Impact and Evaluation Manager (Maternity Cover)

Royal Northern College of Music; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservatoire for performing arts is seeking an exceptional researcher for a post-doctoral role focused on evaluating RNCM projects. The successful candidate will work on implementing a research and evaluation programme, utilizing qualitative or mixed methods methodologies. This role offers opportunities to publish and develop within the RNCM's vibrant research community. Blended working is available, and commitment to safeguarding is essential.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Access to a vibrant research community

Qualifications

• Experience in qualitative or mixed methods methodologies required.
• Research and evaluation experience with young people and schools is essential.
• Emerging publications profile is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Implement a research and evaluation programme for RNCM projects.
• Work closely with the Director of Programmes for research supervision.
• Contribute to the RNCM's vibrant research community.

Skills

Qualitative research

Mixed methods methodologies

Research with young people

Evaluation in community organizations

Education

Post-doctoral qualification

Job description

Salary Grade: £33,002 to £35,608 per annum (actual pro-rata salary £26, to £28, per annum)
Closing date: 12 Noon, Thursday 22 January 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 4 or Thursday 5 February 2026

The RNCM is one of the world’s leading conservatoires and a destination of choice for outstanding music students and performing artists from across the world. It is also home to a vibrant arts venue, presenting a range of performances from student orchestras, ensembles and large-scale opera productions to a host of touring companies.

The RNCM is proud of its work to widen access and is committed to working to address barriers to music and music education. RNCM Engage is the College’s community engagement and pre-18 music education provision, including Pathfinder (our innovative widening access programme), RNCM Young Programmes, RNCM Engage Cumbria, RNCM Young Artists and the RNCM Children’s Opera.

We are seeking an exceptional researcher to work across the organisation to help evaluate and understand the impact of a variety of RNCM projects and initiatives, including all philanthropically funded projects. The role is a one-year post-doctoral role to provide maternity cover for the Impact and Evaluation Manager.

Working to the RNCM’s Access and Participation Plan Theory of Change, the role-holder will implement a research and evaluation programme using a methodology derived from Contribution Analysis. Experience in qualitative or mixed methods methodologies is key, as is experience of research and evaluation with young people, schools, and community organisations. An emerging publications profile will be advantageous as there will be opportunities to publish.

The RNCM has a vibrant research community, with Music Education Research being a key research area. As a member of this community, the role-holder will have access to professional development opportunities, as well as opportunities to work with our established researchers and contribute to the research environment of the RNCM.

In addition, the RNCM is part of the British Academy Early Career Researcher (ECR) Scheme, providing further training opportunities and a community for ECRs.

The successful candidate will be based within the RNCM Development Team, which generates and reports on over £3m of philanthropic support each year from a range of funders. However, the role-holder will work closely with the Director of Programmes, who will provide post-doctoral research supervision.

This role is suitable for blended working.

RNCM is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and all staff are expected to share this commitment.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and vulnerable adults.