Programme Manager – Networks and Engagement - Cyber and Tech in London

About RUSI

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), based in London, Brussels and Nairobi, is the UK’s leading independent think tank engaged in cutting edge research in defence and security. Its mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate on a safer and more stable world. RUSI is a research-led institute, producing independent, practical and innovative analysis to address today’s complex challenges.

About the role

As a Programme Manager – Networks and Engagement for the Cyber and Tech research group, you will be project managing and coordinating events for the Cyber Effects Network. You will also support the management of other projects and events, as well as coordinating the team’s external communications (e.g. newsletters and social media). More broadly, you will develop the Cyber and Tech research group’s ability to engage with the cyber and tech community across governments, industry and civil society. This professional administrative role plays a critical part in supporting both programme delivery and the team’s research staff and leadership. Whilst an interest in our area of research is a plus, this role does not itself involve research or policy analysis and is not intended to be a pathway into those positions. Candidates should therefore be motivated by programme coordination, event organisation and operational delivery and excellence.

Key tasks

• Events and workshops
  • In collaboration with the Cyber Effects Network lead and other research project leads, support the organisation and delivery of workshops, roundtables and events.
  • Coordinating with the RUSI events and Communications and Marketing teams.
  • Managing invitations and participant lists.
  • Coordinating with speakers and participants.
  • Preparing agendas and other event documentation.
  • Supporting event administration and follow-up.
  • Identifying potential opportunities and themes for community (non-project related) events.
• Project management
  • Support the management of the Cyber Effects Network and other research projects.
  • Where appropriate, lead on financial and grant management on specific programme areas.
  • Produce and maintain accurate project documentation.
  • Coordinating with programme delivery partners, where applicable.
  • Supporting post-project and post-event documentation and reporting.
  • Ad-hoc administrative duties to support the Cyber and Team research group.
• Communications
  • Support the Cyber and Tech team’s external outreach and engagement activities.
  • Coordinating preparation of a regular RUSI Cyber and Tech newsletter.
  • Coordinating newsletter to the Cyber Effects Network mailing list.
  • Coordinating with the RUSI communications team and Cyber and Tech researchers to draft and schedule social media posts.
  • Map networks and stakeholders across themes and areas of interest.
  • Promoting Cyber and Tech events, publications and other public outputs on social media.
• Business Development
  • Support the Senior Programme Manager and Cyber and Tech researchers with business development.
  • Support on the management and development of bids across the Cyber and Tech team.
  • Support, with an avenue to develop and own partnerships with the funder landscape as identified by Cyber and Tech researchers.
  • Support wider team business development activities by researching potential partners.

The above list of duties is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope and grade of the role.

Person specification

The successful candidate will be highly organised, detail-oriented and comfortable multi-tasking and managing multiple administrative tasks in a fast-paced, high-profile environment. This role is particularly suited to candidates seeking opportunities in programme administration, including event management within policy organisations.

Skills and experience

• Strong organisational, administrative skills and attention to detail.
• Experience coordinating public and private events.
• Ability to work independently, supporting multiple team members, and effectively prioritising and managing workload across competing requests.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent written English.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and ability to present complex information.
• Familiarity with newsletter and social media platforms.
• Experience in organising large scale events (e.g. conferences).
• Experience in project/ programme management ideally gained in research setting.
• Project management qualification/ certification gained from an accredited body.
• Working knowledge and application of project management methodologies and frameworks.
• Working knowledge and management of budgets including reporting and audit management.
• Some knowledge about cyber security, emerging technologies or national security issues.

Our expectations

We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSI’s Vision and Values and Equal Opportunities Statement. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (rising with service).
• Additional days off during Christmas - RUSI Christmas closure days.
• Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution.
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Season ticket loan.
• Free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library.
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Enhanced sick pay*.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave*.

*Depending on length of service.

Application Process

To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions to submit:

• Your CV.
• Cover Letter, no longer than 1 page, explaining your interest in the role and any significant relevant skills and/or experience.

The closing date for applications is 10th May 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity and Values

At RUSI you will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, and projects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusive teams that support our efforts and each other. We are committed in promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and make it as diverse as the communities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment practices in order that we can continue to improve on creating a more diverse workforce.

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