As the living, growing home of our national story, The National Archives is already a special place to work. We’re an institution nearly 200 years old with a collection spanning 1,000 years of history. But it’s where we go next that makes things really interesting. In our strategic vision: Archives for Everyone, we set ourselves the challenge of becoming the 21st Century national archive - a different kind of cultural and heritage institution: Inclusive, Entrepreneurial, Disruptive. We won’t become this overnight. It will take time, focus, effort and daring. That’s where you come in. Because we can’t do this without you. Job Overview Salary: £38,322 - £44,722 per annum Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment until 31st December 2027 Band: F / Senior Executive Officer Closing date: Sunday 6th April 2025 at midnight Spaces, Places & Belonging: Communities and Collections in the 21st Century is a collaborative research project, led by The National Archives in partnership with the National Library of Wales, Leeds Museums & Galleries, and the Community & Archives Heritage Group. Supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), it will fund innovation and learning in community projects across the wider Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) sectors, bringing together resources, networks and knowhow from across the cultural heritage sector and delivering grant funding to a range of ‘spoke’ projects across the UK, with the aim of engaging a wider and more diverse range of communities in cultural heritage research. We are seeking a Hub Manager to lead the operational delivery of this programme, managing the Hub’s grant-making, governance, operations, finances and reporting, and supporting grantees across the UK to deliver impactful, community-facing projects. Working with the project’s Lead and Co-Leads, the postholder will have a significant role in shaping the Community Hub across its lifetime, and will be responsible for day-to-day decision making on the project, alongside the programme Leads. The Hub Manager will work closely with colleagues in our Research, Grants and Academic Engagement Department, as well as subject matter experts and technical specialists from across The National Archives, including from within our Archives Sector Leadership, Collections Expertise and Engagement, and Education and Outreach teams. They will also be responsible for external communications and stakeholder liaison, working closely with the AHRC and the programme’s three partner institutions, evaluation partner and Advisory Panel, among a wider network of stakeholders and grantees throughout the United Kingdom. The postholder will work as a key member of this growing and vibrant department of around 25 people. The role is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and is a fixed-term appointment until 31 December 2027, subject to extension if further funding is available. Within the beautiful surroundings of Kew, a 10-minute walk from the Underground and Overground stations, The National Archives boasts a collegial working environment and an excellent Civil Service benefits package. This includes flexible working, an on-site gym, and an opportunity to join the Civil Service Alpha Pension Scheme. Putting you at the forefront of our organisation, we are committed to supporting professional development and training for all of our colleagues. This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time. How to apply: To submit your application please click the 'Apply' button on this page. You will be asked to provide details of your work experience and write a personal statement, not exceeding 1200 words. In your statement please explain, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria below. You may draw on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience gained from paid work, domestic responsibilities, education, leisure interests and voluntary activities. Please note selection for interview will largely be based on the information you provide in this section. We understand that you might use artificial intelligence (AI) and other resources to assist with your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and doesn’t include ideas or work that isn’t your own. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. Job Description Spaces, Places & Belonging: Communities and Collections in the 21st Century is a collaborative research project, led by The National Archives in partnership with the National Library of Wales, Leeds Museums & Galleries, and the Community & Archives Heritage Group. Supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), it will fund innovation and learning in community projects across the wider Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) sectors, bringing together resources, networks and knowhow from across the cultural heritage sector and delivering grant funding to a range of ‘spoke’ projects across the UK, with the aim of engaging a wider and more diverse range of communities in cultural heritage research. Read more here and here. We are seeking a Hub Manager to lead the operational delivery of this programme, managing the Hub’s grant-making, governance, operations, finances and reporting, and supporting grantees across the UK to deliver impactful, community-facing projects. Working with the project’s Lead and Co-Leads, the postholder will have a significant role in shaping the Community Hub across its lifetime, and will be responsible for day-to-day decision making on the project, alongside the programme Leads. The Hub Manager will work closely with colleagues in our Research, Grants and Academic Engagement Department, as well as subject matter experts and technical specialists from across The National Archives, including from within our Archives Sector Leadership, Collections Expertise and Engagement, and Education and Outreach teams. They will also be responsible for external communications and stakeholder liaison, working closely with the AHRC and the programme’s three partner institutions, evaluation partner and Advisory Panel, among a wider network of stakeholders and grantees throughout the United Kingdom. The postholder will sit within The National Archives’ Research, Grants and Academic Engagement department, the central locus for our: Research strategy and delivery Research impact, culture and engagement Grant fundraising, including in our capacity as an Independent Research Organisation Management and assurance of external funding Grant-making to the archives and GLAM sectors The postholder will work as a key member of this growing and vibrant department of around 25 people. The role is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and is a fixed-term appointment until 31 December 2027, subject to extension if further funding is available. Within the