Research Director - Global Governance and Security Centre

Chatham House; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading policy institute based in London is seeking an inspiring Research Director to provide intellectual leadership at its Global Governance and Security Centre. The role encompasses overseeing research programmes, engaging with high-level policymakers, and ensuring budgetary compliance. Successful candidates will have a track record in impactful policy work, team management, and effective communication. The position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a stimulating environment, with an emphasis on flexibility and high-level engagement.

Benefits

37 days annual leave

Pension salary exchange

Employee assistance programme

Parental leave

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Substantial body of influential, policy-relevant work.
• Experience developing and leading teams.
• Proven success in fundraising and grant proposals.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
• Track record of financial planning and management.
• Gravitas to operate at high international levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide intellectual leadership on research work.
• Act as a leader within Executive Leadership Team.
• Ensure budget targets for the centre are met.

Skills

Intellectual leadership

Team development

Fundraising

Communication

Financial planning

High-level engagement

Job description

About us

We are a policy institute based in London known for rigour and vigorous independence with a reputation built on more than a century of convening, research and proposals to solve the world's most intractable problems. Our mission is to help improve international relations in pursuit of a secure, prosperous, sustainable and just world. We do this through original research and by convening discussion, through our core teams, our global network of fellows and our invited guests.

The Role

We are seeking an established and inspiring Research Director to lead Chatham House's Global Governance and Security Centre. This is an exceptional opportunity to provide intellectual leadership across key research programmes, increasing the depth and reach of our work in areas crucial to our mission. As part of this role, you'll also join our Executive Leadership Team, shaping the strategic direction of our institute.

The role broadly falls into three areas:

• Offering intellectual leadership on research work and detailed commentary on reports, expert comments and convening of the individual programmes, and line managing the programme directors of these areas.
• Second, acting as a leader of Chatham House, through the ELT and the research directors' meeting.
• Third, ensuring the centre hits its budget.

What We're Looking For

• A substantial body of influential, policy-relevant work with demonstrated impact.
• Experience developing and leading teams, embedding positive cultural change.
• Proven success in fundraising and grant proposal development.
• The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including high-level policymakers.
• A track record of financial planning and management.
• Gravitas to operate at the highest international levels.

Benefits

Benefits include approximately 37 days annual leave (including public holidays and Chatham House closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working and other benefits designed to suit your lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating environment.

Salary

£120,000 per year.

Contract

Permanent. We envision the Research Director role will take 2 days a week. There will also be an opportunity to extend this to five days, by combining this role with research work (depending on the priorities of Chatham House).

Location

Hybrid (Office/home). Chatham House operates a hybrid working environment with team members expected to attend our building typically three days a week. However, please note this role is likely to require higher levels of in person attendance, travel within the UK and beyond and attendance of events and meetings out of hours.

Application closing Date

Sunday 11 January 2026, 23:59 GMT.

Department

Research Locations London