Public Affairs Officer x2

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking 2 x Public Affairs Officers to join our Media and Public Affairs team in the Communications and Engagement Directorate, providing key support in the delivery of our public affairs function.

The role

The post-holder(s) will play a central role in the work of the Public Affairs team, at an exciting time for the British Academy as we seek to extend and deepen our reach and influence with parliamentarians, Government, policymakers and other key stakeholders.

You will own and deliver influencing activities - independently and in collaboration with colleagues - that will build the Academy’s profile and increase awareness of the value and importance of the Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts (SHAPE) amongst our audience. You will work with Public Affairs colleagues to monitor external developments, horizon-scanning and pursuing opportunities for the Academy to be bold and proactive in engaging stakeholders.

An experienced public affairs professional, you will have a good level of UK political knowledge, including of the Devolved Nations and local and regional structures. You understand the range of tactics that can be used to influence Parliament and Government and will apply this knowledge to develop and deliver public affairs strategies that engage parliamentarians and key stakeholders with the Academy’s work.

You will be able to communicate and work effectively with colleagues across the Academy and a range of external stakeholders, including parliamentarians and their staff. You will help to build and strengthen stakeholder relationships and deliver an effective public affairs function for the Academy.

You will be highly organised and able to plan and manage a varied workload. You will use your editorial and political judgement to produce high-quality outputs - from communications materials to events - that will showcase the Academy’s evidence base and policy insights to stakeholders, helping to turn engagement into influence.

About the Academy

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.

The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week, with hours and location worked flexibly under our hybrid-working policy; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

How to apply

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

To apply, and to see the full job description and our workplace values, please follow the apply link to visit our recruitment platform. 

Closing date: Midday on 24 July 2026.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for13/14 August 2026, but this may be subject to change.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications. In such circumstances, we will provide 24 hours' notice of the revised closing date to those who have registered their interest.