Research Manager, Maternity Cover

Research Manager, Maternity Cover

Salary: Circa £55,000 plus benefits

Contract: Fixed Term 13-month contract, Full Time

Location: Oxford (hybrid working)

We have a brilliant opportunity for a Research Manager to join the Rhodes Trust, Oxford. This role is an integral role in a dynamic, international team and a fantastic opportunity for a driven and analytical senior researcher to manage the Trust s philanthropy, prospect and due diligence research.

We are looking for the successful candidate to start with us in January 2026.

The role

The successful candidate will be responsible for the research strategy of the Global Engagement Team and the delivery of a high quality, in-house research service to the Warden (CEO), Trustees and senior leadership of the Rhodes Trust, in support of fundraising towards the Trust s 125th Anniversary Campaign goal of £200 million and increased alumni and friends of Rhodes engagement. The role includes line management of two Research Associates.

The role will be responsible for;

Managing research output to support the GET team mission.

Managing the delivery of all briefing materials for the Warden s Office, Trustees and senior leadership team (SLT) to support stakeholder engagement, events and travel.

Lead tailored research projects for key global regions in co-ordination with GET senior leadership and to support Campaign Committee. Pro-actively identify potential prospects, donors, partners and volunteers for the Trust for inclusion within fundraising pipelines

Manage a varied portfolio of research resources and processes, including scoping materials, briefings and profiles, reports, network mapping, regional insights/analysis, philanthropic trends/issues, and country-specific content.

In collaboration with the International & Special Projects Lead (Warden/CEO Office) and GET senior leadership, support the strategy, planning and delivery of all global travel for the Warden and fundraising team, including objectives/goals, itinerary design, identifying engagement opportunities and delivery of all associated research materials.

Responsible for all in-house due diligence research prepared for the Warden and SLT in respect to risks and sensitivities surrounding donation acceptance, and management of the Trust s submissions to Oxford University s Committee to Review Donations as the university s primary point of contact.

Role modelling the Trust s organisational values of commitment, inclusion, belonging, growth and innovation.

Carrying out any other duties relevant to the role, as requested.

A deep commitment to the values, ethos and mission of the Rhodes Trust.

Please refer to the job description for more responsibilities

Essential skills, experience and qualifications:

Degree or equivalent knowledge and experience

Substantial experience of delivering research in a fundraising organisation and undertaking due diligence research in a fundraising / funding setting

Experience of line management or supervising the work of others

Outstanding research and analytical skills, with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy; ability to plan and execute research strategies and adopt creative approaches in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to rapidly and rigorously assess and condense large volumes of information from a variety of sources into clear, concise and meticulous reports, briefings, and profiles

Strong project management skills, with the ability to work proactively and independently on your own initiative

Team player, with the desire to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with colleagues; ability to liaise effectively with numerous stakeholders to prioritise and pipeline multiple requests

Strategic thinker, curious and creative, with knowledge/understanding of both current affairs and the ability to understand and explain complex information (e.g. financial, legal) as required

Flexible, reliable and result-oriented; capable of switching effectively between different types of work, and tailoring level of depth and detail of research for different purposes/contexts with a strong commitment to quality control

Please refer to the job description for more essential skills, experience and qualifications

Benefits of working here

We are a global organisation and we use our deep connections across the world to bring together people of different backgrounds and viewpoints. We encourage our staff to challenge each other s thinking and generate new ideas.

30 days annual leave (pro rata) plus 8 bank holidays

Competitive pension scheme

Generous family leave schemes

Private health insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Personal development opportunities

Additional benefits, such as free access to the University's gardens, parks, libraries and museums, and University staff discounts in shops across Oxford.

Cycle to work scheme

Electric car scheme

If you would like to find out more, please click apply to view the full job description and to find the link to apply. Please send us your CV and a covering letter. Please note, this advert will close on 17 October 2025.

The Rhodes Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We warmly welcome applications from talented people of diverse backgrounds and appoint without regard to age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, parental status, marital or civil partner status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief.