At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research and drive strategic initiatives for a renowned independent research institute.
- Company: NIESR, a leading research institute focused on economic and societal understanding.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse partnerships, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape policy-relevant research and make a real difference in society.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in research strategy and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
NIESR is an independent research institute improving understanding of the economy and society through rigorous, policy-relevant research and public engagement. We work with policymakers, academics and partners in the UK and internationally to inform decision-making and public debate.
The role involves providing strategic leadership for NIESR’s research, ensuring delivery of a high-quality, ambitious and policy-relevant programme of work with strong external visibility and impact.
Key responsibilities- Research leadership and strategic direction: Lead an ambitious research programme aligned with NIESR’s strategic priorities as outlined in our Research Strategy. Build coherence and collaboration across teams, and promote innovation in themes, methods, partnerships and outputs.
- Ensuring quality, raising ambition and impact: Ensure consistently high standards of analytical quality, policy relevance and intellectual rigour. Increase the visibility and influence of outputs, supporting cross-cutting projects and constructively challenging teams to improve reach and impact.
- Leadership of people and performance: Lead, motivate and develop research staff, fostering high performance, collaboration and continuous improvement. Oversee recruitment, talent development, succession planning and performance management across the research function.
- Income generation and external partnerships: Contribute to funding proposals, research bids and commissioned work to sustain a diverse portfolio. Build and sustain relationships with funders, strategic partners, academic collaborators and policymakers in the UK and internationally. Work with colleagues across the Institute to develop partnerships, events and convening activity that enhance the scale and impact of NIESR’s research.
- External profile and influence: Act as a principal public-facing representative of NIESR’s research, strengthening its visibility, authority and influence. Build senior external relationships and pursue opportunities to expand the reach and practical impact of the Institute’s work (events, media and strategic partnerships).
- Institutional leadership: Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team to the overall direction and management of the Institute. Support organisational change and work with the Director and colleagues to translate strategic priorities into deliverable plans and outcomes.
How to apply: Please submit your CV and a two-page cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria, as outlined on the job description and person specification, for the role and your vision for leading NIESR’s research programme. Please include your availability and any relevant publications or outputs. You may wish to review NIESR’s new Research Strategy prior to application.
Closing date: 3 June 2026 (we may close the advert early if the right candidate is found). NIESR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will consider reasonable adjustments to support candidates through the recruitment process.
Strategic Research Director — Policy Impact Leader employer: National Institute of Economic and Social Research
NIESR is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in research directly influences policy and societal understanding. With a commitment to employee development, collaboration, and innovation, NIESR fosters a culture of high performance and inclusivity, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and impactful engagement with policymakers and academics both in the UK and internationally.
Contact Details:
National Institute of Economic and Social Research Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Research Director — Policy Impact Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build those connections; you never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can display your work and achievements. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of what you bring to the table, and we love seeing candidates who take initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who align with our mission, so make sure to highlight how you can contribute to NIESR’s goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Research Director — Policy Impact Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Strategic Research Director. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with NIESR’s research strategy and priorities. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious programme!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just repeat your CV but tell us your story. Explain how your vision aligns with NIESR’s goals and how you plan to lead our research programme. Be clear, concise, and passionate about your ideas!
Showcase Your Impact:When discussing your previous work, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your leadership has led to successful outcomes in research or policy influence. We love seeing tangible results!
Review Our Research Strategy:Before applying, take some time to review NIESR’s new Research Strategy. This will help you understand our direction and allow you to tailor your application to show how you can help us achieve our goals. Apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Institute of Economic and Social Research
✨Know the Research Strategy Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly review NIESR’s Research Strategy. Understand its key priorities and how your vision aligns with them. This will not only show your commitment but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their ambitious research programme.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Research Director, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, fostered collaboration, and driven high performance in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you would motivate and develop research staff at NIESR.
✨Highlight Your External Engagement Experience
NIESR values strong external visibility and partnerships. Come prepared with specific examples of how you've built relationships with funders, policymakers, and academic collaborators. Discuss any successful funding proposals or strategic partnerships you've developed in the past.
✨Prepare for Thought-Provoking Questions
Expect questions that challenge your thinking on policy relevance and analytical quality. Think about how you would constructively challenge teams to improve their outputs. Practising responses to these types of questions will help you convey your strategic mindset effectively.
