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, bank holidays, 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 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with additional hours as required.
Reports to: Deputy Director.
Application Process: Submit your CV and include a link to your 2–3-minute video pitch recorded via Loom. (Applications without a video will not be considered.)
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.
For full details, check the job description here.
How to Apply: Submit your CV and include a link to your 2–3‑minute pitch‑style video recorded via Loom as part of the application. In your video, tell us:
- Why this role?
- Why now?
- What unique value would you bring?
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.
About the Cambridge × Manchester Innovation Partnership: CBG×MCR is led by the University of Cambridge and The University of Manchester through Innovate Cambridge and Unit M, backed by our Mayoral Combined Authorities, City Councils, businesses and investors. Together we’re building a hyper‑connected corridor to accelerate scale‑ups, drive R&D investment and attract FDI to the UK.
About Innovate Cambridge: Innovate Cambridge accelerates innovation for local and global impact, aligning government, academia and business. Launched in 2022 with Founders/Partners including the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Enterprise, Cambridge Innovation Capital, Cambridge City Council, CPCA and Anglia Ruskin University, we’re supported by 200+ organisations and 500+ stakeholders. Our blueprint targets include doubling company formation, VC investment and unicorn creation, and generating 60,000 net new jobs.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Marketing and Sales
Industries: Business Consulting and Services
Community & Ecosystem Manager in England 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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Community & Ecosystem Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the business intelligence field, showcasing your analytical skills is a must. Make sure your CV includes relevant experience with data analysis tools, programming languages like SQL or Python, and any projects where you've interpreted complex data sets to drive business decisions.
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Tailor Your Documents for Us:When applying for a full-time role at Innovate Cambridge, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect our organisational goals and strategies. Mention specific tools and methodologies that align with what we do—this shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in our mission!
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