Project Manager (Maternity cover)

Job description: Project Manager

Reports to: Director of PNP

Department: Proliferation and Nuclear Policy

Salary range: £38,000 - £42,000 depending on skills and experience

Location: London

Contract: Maternity Cover, Fixed Term until October 2026

About the Department/ Team

RUSI s Proliferation and Nuclear Policy (PNP) programme addresses issues raised by the development and spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and related technologies, through innovative research, dialogue and partnership with national and international bodies.

Main purpose of post

The PONI Project Manager will be responsible for delivery and development of the United Kingdom Project on Nuclear Issues (UK PONI), a flagship project for the PNP programme. Since 2009, UK PONI has helped to address the nuclear policy and technology challenges of tomorrow by developing and sustaining emerging nuclear specialists from industry, academia, government, and the military, and by connecting them with established experts. Its goal is to build a vibrant and diverse community of well-informed, well-connected and capable nuclear specialists in the UK.

To do this, it seeks to connect across boundaries, be they technical-policy, senior-junior, government and non-government, military-civilian, pro- and anti-nuclear, and internationally; it looks at ways it can help members of the nuclear community develop their knowledge and skills, including by promoting diversity of inclusion and representation; and it provides a platform for emerging talent, principally through its Annual Conference and through the UK PONI blog, Nuclear Reactions. UK PONI has great growth potential, and RUSI s goal for the PM is to realise this by taking responsibility for driving the project forward, expanding funding and its membership, while maintaining the high standards of the existing programme and our established relationships.

Key tasks

The Project Manager will:

• Oversee and implement the UK PONI strategy, ensuring effective delivery and alignment with the wider Proliferation and Nuclear Policy (PNP) programme.

• Develop and implement communications and engagement strategies for the UK PONI community and funders, including managing newsletters, social media channels, and marketing activity to enhance reach, visibility, and impact.

• Build and strengthen the UK PONI community both online and offline, fostering collaborations with PONI partners and other organisations and networks across the UK with an interest in nuclear issues.

• Lead on the production and publication of UK PONI s quarterly newsletter FUSION and the Nuclear Reactions series.

• Plan, organise, and deliver UK PONI events, workshops, and conferences in the UK and abroad, providing full logistical and administrative support.

• Prepare materials for meetings of the UK PONI Board of Advisors and support fundraising, business development, and ongoing liaison with funders.

• Facilitate business planning and contribute to the development of annual work plans and strategic objectives.

• Manage bids, grants, and financial reporting, including the creation and monitoring of budgets and submission of reports to funders.

• Monitor project schedules, track team tasks, and collate programme-wide project management information to support effective delivery and coordination.

• Deliver internal and external outreach and engagement activities to promote UK PONI s work and strengthen stakeholder relationships.

• Ensure that diversity and inclusion are embedded across all UK PONI activities, working with partners such as the Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy network, Women in International Security UK, Women of Colour Advancing Peace and Security UK, and Women in Nuclear UK.

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

Our expectations

We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSI s Vision and Values.

Person specification

Essential skills and experience

• Familiarity with the UK and broader nuclear community and key debates in the nuclear field

• Experience in project/ programme management ideally gained in research setting

• Working knowledge and application of project management methodologies and frameworks

• Advanced working knowledge and management of budgets including reporting and audit management

• Excellent IT Skills (MS Office + Database + Web Based App)

• Excellent organisation skills

• Proven experience in organising large scale events

• Excellent communication skills (communicate with stakeholders)

• Highly digital literate and familiar with use of social media for maximum exposure

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and ability to present complex information and demonstrating strong literacy skills.

• Some knowledge of grants and bids management

Desirable skills and experience

• Line management and upskilling junior members of staff

• Experience of working in think tanks/ not-for-profit sector organisation

• Project management qualification/ certification gained from an accredited body

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 add:

• Your CV.

• Cover Letter of no more than 1 page explaining your interest in the role and any significant relevant skills and/or experience

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 31st October 2025.

Please DO NOT submit multiple applications for this vacancy. We no longer accept applications to our recruitment mailbox, applications received in our mailbox will not be processed.

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.

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.