The Conversation is an independent provider of news and views, sourced from the academic and research community and delivered directly to the public. Our team of professional editors work with university, and research institute experts to make their knowledge accessible to the public in a timely manner.

The Conversation is funded by universities (called members), grant and philanthropic sources and reader donations. It is a charity, and operates as a for-purpose, not-for-profit company. Its content is freely available and distributed beyond its website using a Creative Commons license.

Access to high-quality, accurate and independent information underpins a functioning democracy. Our aim is to ensure better understanding of current affairs and complex issues by publishing explanatory journalism, analysis and reports of research findings produced by academics with recognised expertise. The Conversation aims to enrich public discussion and provide easy access to quality information, with knowledge that can be trusted and information that is useful.

Based in London but with worldwide reach, we are a young and growing company. Managing relationships with member universities is a core part of our growth strategy and we are looking for an enthusiastic, self-starting and highly organised people-person to join the team as University Relations Assistant. The role involves keeping in touch with 85+ member universities, their queries and concerns, keeping track of and recording relevant information and using it to improve what we offer to members, and to expand our membership further.

Applicants with account management or membership management experience, particularly in publishing or the higher education sector, are invited to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Manage The Conversation’s membership processes, including onboarding new members, ensuring records are kept and the CRM updated, thinking creatively about how to help members make the most of membership
• Ensure that 85+ members receive the benefits of membership, including managing the training program of sessions for universities hosted by editors, monthly/annual reporting, and feedback
• Keep in contact with members, dealing with queries, issues or complaints as they arise, and building new points of contact and networks of influence for The Conversation within an institution. Ownership of membership comms
• Take part in expanding The Conversation’s membership network; identifying target members and building a sales strategy (including upsell opportunities for particular members)
• Liaising with the Finance team on invoicing

Essential:

• People person – enjoys meeting new people and solving their problems
• Excellent communication skills with a range of stakeholders, from Vice-Chancellors to academics and press officers
• Multi-tasker – able to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Highly organised – able to keep track of 85+ university members
• Proactive

The following would be desirable:

• Knowledge of the university sector in the UK
• An active interest in the changing media landscape
• An active interest in The Conversation and an understanding of its mission

Benefits

• Salary: £30,000 p.a.
• 25 paid holiday days
• Company pension contribution
• Enhanced parental leave
• Flexible working – we have office space at UCL in central London, but you’re able to work from home

Applications will be accepted and interviewed on a rolling basis. We value and respect all differences in all people (seen and unseen) at The Conversation and actively encourage applications from BAME candidates.

You must be legally able to work in the UK. Please mention Journo Resources when you apply – it really helps us out.