Head of Research, Data & Insights

Ambition Institute; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days leave

Pension 11%

Wellbeing support

Office in multiple cities

Job summary

Ambition Institute in Manchester is seeking a Director of Research, Data & Insights to lead our research strategy and strengthen our reputation as a trusted voice in education.

You will set Ambition's research agenda, secure external funding, oversee Data & Insights, and champion evidence-based decisions across early years, schools and colleges. This senior role requires deep expertise in research design, leadership of multidisciplinary teams and a commitment to education equity.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in research design and methodology.
• Proven track record leading high-quality research.
• Experience securing external funding and building partnerships.
• Ability to influence practitioners, policymakers and funders.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing resources.
• Strong knowledge of the English education system and educational disadvantage.

Responsibilities

• Set Ambition's research agenda and strengthen the quality and distinctiveness of research.
• Develop strategic research partnerships and secure external funding.
• Communicate evidence and impact through speaking, writing and relationship-building with colleagues.
• Oversee Data & Insights function to ensure high-quality data, evaluation and insight.
• Provide senior sponsorship of significant data projects to improve infrastructure and use of data.

Skills

Research leadership

External partnerships

Education research

Grant funding

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Policy influence

Education

PhD in education or related field

Job description

Ambition Institute in Manchester is seeking a Director of Research, Data & Insights to lead our research strategy and strengthen our reputation as a trusted voice in education.

You will set Ambition's research agenda, secure external funding, oversee Data & Insights, and champion evidence-based decisions across early years, schools and colleges. This senior role requires deep expertise in research design, leadership of multidisciplinary teams and a commitment to education equity.