Research director

Centre for London is a think tank and charity focused on London’s critical challenges.

The role

The Centre for London is looking for a Research director, a senior level position at London’s dedicated think tank.

Key roles and responsibilities

Directing the Research Programme:

• Ensuring Centre for London remains at the leading edge of urban research and the
  research programme is ambitious, relevant, rigorous and influential.
• Developing the research team, supporting line managers to support staff; and ensuring
  the research team collaborates effectively with the rest of the organisation.
• Ensuring projects are properly resourced, effectively monitored, delivered to the highest
  standard, on time and within budget.
• Developing the research programme across its themes and possibly lead on one or more
  programmes as required.
• Quality assurance of the research through project review meetings, chairing advisory
  groups, commenting on and editing final reports.
• Maintaining the organisation’s independence, leading safeguarding and data
  management to ensure high ethical standards for research.
• Oversight of budgeting and financial management for the research team, ensuring staff
  budget effectively and adequately monitor expenditure, and producing regular reports
  for sponsors and trustees.
• Helping monitor the organisation’s financial health and compliance with financial
  systems.
• Development and management of research partnerships with outside organisations.

Development and external promotion of Centre for London and its ideas:

• Raising funds for the research programme and actively extending the organisation’s
  networks of funders, supporters and stakeholders.
• Ensuring the research team are trained and fully engaged in fundraising – including
  developing and preparing proposals, liaising and building relationships with donors
  (primarily through corporate sponsorship).
• Representing Centre for London in public and in private to relevant audiences
  (business, government and civil society) extending the organisation’s reputation, reach
  and influence, and support others in these activities.
• Promoting Centre for London, its analysis and ideas, through participation in external
  events, public speaking, writing and media activity as required, and supporting others in
  these activities.

General responsibilities and duties:

• Conducting the duties of the job description in accordance with the operational policies
  of Centre for London, including but not limited to the diversity policy and code of
  conduct.
• Maintaining excellent working relations with Trustees, staff, volunteers and other
  stakeholders.
• Contributing to the development of the Centre’s organisational policies, strategy,
  growth and narrative.
• Supporting the Director, Deputy Director and Operations Director in their strategic,
  governance and operational duties.
• Presenting the organisation in an appropriate and professional manner to its
  stakeholders.
• Assisting at Centre for London events outside of normal working hours as necessary.
• Undertaking any other reasonable duties as may be required.

Experience and skills

Person Specification:

• Applicants must show commitment to the values and ethos of Centre for London and be passionate about London. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Skills and Experience:

• Significant senior level experience working in research or policy roles with proven ability
  to influence decisions and effect change in policy making and practice.
• An excellent understanding of London or urban policy, ideally with specific experience
  in one of Centre for London’s research themes.
• Academic or professional record showing exemplary analytical skills, ideally with a track
  record of compelling and clear publications.
• Experience of bringing together quantitative and qualitative research to provide clear
  narratives and practical recommendations for change.
• Expert written and verbal communicator including presenting to large audiences,
  chairing events, and helping others to communicate expertly.
• Experience managing large and complex programmes of work, including having budget
  responsibility and managing delivery teams.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with funders and secure funding for
  projects or programmes.
• Proven ability to develop relationships and network confidently with policy advisers,
  politicians, civil servants and academics, as well as business and third sector
  organisations.
• Quantitative research skills, and particularly experience in developing these in team
  members, an advantage.
• Media experience an advantage.

Competencies:

Setting the standard for demonstrating Centre for London’s competencies:

• Developing a culture of creative thinking and ideas generation across the organisation.
• Identifying, leading change and supporting others to become leaders.
• Intellectual curiosity, and the ability to encourage that in others.
• Establishing and maintaining the highest standards for supporting direct reports and
  managing their performance.
• Developing and leading organisational strategy, setting corporate priorities, managing
  resources, delegating and supporting others to priorities.
• Creating a culture of accountability and holding others to account for their
  responsibilities.

Other useful information

To apply follow the link below to complete the application information. Your application should be saved as a single PDF with your application ID as the title.

Please check that your name isn’t included on your CV or cover letter. Email your CV and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line: ‘Research Director’.

Please note, applications will only be submitted when the form has been completed and your
pdf received via email.

Deadline – 9am on Monday 20th January 2020
Expected interview dates – 29th and 30th January.