Assistant Director (Research) - Research and Development

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits at a forward-thinking organization, where you will play a pivotal role in leading research initiatives that influence strategy and practice. In this influential position, you will collaborate with a skilled team to ensure the collection and analysis of quality information, facilitating its accessibility throughout the organization. The role requires a committed individual with a strong track record in research management, interpersonal skills, and a passion for community engagement. Join a dynamic team at a time of transition, where your contributions will help shape impactful projects that respond to the needs of local communities.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading a successful research team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Research & Development in strategic leadership.
• Manage a significant portfolio of projects and contacts.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

PhD in Research

Equivalent qualification

Job description

Working hours: Minimum of 35 hours per week - working a minimum of 40% across each month at our London Headquarters

Interview Date: To be confirmed

This is an exciting and influential role in The Salvation Army, requiring a broad experience and skill set, along with relationally focused and adaptable approach. It will involve working with a skilled team to engage and support professionals from a variety of fields to influence strategy and practice. You will not only collaborate to ensure the collection and analysis of good quality information but also work to facilitate its accessibility and implementation throughout the movement. You will join the team at a time of transition, helping plan and implement ways of working in R&D that emphasis the movement’s response as a church to the needs of local communities and wider society.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting the Director of Research & Development in directing and providing strategic leadership on all research matters to the UKI Territory. The role is a key part of R&D senior management team. R&D seeks to inform, inspire and enable transformational front-line mission. The post-holder will be responsible for significant internal agendas including Ethics, Impact Measurement and develop strategic research university partnerships to promote evidence-based mission. They will be required to manage a significant portfolio of projects and contacts.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• An extensive proven track record of utilising strong interpersonal and relational skills to lead a successful research team that supports the development, implementation and evaluation of high impact research initiatives, developing and training staff, and managing performance where required
• Proven track record of empowering and coaching team members to innovate, whilst leading by example, demonstrating clarity of thought and direction, drive and humility
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at a senior level, and ability to develop strong, successful, collaborative and influential working relationships at all levels of seniority within an organisation
• A research-based PhD (or equivalent qualification), and excellent proven practical research, analytical and project management skills, including a thorough understanding of how to interpret stakeholders’ business needs and translate them into application and operational requirements, demonstrating creativity, agility and a solution-orientated approach.
• Practitioner understanding of participatory and theological research methods, ability to theologically reflect and discern, with a thorough understanding of research ethics.

This role has an occupational requirement that the successful candidate must be a committed and practising Christian, actively involved with your own Church and will be in sympathy with the doctrines of, and supportive of, the purposes and the aims and objectives of The Salvation Army.