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- Tasks: Lead impactful housing and planning projects, managing budgets and client relationships.
- Company: Join Verian, a top social research agency driving meaningful change in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a collaborative atmosphere.
- Why this job: Shape housing policy while working on diverse, high-profile projects that matter.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing research, strong project management, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for hybrid work and engagement with expert teams and external partners.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: London, Westminster
Contract: Full/Part-time, Permanent
Closing Date: 3 March 2025
About Verian
Verian is one of the leading social research, evaluation and advisory agencies in the UK. We have hundreds of specialist researchers and evaluators, in an office in the heart of Westminster. Our expert teams create the evidence required for some of the biggest decisions in the country. We advise clients on public policy design, ground-breaking behaviour change programmes and provide national statistics and longitudinal data. We work on high profile projects that lead to meaningful social change.
Policy and programme evaluation is one of the fastest growing areas in social research today. The UK government wants more and better evaluation. As one of the top five providers of evaluations to the UK government, Verian already has a wide portfolio of national evaluation studies covering areas such as crime (e.g. drugs, anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls), education (e.g. with pupils, parents and adult learners), energy and climate change (e.g. carbon reduction in homes). We also have a wide range of housing-related projects (e.g. Affordable Housing Programme, private rented sector, social housing quality, supported housing), as a lead research and evaluation agency for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), plus other public and non-profit clients. Housing is a critical part of social policy, rooted in the government’s missions. Good quality homes can save lives, prevent disease, increase quality of life, reduce poverty and help mitigate climate change.
About the role
We are looking for an Associate Director to work on housing- and planning-related projects and grow your career in this important space. In this role, you will be working on high quality, mixed method evaluation and research projects to deliver robust and impactful outputs, helping to shape current and future housing policy. As a key day-to-day contact with Verian, you will be responsible for building our brand and reputation with clients.
Responsibilities
- Managing and delivering multiple high-quality housing or planning projects for the evaluation practice
- Responsible for managing project budgets, to ensure delivery to time and costs, effectively managing internal and external resources
- Delivering large-scale mixed-method evaluations and research programme designs, that may combine quantitative surveys, statistical data analysis and qualitative fieldwork, plus developing and/or critically reviewing programme theories of change
- Managing evaluations that combine process, impact and value for money
- Confidently managing client relationships
- Contributing to new business generation and proposal writing
- Developing your own individual skills and supporting your team to learn and grow
Your profile
- Experience in managing housing-related research and evaluation projects (process, impact, economic)
- Interest and/or experience in one of the following policy areas: social housing; private rented sector; house building policy; planning policy; regeneration and local economic growth; supported housing; homelessness
- Strong experience in designing and managing primary research (quantitative, qualitative or mixed-method fieldwork)
- Highly organised with strong project management skills, and track record in delivering projects to quality, timetable and within budget
- Strong writing and PowerPoint design skills
- Strong delivery/oral presentation to clients
- Great teammate
- Desire to support and drive forward business development
If this sounds like a match to your skills and experience, we want to hear from you!
What we offer
The diversity of our projects will give you a chance to develop professionally and personally. You will be supported to follow your interests and to continue developing your evaluation expertise through formal and informal learning, contributing to a culture of learning and excellence. We promote an atmosphere of collaboration, where cooperation, flexibility and mobility are encouraged. As well as your experienced evaluation colleagues, you will have the chance to work with a range of other teams, including our methods specialists (covering techniques such as RCTs, quasi-experimental approaches, participatory qualitative research and deliberative approaches, and face-to-face, post-to-web and telephone surveys), our behavioural practice and data solutions experts. Beyond this, you’ll engage with a wider range of external academic and technical partners. We believe in work-life balance, are committed to flexible working and operate a hybrid working model.
To learn more and apply, visit our careers page.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Project Management and Research, Government Administration
Contact Detail:
Verian Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in housing and planning policy. Understanding current issues and government initiatives will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the social research and evaluation sector. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about Verian's work, which can give you an edge during the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and delivered projects on time, as these skills are crucial for the Associate Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to build client relationships. Think of instances where you've effectively communicated with clients or stakeholders, as this will be a key part of your responsibilities at Verian.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in housing-related research and evaluation projects. Emphasise your project management skills and any specific policy areas you have worked on, such as social housing or planning policy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your interest in the Associate Director position at Verian. Discuss how your background aligns with their mission and the specific responsibilities of the role, particularly in managing high-quality projects.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since strong writing skills are essential for this role, consider including samples of your previous work or reports that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex information effectively. This could be part of your application or provided upon request.
Highlight Team Collaboration: In your application, mention experiences where you successfully collaborated with teams or contributed to business development. Verian values teamwork, so showcasing your ability to work well with others will strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Verian Group
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll be managing multiple high-quality housing or planning projects. Be prepared to discuss your experience in project management, including how you've successfully delivered projects on time and within budget.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Housing Policy
Familiarise yourself with current housing policies and issues in the UK. Be ready to share your insights on social housing, private rented sector, and other relevant areas, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Prepare for Client Relationship Questions
Since you'll be a key contact for clients, think about examples from your past where you've successfully managed client relationships. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to business development.
✨Emphasise Your Research Methodology Experience
Given the role's focus on mixed-method evaluations, be prepared to discuss your experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Share specific examples of how you've designed and managed primary research projects.
