Associate Director, Social Science Investment

UKRI International; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Discounts

Flexible hours

Pension

Job summary

UKRI - ESRC in Swindon is seeking an Associate Director for Advancing Knowledge in Social Science. You will lead the development and implementation of applicant-led funding strategies, shaping an ambitious portfolio aligned with ESRC and UKRI objectives.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic oversight, and collaboration with senior stakeholders across ESRC and UKRI. You will manage budgets, drive process innovation, and oversee a team responsible for delivering peer review and funding

Qualifications

• Experience leading and delivering complex research and innovation programmes (S/I).
• Strong understanding of the UK social science research funding landscape (S).
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills (S/I).
• People management experience, coaching, and performance management (S/I).
• Experience with commissioning and evaluating research investments and expert review processes (S).
• Strategic judgement to prioritise funding for impact (S/I).
• Willingness to drive innovation in funding processes (S/I).
• Ability to align activity with ESRC/UKRI priorities (S/I).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for applicant-led investments within ESRC/UKRI.
• Maintain positive relationships with partners including learned societies and government.
• Oversee reform of applicant-led mode processes and implement flexible budgeting.
• Monitor and communicate investment outcomes to key partners including Government.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams within the Advancing Knowledge scope.
• Contribute to ESRC Senior Leadership activities and UKRI initiatives.

Job description

UKRI - ESRC in Swindon is seeking an Associate Director for Advancing Knowledge in Social Science. You will lead the development and implementation of applicant-led funding strategies, shaping an ambitious portfolio aligned with ESRC and UKRI objectives.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic oversight, and collaboration with senior stakeholders across ESRC and UKRI. You will manage budgets, drive process innovation, and oversee a team responsible for delivering peer review and funding