At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research and grants to support babies' wellbeing and influence global policy.
- Company: Ambitious international charity focused on improving lives during critical early years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating a better world for babies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of babies and shape future policies.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in research and grant management, with a passion for social impact.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for a highly motivated proven team player to join our ambitious and fast-growing international charity with a mission to build a better world for babies where governments prioritise the 1,001 critical days as the foundation for a healthy society. The 1,001 critical days – from pregnancy to age two – is the time when the building blocks for lifelong emotional and physical wellbeing are laid down.
This is an exciting time to join us. As we grow our international efforts and sharpen our strategic focus, we are creating a new Head of Research & Grants role to lead our combined research and grant-making function. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will be our senior operational and strategic leader for how we identify, fund and learn from the work that gives babies the best start in life.
The grants and research effort of the Foundation is focussed on the ‘So What?’. You will make sure every piece of groundbreaking research and every charity grant adds to our global advocacy for babies, informing and educating policymakers across the world about the 1,001 Critical Days and how they can help parents and carers give their babies the best start in life.
You will line manage our Grants Manager and our Research & Impact Manager, joining up our open-call grant-making, strategic partnerships, commissioned research and evaluation into one coherent programme. You will translate our strategy into delivery: setting priorities, shaping our international approach, ensuring evidence drives every funding decision, and growing the credibility and reach of the Foundation with charities, researchers, policymakers and funders worldwide. Crucially, you will maintain a sharp focus on delivering impact from every project.
You will also be the public face of our research and grants work - building the Foundation's profile through external communications, thought leadership and engagement with the early years sector.
Head of Research and Grants employer: ACF
The Leverhulme Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development. With a commitment to supporting research and education, employees benefit from a collaborative culture and the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects while enjoying a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Located in the heart of London, the Trust provides a unique chance to be part of a prestigious organisation with a rich history and a significant budget dedicated to advancing knowledge across various fields.
