Community & Ecosystem Manager

Innovate Cambridge; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Friendly, mission-driven team

Professional growth opportunities

Involvement in vibrant tech ecosystems

Job summary

A leading innovation partnership in the UK seeks a dynamic connector for community activation in Cambridge and Manchester. You will lead initiatives that bridge the two cities' vibrant tech ecosystems. The role requires proven community management skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative spirit. This full-time position offers extensive professional growth and benefits including 28 days annual leave.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in community management, ecosystem development or innovation settings.
• Strong track record running multi-partner projects and engagement programs.
• Familiarity with Cambridge and/or Manchester innovation networks.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Community management

Ecosystem development

Partnership delivery

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaboration

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.

(Applications without a video will not be considered.)

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 programmes/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.

For full details, check the job description here: https://bit.ly/43eKiaQ

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.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Marketing and Sales

Industries: Business Consulting and Services