Social researcher and advisor jobs in Belfast

The Stuart Hall Foundation is seeking an experienced Operations and Finance Manager to support the effective financial, operational, and governance management of the Foundation. Working closely with the Executive Director, team and Trustees, the role plays a key part in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation and its long-term sustainability.

About the Stuart Hall Foundation

Inspired by the life and work of the eminent scholar and intellectual Professor Stuart Hall, the Stuart Hall Foundation (SHF) was launched in 2015 by his family, friends and colleagues to continue his life’s work and build on his unique and distinct legacy by attending to the urgent political, social, and cultural questions of our time. Our mission is to popularise critical thought by supporting the creative and intellectual development of a new generation of artists, academics and activists who are dedicated to challenging issues of inequality through their work. We pursue this mission by equipping underrepresented practitioners with the learning resources and research opportunities necessary to shape and expand public debates on politics, history and culture. We fulfil our mission by:

• Creating Opportunities - offering artist residencies, commissions, scholarships, fellowships, and other opportunities to underrepresented people from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines, and geographic locations.
• Convening Spaces - creating digital and physical spaces for the public, our network of artists, researchers, activists and other stakeholders to exchange and generate ideas together.
• Developing Digital Resources - creating free-to-access digital learning resources that encourage critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches to address contemporary political and cultural issues (across arts, academia and cultural activism).

Role Description

The Operations and Finance Manager will play a central role in ensuring the effective day-to-day running of the Foundation. The postholder will lead on governance, administration, finance, compliance and organisational systems, ensuring the charity operates efficiently, meets its regulatory obligations and has the infrastructure required to deliver its strategic objectives.

Working closely with the Executive Director, team, Treasurer, and Trustees, the Operations and Finance Manager will oversee financial management, governance processes, organisational administration and operational planning, while also supporting fundraising activities to ensure the Foundation’s long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

Required Experience and Skills

Operations, Finance and Governance

• Proven experience in an operations or administrative management role within a charity, arts, or non-profit organisation.
• Understanding of charity governance and experience supporting Boards, Committees, or Trustees.
• Strong financial management experience, including budgeting and cash flow monitoring, invoice processing, payroll administration, project budget reconciliation, preparation of management accounts and financial reports, and coordination of year-end accounts preparation.
• Excellent attention to detail, with a track record of maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with organisational policies and procedures.

People and Organisational Management

• Knowledge of HR processes, including recruitment, payroll, and fostering positive work culture.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential staff and organisational information.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Communications and Digital Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly IT literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (including Word and Excel) and the ability to quickly learn and use a range of digital collaboration and organisational tools, such as Zoom, Dropbox, Notion, and similar software.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and adaptable, with the ability to take initiative, prioritise tasks, and respond effectively to changing circumstances.
• Collaborative and personable, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues, Trustees, stakeholders, suppliers, and partners.
• Passionate about organisational planning and supporting teams to operate effectively and efficiently.  

Desirable Experience

• Experience supporting grant management, fundraising administration, or donor reporting.
• Experience using cloud-based accounting software, such as Xero, to support financial management and reporting.
• Experience working remotely and managing priorities effectively within a distributed team environment.
• Interest in the work, legacy and impact of Professor Stuart Hall

 Application Process

To apply, please complete the online application form, available on the Stuart Hall Foundation's website.

As part of the application form you will be required to submit a CV (maximum two pages), a one-page A4 cover letter, and contact details for two professional referees.

We also encourage applicants to complete our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. This is optional and will not form part of the selection process.

The deadline for applications is 2nd August 2026 at 23:59pm. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept late applications.

Interviews will take place via Zoom on w/c 24th August 2026.

The appointment is subject to satisfactory previous employment references.

Diversity, social justice and access were central to Stuart Hall’s work in education and the arts, and are embedded in the Foundation’s values, programme and approach. The Stuart Hall Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.