growing KQ Labs community:  

• Implement a community engagement plan, fostering connections and active participation within the alumni community
• Cultivate and nurture relationships with startups, mentors, investors, and other stakeholders
• Keep the network informed about upcoming events and maintain and build the mentor network
• Track and manage community engagement and growth by monitoring KPIs and milestones, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of the accelerator
• Evaluate the impact of community initiatives and events through regular assessment and reporting, aiming to enhance community engagement

Skills and experience we are looking for in our Community & Events Officer:

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: Bold, Imaginative, Open, Dynamic and Collegial, in addition to the following: 

• Previous hands-on experience in managing and delivering high-profile events, and managing multiple stakeholders, ideally within a similar capacity or related field
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact,?diplomacy,?and the ability to work with people at all levels including high profile stakeholders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills across a range of formats, including proficiency in public speaking
• Strong process and analytical skills to identify inefficiencies and create improvements
• Highly organised, with?a proven?ability to prioritise in the face of competing demands and work to tight deadlines?and handle last-minute changes
• Demonstrated proficiency in negotiation skills
• Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative and be proactive about problem-solving when challenges arise
• Detail-oriented, highly organised, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Flexible approach to working hours?to?provide event?delivery. The post holder will?be required?to work some weekends and outside standard business hours?to?support?events
• Excellent administrative and IT skills –MS Office
• Proficient in using spreadsheets and generating simple reports for evaluating the effectiveness of community engagement and event initiatives 

Closing date: 19/May/2024 23.59

If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Community & Events Officer, please click ‘apply’ today, we’d love to hear from you!

All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.