JOB SUMMARY
Role:Strategic Engagement Manager
Reports to: Declan Keeney, Chief Executive Officer
Location: Studio Ulster, 9 Gullivers Drive, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Contract Type: Full time, Permanent
ABOUT STUDIO ULSTER
Studio Ulster Ltd is a ground-breaking large-scale Virtual Production creative technology company, launched in June 2025 at Belfast Harbour Studios, just 10 minutes from Belfast City Centre. This £72m, 75,000 ft² facility will house some of the most advanced virtual production facilities worldwide, including cutting-edge In-Camera Visual Effects (ICVFX) stages, alongside world class Motion Capture stages, 3D/4D Volumetric Scanning stages, and other supporting facilities. This combination of technologies under one roof at this scale is globally unique and provides one of the most advanced virtual production facilities available globally.
Studio Ulster, developed by Ulster University, in partnership with the Belfast Harbour Commission is a strategic partnership with Belfast Harbour Studios, supported by Northern Ireland Screen, and is designed to elevate the commercial studio capability in the UK, Ireland and Europe for real-time visual effects. The complex is also home to the UKRI/AHRC-funded CoSTAR Screen Lab, a creative technologies lab focusing on real-time production, which alone unlocks nearly £11m in research investment.
Now one year into operations, Studio Ulster continues to scale its team, strengthen governance, and build a high-performing, values-driven culture to support long-term growth. To support the growth and operational excellence of Studio Ulster, we are seeking to recruit a Strategic Engagement Manager.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Strategic Engagement Manager will provide senior level executive and project support to the CEO of Studio Ulster, a high-profile, publicly funded creative technology company and subsidiary of Ulster University. The post holder will operate as a trusted extension of the CEO’s office, supporting governance, strategic coordination, stakeholder engagement, compliance documentation and the effective execution of complex, multi-partner activity across industry, government and academia.
The role is suited to a highly experienced Senior Administrator, Engagement Manager, or Project Manager, with a strong understanding of public-sector governance, senior stakeholder management, and operating at pace in a dynamic, externally facing senior management environment.
KEY DUTIES
- KAct as senior administrative and operational support to the CEO, managing priorities, workflows, and complex scheduling and reporting across commercial, academic, and civic commitments.
- Coordinate board reporting, including preparation of position papers, tracking actions, ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, novated city deal compliance and liaising with University, funders, and external partners.
- Support strategic projects led by the CEO, including funding applications, international partnerships, policy engagement, and organisational development initiatives.
- Manage high-level correspondence, briefing notes, reports, and presentations for internal and external audiences, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and appropriate tone.
- Act as a central coordination point between Studio Ulster, Ulster University, public funders, and industry stakeholders, ensuring effective information flow and follow-through.
- Provide project management support on priority initiatives of the Executive team at the request of the CEO, tracking milestones, risks, and dependencies.
- Handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, judgement, and professionalism.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of executive office processes, systems, and reporting including matters relating to all commercial business at Studio Ulster.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with Studio Ulster’s Senior Leadership Team, Chairman of SUL Board, and the Executive Office & People Operations Manager.
- Support the CEO office.
REQUIREMENTS
- Honours Degree / Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- 5 -10 years of experience.
- Strong network and a track record of successful deal-making.
- Significant experience in a senior administrative or project coordination role within a senior team.
- Comfortable operating at senior leadership level and across organisational boundaries.
- Strong organisational, communication, and drafting skills.
- Experience working within public-sector, higher education, or publicly funded environments.
- The ability to initiate and draft research and or funding applications to a high level.
- Prince 2 or similarly qualified for project management.
- Track record of working on funding applications and/or policy documentation
- Process driven and advanced IT skills.
- Financial acumen and governance experience, including budgeting and costing experience either in public or private sector and compliance with regulatory and audit standards.
- Eligibility to work in the UK is a condition of appointment. Proof of right to work will be required prior to commencement of employment.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
- Comfortable navigating fast paced, evolving business environments.
- Experience of working with Higher Education funding from UKRI, EU or other Government bodies.
- Experience of developing and implementing project management processes and procedures for a range of UKRI/EU/government funded programmes.
- Strong interest in the film and screen industry.
WORKING AT STUDIO ULSTER
Studio Ulster offers a competitive salary, reflecting your experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package that supports your wellbeing.
We’re proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, sexual orientation, race, gender, religion, or belief. We value diversity and encourage talented individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
Send your CV and a Cover Letter to careers@studioulster.com
Deadline for submissions is 15 April 2026