beautiful surroundings of Kew, a 10-minute walk from the Underground and Overground stations, The National Archives boasts a collegial working environment and an excellent Civil Service benefits package. This includes flexible working, an on-site gym, and an opportunity to join the Civil Service Alpha Pension Scheme. Putting you at the forefront of our organisation, we are committed to supporting professional development and training for all of our colleagues. Role and Responsibilities Grant management and operational delivery Lead the day-to-day delivery of the Community Hub, taking responsibility for the day-to-day decision making on the programme, alongside the Project Lead and Co-Leads. Manage the Hub’s grant-making (of £550,000 over three years), including supporting the design of application forms, assessment criteria and monitoring procedures, managing funding rounds (e.g. through organising assessment panels) and overseeing grantees’ reporting. Monitor project performance against project plans and own the project risk register, identifying and monitoring project risks and issues, delivering appropriate mitigating actions and escalating risks as appropriate. Lead on the drafting of reports to the programme’s funder, monitoring delivery against agreed key performance indicators. Act with autonomy in the project management and financial oversight of a programme of over £1 million. Oversee the programme’s financial processing, including raising purchase orders, categorising expenditure accurately according to cost centre and project code; arranging invoices for payment; and raising invoices to grant funders. Actively monitor programme risks, identifying issues if they arise and take action to ensure these are effectively resolved. Liaison and communication Lead the Hub’s external communications, including promoting grant funding opportunities and spoke projects’ outputs through the programme’s website pages, social media, the press and other communications channels as appropriate. Be the first point of contact for a wide network of ‘spoke’ projects across the UK, providing guidance for applicants on the programme’s funding schemes, assessment and monitoring procedures, and motivating and inspiring applications from eligible organisations across the galleries, libraries, archives and museums sectors. Work closely and collaboratively with funded projects throughout their project delivery, to ensure that key administrative, contractual, financial and reporting requirements are understood and met. Liaise, including at a senior level, with project partners and the Arts & Humanities Research Council. Identify, build and maintain relations with key stakeholders within The National Archives and develop effective relationships for the successful delivery of the project. Outreach, impact and planning Take an active interest in the community-facing work of spoke projects, ensuring that learning, stories and case studies are captured across the Hub’s network and engaging actively, wherever possible, in the spoke projects’ community-facing work. Ensure that the impact of Spaces, Places & Belonging is understood, working with an external evaluation consultant across the lifetime of the project to collate and analyse data in order to inform evidence-based decision-making, understand diverse impacts, and further advocate for the sector. Participate, with the Project Lead and Co-Leads, in the design and delivery of the Hub’s skills-building, training and sector development work package, including commissioning training or resources where appropriate. Participate, with the Project Lead and Co-Leads, in the design and oversight of the Hub’s digital platform. Participate, with the Project Lead and Co-Leads, in future fundraising for the Hub, including from beyond the AHRC. Working Conditions The post holder must be able to travel within the UK, with occasional associated overnight stays. Normal office environment Display Screen Equipment user Person Specification Essential Criteria: Experience of managing projects or programmes, with multiple priorities and complex requirements, with a strong knowledge of project delivery methodologies and frameworks. Experience of grant management and/or reporting to external funding partners, as applicable to large budgets of over a million pounds, with strong financial literacy and skills. Enthusiasm for community-facing outreach, research and skills-building in a UK cultural heritage context. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex, technical, or financial information to varied audiences. Experience in stakeholder management, with the ability to build and develop excellent working relationships with a wide range of people from across the UK. Strong time management, with ability to prioritise tasks and manage conflicting demands within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. Ability to work both independently and within a team, with sound judgement in choosing when to operate on own authority and when to refer matters onward. Desirable Criteria: Experience of administering grant-making programmes. Experience of community-led research in the GLAM sectors. Experience of communications (e.g. website, social media) and/or of research impact and evaluation. Experience of fundraising. Other Requirements A combination of onsite and home working is available – our expectation is that 60% of our staff time is spent in the office or working offsite (e.g. on visits), with 40% being from home. Applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site. Occasional overnight stays may be required. The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy. Benefits Generous benefits package, including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at our on-site cafe and opportunities for training and development. Annual leave entitlement of 22 days per calendar year (rising to 25 after the first year, and incrementally to 30 days after six years) and 10½ days public and privilege holidays per annum. Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ ( opens in new window) Reasonable adjustments If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact The National Archives via careersnationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs Complete the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks (opens in new window) Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. (opens in new window) The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. (opens in new window) Contact point for applicants: Name: The National Archives Recruitment Team Email: careersnationalarchives.gov.uk Further information If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact The National Archives via email: careersnationalarchives.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-complaints/ (opens in new window)