The Harlaxton Medieval Symposium is seeking to appoint a new secretary (or secretaries), to replace Dr Richard Asquith and Dr Rachael Harkes, who will be retiring from the position following the 2026 conference. This is an excellent opportunity for enthusiastic medievalists – including PGRs and ECRs, independent scholars, or established/retired academics – who wish to develop their academic networks and to take on responsibility for overseeing the running of a well-established inter-disciplinary academic event.
With the support of the steering committee, the secretary/secretaries of the Symposium oversee the practical aspects of organising and running the annual Symposium, as well as managing its social media profile and website. Working with the chair, the steering committee, and the convenors, they liaise with the venue (currently Madingley Hall, Cambridge) to secure the booking and the timings/structure of the Symposium. They launch booking each Spring, manage registration and collect payment, organise any excursions, produce the printed programme and attendees’ registration packs, and respond to enquiries. During the Symposium itself, the secretaries ensure the smooth running of proceedings, working closely with the venue, speakers, and chairs. They act as treasurer and are signatories on the Symposium’s bank account, making any relevant payments for invoices incurred and producing an annual financial report for the steering committee. Three meetings of the steering committee take place each year (one before and one after the Symposium, and one in December), for which the secretaries book meeting rooms, prepare the agenda and papers (alongside the chair), and write and circulate minutes.
Potential candidates do not necessarily need significant experience managing a large academic event (although similar experience may be useful), but should be willing to develop the necessary skills, especially financial. They should be working towards or have attained a higher degree (such as a doctorate), or have similar levels of academic experience, in any field of medieval studies. They should be highly organised, professional and personable, able to structure personal workloads and work to tight deadlines, and possess a good network of contacts within the field, or be willing to develop such a network. The secretary/secretaries are expected to attend all committee meetings as well as the annual Symposium. Please note that this opportunity is open to UK-based candidates only.
Although this is a voluntary post, the secretaries’ attendance at the annual Symposium will be covered, including both conference and accommodation fees, but excluding any travel expenses.
It is expected that those appointed to the post will attend the 2026 Symposium (Monday 17th – Thursday 20th August, at Madingley Hall, Cambridge), working alongside the current secretaries as part of the handover process.
Interested candidates may direct any questions related to the post to the Chair of the Symposium, Professor Sue Powell, at S.Powell@salford.ac.uk. To apply, please send a 1-page covering letter, outlining your suitability for the role and relevant experience, and an academic CV (2 pages maximum) to Professor Powell at the above address, and arrange for a letter of reference to be submitted by a suitable referee – for PGRs and ECRs, a supervisor or academic advisor would be appropriate, but if possible they should not be members of the Symposium’s steering committee. Applications should be received by Friday 27th March 2026.