Programme Manager

Summary

Location: London, 61 Whitehall 
Contract: Permanent  
Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 based on skills and experience 
Reports to: Director, Centre for Finance & Security 

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 CFS

The Centre for Finance & Security (CFS) at RUSI is a leading authority on the intersection of finance and security. Its research aims to advance the integrity of the financial system by equipping the international community with the knowledge, tools and ideas to understand, identify and disrupt the threats of illicit finance.

​

The CFS produces research, convenes policy discussions, organises events and workshops, and delivers international capacity-building programmes with partner institutions. CFS also shares its work through digital outputs including the Suspicious Transaction Report podcast, a monthly newsletter and social media updates.

Role overview

The Programme Management function at RUSI exists to ensure the effective planning, coordination and delivery of research projects and programmes that advance RUSI’s strategic goals. It provides the operational backbone for programme delivery.

As the Programme Manager for the CFS research group, you will be coordinating events and supporting the logistical preparation of international programme deployments, as well as managing several regular operational outputs including the biweekly Suspicious Transaction Report podcast, the CFS monthly newsletter, and the Centre’s dedicated social media channels.

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 or business development. Candidates should therefore be motivated by programme coordination, event organisation and operational delivery and excellence.

Key tasks

Events and Workshops

In collaboration with research project leads, support the organisation of roundtables, workshops and public events.

• Coordinating with the RUSI events team
• Managing invitations and participant lists
• Coordinating with speakers and participants
• Preparing agendas and other event documentation
• Supporting event administration and follow-up

International Programme Logistics

Support the administrative preparation of international events and workshops.

• Booking and coordinating travel arrangements for staff and consultants
• Identifying suitable hotels, meeting venues and event facilities
• Coordinating schedules with programme partners, where applicable
• Preparing related event/trip administrative documentation
• Supporting post-event documentation and reporting 
  
  This role supports the preparation and coordination of events but does not normally involve travel.

Podcast Coordination

Support the production of the Suspicious Transaction Report podcast.

• Scheduling recordings and coordinating with guests
• Managing episode preparation and release schedules
• Drafting episode summaries and supporting materials

Newsletter

Coordinate preparation of the monthly CFS newsletter.

• Compiling updates on CFS publications, events and programme activities
• Drafting short summaries of outputs and activities
• Collaborating with the RUSI communications team to prepare the newsletter for distribution

Social Media Support

Support the management of CFS social media channels, particularly LinkedIn and X.

• Collaborating with team members to draft posts highlighting CFS activities
• Promoting events, publications and podcast episodes
• Monitoring engagement

General

• Ad-hoc administrative duties to support the research group
• Contribute to teamwide thinking on continuous improvement to provide operational excellence

​

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, grade and nature 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, operations, including event management within policy organisations.

​

Essential skills and experience

​

• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Experience coordinating events, logistics or projects
• Ability to work independently, supporting multiple team members, and effectively prioritising and managing workload across competing requests
• Excellent written English
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to and comfortable with managing multiple tasks and deadlines
• Strong attention to detail
• ​

Desirable skills

​

• Experience supporting events or programme administration
• Experience coordinating travel or logistics
• Familiarity with podcasts, newsletters or social media platforms
• Familiarity with AI tools for drafting or workflow support

​

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.

​

Our expectations

We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSI’s Vision and Values https://rusi.org/content/values and Equal Opportunities Statement.

​

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. You will be asked to include:

​

• Your CV;

• Cover letter of no more than one page, outlining:

• ​
  • your experience in programme administration, travel and event coordination
  • your interest in administrative and operational roles supporting programme delivery

​

Please note that AI detection tools are in our candidate review process.

Closing date: 23:59 UK on 10th April 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged.

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.

We’re aware that the questionnaire may not capture the rich complexities of our backgrounds and identities, so we apologise if these are not best described. Please note that this data will be kept confidential and separated from your job application. If you are uncomfortable sharing, choose "Prefer not to say" or skip the questions entirely.

If you have any questions, please contact hr@rusi.org