Job purpose

You will be responsible for leading Runnymede’s research team and delivery with oversight of research development, our project portfolio and responsive research engagements. 

The role will involve providing effective leadership and oversight of all our research activities. This includes: building relationships with key funders, partners and decision makers; leading a programme of research aligned to our strategic plan; overseeing the quality, timely delivery and management of finance and risk across programmes and projects; and ensuring that our research work is aligned with our policy and public engagement efforts and our work achieves positive impact.

Responsibilities and main duties

• Accountable for delivery of Runnymede’s full portfolio of research programmes and partnerships, ensuring collaborative research team activity is planned and delivered effectively and milestones, budgets and reporting requirements are met.

• Leadership of the research team to deliver research aims and develop our research approaches, methodologies and tools, working closely with the Director of Research in developing the strategic direction of the Runnymede Trust’s research portfolio and research team capability.

• Lead Runnymede’s responsive research support to emerging media or policy engagements.

• Identify, develop and own new relationships with external partners which will allow us to expand our research output and further develop a rich understanding of race and inequalities in the UK.

• Lead on regular and strategic communication with external partners or funders to effectively report on research progress and impact.

• Identify, own and resolve ongoing challenges and risks that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.

• Functional-level budget and resource management responsibility. Play an active role in leading our fundraising propositions for new research work.

• Work with our communications and engagement teams to strategically plan and deliver launch and engagement activities for research projects and programmes.

• Represent the Runnymede Trust externally to share our research findings or contribute to other external events as a key ambassador for our work.

• Build supportive positive relationships across the organisation at all levels, promoting a collaborative and agile approach, championing equality and diversity values, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.