Chief Executive Officer

Research Data Scotland; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Data Scotland (RDS) is seeking an inspiring and authentic Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through the next stage of its development and impact. You will shape and deliver RDS’s strategic direction, drive organisational performance and ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

You will be a visible ambassador for RDS, developing influential relationships across Scotland and the UK and working collaboratively with government, policymakers, funders, partners and the

Qualifications

• Proven track record at executive level.
• Experience developing and delivering organisation strategy.
• Extensive stakeholder engagement with UK or Scottish government bodies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of RDS's strategy and goals.
• Oversee governance, risk management and financial stewardship.
• Act as an ambassador with government, policymakers, funders and partners to advance data-driven research.
• Ensure sustainable impact and public benefit for Scotland's data research ecosystem.
• Develop and lead the Leadership Team and board relationships for long-term success.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Financial oversight

Risk management

Job description

Chief Executive Officer

Do you believe in the power of data to improve people’s lives? Do you want to enable exciting data driven research to take place securely and for the public good? Research Data Scotland needs you!

About the job

Research Data Scotland (RDS) is seeking an inspiring and authentic Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through the next stage of its development and impact. Established in 2021 by the Scottish Government, RDS is an independent charity working to make it faster and simpler for researchers to access public sector data for research. Working with partners across Scotland and the UK, our ambition is to improve lives by enabling research and supporting better, evidence-based decision-making.

As CEO, you will work closely with the Board, Leadership Team, colleagues and partners to shape and deliver RDS’s strategic direction, drive organisational performance and ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

You will be a visible ambassador for RDS, developing influential relationships across Scotland and the UK and working collaboratively with government, policymakers, funders, partners and the wider data research community.

We’re looking for someone who brings executive level leadership experience and a strong track record of developing and delivering strategy. Significant stakeholder engagement and influencing experience is also required with UK or Scottish Government bodies and departments. You will also demonstrate strong financial oversight, governance and risk management experience, together with the ability to lead in complex, ambiguous and changing environments.

Knowledge of the Scottish data landscape is not essential but would be advantageous.

This is an opportunity to lead our ambitious organisation with a clear public benefit and an important role in Scotland’s data research system.

Closing Date: Friday 30th October 2026