Director of Research (Maternity Cover)
Central London with hybrid working
circa £70,000 per annum + benefits
Full time (0.8 FTE considered), 12 - 18 month FTC
Closing date: Friday 11th February
circa £70,000 per annum + benefits
Full time (0.8 FTE considered), 12 - 18 month FTC
Closing date: Friday 11th February
Organisation:
Independent grant-making charity focused on educational welfare
Independent grant-making charity focused on educational welfare
Role:
The Director of Research leads the development and delivery of the organisation’s evidence generation activities, ensuring its research is mission-aligned, of the highest standard, and responsive to the needs of stakeholders across the English education system.
The role-holder is a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for integrating strategy and operations across the Programmes and Evaluation teams, ensuring that: both teams are supported and enabled to collaborate; their research and evaluation activity is aligned to their emerging research agenda; their research is robust, cutting-edge, mission-driven, and integrated to deliver value for money and to develop new emphasis on aiding research to scale. The role is also crucial to overseeing the work that cuts across Programmes, Evaluation and other teams - such as the production of Guidance Reports, the interpretation of findings into policy and knowledge mobilisation work, and the evaluation of that work.
In this role you will:
The Director of Research leads the development and delivery of the organisation’s evidence generation activities, ensuring its research is mission-aligned, of the highest standard, and responsive to the needs of stakeholders across the English education system.
The role-holder is a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for integrating strategy and operations across the Programmes and Evaluation teams, ensuring that: both teams are supported and enabled to collaborate; their research and evaluation activity is aligned to their emerging research agenda; their research is robust, cutting-edge, mission-driven, and integrated to deliver value for money and to develop new emphasis on aiding research to scale. The role is also crucial to overseeing the work that cuts across Programmes, Evaluation and other teams - such as the production of Guidance Reports, the interpretation of findings into policy and knowledge mobilisation work, and the evaluation of that work.
In this role you will:
- (As part of the executive leadership team) Develop and oversee strategy to achieve optimal impact, excellence and value for money in research addressing the organisation’s mission
- Support the work of the CEO and where necessary deputise for her
- Oversee the Programmes and Evaluation teams, and line manage the Heads of these teams, making the most of their talents and experiences and ensuring the integration of their work across the organisation
- Work with the Director of Impact and other members of the leadership team to ensure successful integration of research evidence and impact, and model a joined-up approach to the work that reflects their charitable mission
- Maintain a strong network of relationships at the highest level with research organisations, teaching and school leadership representative bodies, funders and foundations, researchers, key influencers, civil servants and others, to develop the reputation, rigor and impact of their work
- Quality assure the work of the Programmes and Evaluations teams to ensure consistent high standards for rigor, mission alignment, and Value for Money
- Ensure good governance of their research work, and that the trustees are kept up to date with progress
- Undertake other duties which may from time to time be requested by the Chief Executive.
Candidate:
- Deep knowledge of the education sector and a demonstrated commitment to the aims of the charity
- A proven track record in a senior research related role
- Fluency in quantitative and experimental methods and analytical approaches
- Exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills, evidenced by close, successful relationships with senior research and education stakeholders
- The ability and credibility to act as an effective ambassador for the organisation at the highest level, including with Ministers, system leaders and senior officials
- Outstanding track record of delivery on collaborative projects requiring multi-disciplinary teams to deliver against tight timelines
- The ability to inspire the confidence, enthusiasm and support of colleagues and decision makers
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
To be considered for this role, please email your CV to [email protected]