AI@Cam Programme Manager [Temporary Cover]

Drive AI innovation that serves science, citizens, and society at Cambridge

About this opportunity

ai@cam has rapidly established itself as Cambridge's flagship mission for AI innovation with real-world impact. In just two years, we've engaged over 3,000 people across all six Schools of the University and in our local community, launched seven interdisciplinary research programmes spanning 26 departments, trained more than 1,500 researchers in AI methods, and positioned Cambridge as a trusted voice in national AI policy discussions.

Now we're scaling our impact through an exciting new phase focused on sprint innovation cycles and implementation partnerships. We're looking for a Programme Manager to join our dynamic team for a 6-month period to help drive this next chapter of growth.

The ai@cam Programme Manager will be central to delivering our expanding portfolio of initiatives. You'll support our transition from research incubation to implementation through our new AI-deas Sprint programme, help launch our AI Observatory for industry collaboration, and contribute to our growing policy engagement activities that include an accelerator for AI in public services.

What you'll be working on

Programme delivery and coordination: Support the delivery of our core programmes including the AI-deas incubator, the AI Observatory (collaborative industry partnerships), and our Policy Lab activities that engage with government departments and local authorities.

Community building and stakeholder engagement: Help coordinate our vibrant community of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Support events, workshops, and engagement activities that bring together diverse perspectives on AI development and deployment.

Partnership development: Work with the team to develop and maintain relationships with internal and external partners including local authorities, industry collaborators, and international research networks.

Strategic coordination: Contribute to planning and programme management across ai@cam's portfolio of internal and external engagements, helping to position the University at the forefront of responsible AI innovation.

Programme management and impact: Develop our infrastructure for programme management and tracking impact. Implement financial management processes across programmes, monitor budgets and expenditure, and ensure compliance with University policies and funder requirements. Support procurement activities and contract management.

What we're looking for

We're seeking someone who thrives in a dynamic, innovative environment and is excited by the opportunity to shape how AI development can better serve society. You'll have:

• Programme management experience: Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder programmes, working in conditions of uncertainty.
• Stakeholder engagement skills: Experience building relationships and facilitating collaboration between diverse groups including researchers, policymakers, industry partners, and communities.
• Strategic delivery: Ability to see the bigger picture while managing day-to-day delivery.
• Communication excellence: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Adaptability: Comfort working in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift as opportunities emerge.
• Project coordination: Experience managing competing priorities and supporting teams to deliver on ambitious timelines.

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 6 months or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

We offer flexible working arrangements, with regular attendance in Cambridge necessary for effective collaboration with our team and partners. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to AI innovation while developing experience in programme management, policy engagement, and partnership development.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Candidates should apply with a cover letter setting out how their experience relates to the requirements of the role (with examples using the STAR method), a CV, and details of two referees.

Informal enquiries about the role should be directed to Jessica Montgomery, Director, ai@cam: jkm40@cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Karin Kuchta, HR Coordinator, email: csihhr@admin.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference XN47354 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key information

• Department/location: Cross School Initiative Hub
• Salary: £47,389-£59,966
• Reference: XN47354
• Category: Academic-related
• Date published: 24 September 2025
• Closing date: 9 October 2025