At a Glance
- Tasks: Connect founders, researchers, and investors to drive innovation across Cambridge and Manchester.
- Company: Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of UK innovation.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, competitive salary, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a front-row seat in vibrant tech ecosystems.
- Why this job: Shape a high-profile innovation corridor and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in community management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with additional hours as required.
Reports to: Deputy Director.
Could you help power the UK’s first cross-city innovation corridor? We’re looking for a dynamic connector to help the Cambridge × Manchester Innovation Partnership (CBG×MCR) thrive, linking founders, scale-ups, researchers, investors and civic leaders across both cities.
What’s in it for you?
- A pivotal role shaping a high-profile, cross-UK innovation alliance.
- Professional growth in a friendly, mission-driven team.
- 28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (and standard benefits).
- A front‑row seat in two of the UK’s most vibrant tech ecosystems.
What will you do?
- Lead community activation for CBG-MCR, mobilising the Cambridge ecosystem and syncing closely with Manchester.
- Build and coordinate communities of practice, forums and networks around shared challenges.
- Co-design and deliver joint events, toolkits and programmes that deepen CBG-MCR Research and Innovation links.
- Act as a visible connector and ambassador at ecosystem meetings and events.
- Create engaging storytelling and digital content (newsletters, social, event comms) to showcase wins and opportunities.
- Track participation and engagement; analyse data and feedback to evidence reach, quality and outcomes.
- Produce short reports, case studies and insights that demonstrate impact and inform priorities.
What are we looking for?
- Proven experience in community management, ecosystem development or partnership delivery (innovation/start‑up/R&I settings ideal).
- Strong track record running multi‑partner projects and high‑quality engagement programmes/events.
- Confidence working across founders, scale‑ups, investors, academics and public‑sector partners.
- Familiarity with the Cambridge and/or Manchester innovation networks.
- Excellent communication, facilitation and organisational skills.
- Comfortable with CRMs and digital engagement tools.
- Collaborative, inclusive, and energised by making innovation accessible to all.
Please note: Applicants who do not submit a CV and video will not be included in the selection process. We reserve the right to close applications early.
Community & Ecosystem Manager employer: Innovate Cambridge
As a leading innovation partnership, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. Located in the vibrant tech hubs of Cambridge and Manchester, we offer extensive professional growth opportunities, competitive benefits including 28 days of annual leave, and a chance to make a meaningful impact by connecting diverse communities within the tech ecosystem.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community & Ecosystem Manager
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like Innovate Cambridge!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Community & Ecosystem Manager position at Innovate Cambridge via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Community & Ecosystem Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at Innovate Cambridge.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to Innovate Cambridge’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate Cambridge
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to Innovate Cambridge. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at Innovate Cambridge. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to Innovate Cambridge.
