Director of Research

New Local Director of Research
Location Flexible, UK
Application deadline 4 January 2022
Contract type Permanent
Hours Full-time
Salary GBP50,000 – 60,000 per annum
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New Local is a think tank and network working to transform public services and empower communities. We publish research on some of today’s most pressing policy and social issues – like health, housing and welfare – informed by our network of 60-plus local authorities.

The role

To complement our expanding organisation, we are recruiting for a director of research, which is a full-time permanent position. This new role is an exciting opportunity to make a big impact and take our research programme to the next level. We are looking for a director of research who shares our values and our passion for practical and policy change.

Key roles and responsibilities

  • To oversee a programme of inspiring and impactful research which is core to New Local’s role as a thought leader and practice organisation focussed on developing community power.
  • To play an oversight and editorial role to ensure high quality across the research programme and to lead research projects directly.
  • To manage and coach a team of researchers, which currently number five.

Experience and skills

  • An outstanding writer and editor, with a demonstrable track record of brilliant writing for a range of audiences and a deep understanding of how to present complex research in engaging and accessible ways.
  • A supportive coach, with experience of managing and motivating high performing teams.
  • An excellent track record in research, including generating ideas, ensuring credibility of research and that outputs are accessible and engaging to a wide range of audiences.
  • A brilliant project manager, able to manage projects within a fast-paced and busy environment and to juggle competing deadlines.
  • An articulate and knowledgeable connector, who has the understanding and confidence to build relationships and work in an extremely networked way.
  • An imaginative communicator and facilitator who can speak to and draw out compelling ideas for change.
  • Strongly entrepreneurial and committed to business development.
  • Qualitative research skills, which are at the core of our research approach, including the willingness to experiment and apply different methodologies to different projects.
  • Quantitative research skills, which are a developing aspect of our research approach, and we welcome applicants with expertise in this area.
  • A champion for community power, who understands and is committed to its principles.
  • A friendly and supportive colleague able to work in a highly creative and collaborative environment that encourages autonomy and excellence from all members of the team.

Other useful information

New Local operates a highly flexible approach to work location and welcomes applicants from across the UK