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

Royal United Services Institute jobs

Programme Manager