Director Of Research And Public Affairs

We're looking for someone to lead and develop our research team of staff and freelance research associates and be part of our Senior Leadership Team. We work with charities, foundations and Public agencies to strengthen UK communities through action research. We champion the role and contribution of the voluntary sector, listen and learn with charities to understand what helps or hinders them and influence changes in practice within foundations and Public agencies.

You'll have an interest in our work – helping individuals and organisations in the voluntary sector to achieve change; and a strong understanding and experience of using qualitative research methodology, ideally including experience of action research, facilitation and evaluation design alongside an understanding of quantitative methods.You’ll have experience of  leading, managing and contributing to all stages of the research process (including writing in an accessible and engaging manner for different audiences); be confident in leading a portfolio of varied projects; have experience of line management and working in a senior leadership team; andbe comfortable working in a small organisation with wide-ranging responsibilities.

Main responsibilities include:

• Overseeing and shaping the research project portfolio to ensure quality delivery and alignment with IVAR’s strategic priorities.
• Leading, supervising and guiding the research team, including supporting Project Managers to deliver high quality research; monthly research team meetings; and continuous professional development of Research staff.
• Being a member of project delivery teams.
• Monitoring project budgets and progress against income targets.
• Ensuring IVAR meets its responsibilities in terms of Research ethics and safeguarding and that our research practice is equitable and inclusive.
• Maintaining and developing a network that supports a healthy project pipeline of new work, including relationships with delivery partners who can complement and enhance IVAR’s offer.
• Leading project design and proposals for commissioned work.
• Leading the identification, assessment and response to tender opportunities.
• Being part of the Senior Leadership Team, which includes ensuring an integrated approach to Research and communications and the quality of all written outputs; participating in IVAR meetings and events (including quarterly Board meetings); planning and delivering monthly team days; contributing to the development of internal systems/processes; developing organisational culture; developing and promoting IVAR’s public profile and influence.

If you are motivated by this mix of work  – we would love to hear from you.

Having a team that reflects the diversity of the communities that we serve is really important to us  – so we would like to encourage people from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply. Please view the Application Pack for further information.