Community & Ecosystem Manager

Innovate Cambridge; City of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovation partnership in the UK seeks a dynamic connector to enhance collaboration between Cambridge and Manchester. The ideal candidate will lead community activation, coordinate forums, and create impactful storytelling to support innovation across regions. Applicants should have proven community management experience and excellent organizational skills. This role offers a competitive salary and professional growth within a mission-driven team.

Benefits

28 days’ annual leave

Professional growth opportunities

Engagement in vibrant tech ecosystems

Qualifications

• Proven experience in community management or partnership delivery.
• Strong track record running multi-partner projects.
• Confidence working across diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead community activation for CBG-MCR.
• Build and coordinate communities around shared challenges.
• Create engaging storytelling and digital content.

Skills

Community management

Ecosystem development

Project management

Communication

Facilitation

Organizational skills

Tools

CRMs

Digital engagement tools

Job description

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.

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 programme(s)/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.

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?

Loom link: https://www.loom.com/share/99d30063c8874f87b004d53b8099befd

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.