We're hiring: Research Manager
We're looking for someone who wants to do more than good research.
Someone who wants to build a discipline.
This role sits at the intersection of research and practice - going beyond reports to shape how the social sector thinks, decides, and acts.
What you'll do
- Synthesise complex ideas into clear patterns, models, and frameworks
- Translate research into practical tools that organisations can actually use for decision-making
- Lead and mentor research teams, while working closely with communications and dissemination
- Engage with funders and senior leaders, connecting research to real-world decisions
- Contribute to building the discipline of Development Management, across impact, data, philanthropy, finance, and more
What we're looking for
- Strong experience in practice-driven research that has been applied on the ground
- Ability to write clear, practitioner-facing outputs (frameworks, briefs, tools, reports)
- Solid grounding in research methods, along with the judgment to know what's good enough in real-world contexts
- Comfort engaging with funders and translating ideas into action
- At least 12 years of experience, including in leading research teams
- Deep familiarity with the social sector
This role tends to work well for people who sit at the intersection of thinking and doing - who care about rigour, but care just as much about whether the work is used.
You might find yourself drawn to this if you've been:
- A consultant working in knowledge & insights, looking for more meaningful, long-cycle work
- An applied researcher who wants their work to travel beyond reports
- A practitioner in the social sector who has worked closely with research and wants to move deeper into it
If you're interested in shaping how knowledge is created, used, and legitimised in the social sector, this is worth a conversation.
If you'd like to apply, please send your CV along with a cover letter on why you believe you're a strong fit for this role. We'll only be able to consider applications that include both.
Please feel free to reach out, or share this with someone who might be a great fit.
