Event & Operations Associate, Encode: AI for Science (UK)
Who We Are
Pillar VC is a seed-stage venture capital firm. We invest at inception in research scientist-led companies solving the world’s greatest challenges. As an ARIA Activation Partner, Pillar VC is proudly building Encode: AI for Science. The Encode Fellowship, powered by ARIA and DSIT, embeds talented AI / ML engineers in leading science labs across the UK for 12 months. Their goal? To advance frontier research and help launch new ventures or research organisations rooted in deep tech breakthroughs.
We’re a small, fast-moving team running high-quality events, building community, and supporting cutting-edge projects. We’re looking for an Event & Operations Associate to help us make it all run smoothly. This is an early-career role, ideal for someone with 1–2 years of experience in events, operations, or community roles or someone who cares about effectively bringing people together and is ready to make that their career.
What you’ll do
Ecosystem Building (60%)
- Support the Head of Operations to deliver Encode’s programme of in-person and digital events, from small workshops to 150+ person salons, throughout the year.
- Manage logistics end-to-end: venues, catering, AV, guest lists, name badges, travel, comms.
- Support on creative design and production, ensuring events feel seamless, professional, and exciting.
- Help scout partnerships – venue, community and funding.
- Help deliver key communications – reminders, invitations, social posts, and more.
Internal Operations (20%)
- Keep our systems running: maintaining contact databases, supporting budget tracking.
- Support team operations, including ensuring any activities in our office are run smoothly.
Misc Fellow Support (20%)
- Act as a friendly and reliable point of contact for Encode Fellows, supporting them with individual engagements and travel where requested.
- Work with Fellows to coordinate events they’re organising, via their Leadership Budget, across the UK.
NB: All job descriptions are starting points. Every member of our team expands and shapes their role in ways we can’t predict, in response to our needs changing as we build too. We are looking for an individual who wants to build, and grow, with us.
What we’re looking for
1–2 years in events, operations, or community roles (or equivalent substantial experience during studies). That said, we care more about who you are than what you have done so far. We are looking for someone with a:
- High attention to detail: Proven ability to manage complex logistics and keep multiple tasks on track. We move at pace, and you will have a high level of responsibility from day 1, provided you have an even higher attention to detail.
- Great EQ!
- Strong sense of ownership: About anything we do, and anything with our logo on.
- Clean communication: Strong written and verbal skills, with the ability to engage clearly and confidently with a range of partners.
- Good financial literacy: You’re able to maintain accurate financial records, supporting the Head of Operations with budget tracking and pro-actively working to estimate costs.
- Growth mindset: Proactive, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning. Receptive to feedback and able to give it constructively.
Desirable, not essential: Familiarity with UK academia, the science funding ecosystem and/or AI events happening across the UK. Science background is additional but not essential.
Role Details
Location: Based in King’s Cross, London. We work at least 4 days a week in the office.
Salary: Competitive salary, depending on experience.
Additional benefits:
- Some travel around the UK for events
- Wellness and travel stipend
- Team lunches, and frequent cross-over with Encode Fellows
- Pension contributions
- Private healthcare
How to apply
Please email leone@pillar.vc with the subject ‘Application: Event & Operations Associate – NAME’.
In your email, please:
- Tell us why you’re applying (2-3 lines).
- Share your LinkedIn URL.
- Share your CV / personal website.
- Share a breakdown of an event you’ve run OR an event you think we should run. Please share no more than one page, and spend no more than 20 minutes of your time on this.
- 2 references we can contact – name, role, why you’re selecting them as a reference. One of these references must be a previous employer. We will not contact them without your prior knowledge and/or consent.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences. If you’re excited by this opportunity but not sure if you meet every requirement, please apply anyway.
We aim to close applications on 14th November. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, until we find the right candidate. Please apply early.