Chief Executive Officer

Research Data; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Data Scotland seeks a Chief Executive Officer to steer the organisation through its next development phase, driving impact, sustainability and public benefit. You will work with the Board to shape strategy, oversee finances and governance, and champion data-driven research with government partners across the UK and Scotland.

Ideally you bring executive-level leadership, strong stakeholder engagement and a track record in complex environments.

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience at senior level.
• Track record delivering strategy and change.
• Significant stakeholder engagement with government bodies.
• Strong financial oversight, governance and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation and set strategic direction.
• Collaborate with the Board and Leadership Team to drive impact.
• Build influential relationships with public sector, partners and funders.
• Oversee governance, risk, performance and sustainability.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategy development

Stakeholder engagement

Financial oversight

Governance & risk management

Job description

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.

Applicants will be shortlisted for interview by matching the details given in their CV and covering letter, as one document, against the job description.

Please note that you will receive an automatic acknowledgement of your application. If you do not receive this, please contact [e-mail] .