Assistant Director - Research & Development

This is an exciting and influential role in The Salvation Army, requiring a broad experience and skill set, along with relationally focused and adaptable approach. It will involve working with a skilled team to engage and support professionals from a variety of fields to influence strategy and practice. You will not only collaborate to ensure the collection and analysis of good quality information but also work to facilitate its accessibility and implementation throughout the movement. You will join the team at a time of transition, helping plan and implement ways of working in R&D that emphasis the movement s response as a church to the needs of local communities and wider society.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting the Director of Research & Development in directing and providing strategic leadership on all research matters to the UKI Territory. The role is a key part of R&D senior management team. R&D seeks to inform, inspire and enable transformational front-line mission. The post-holder will be responsible for significant internal agendas including Ethics, Impact Measurement and develop strategic research university partnerships to promote evidence-based mission. They will be required to manage a significant portfolio of projects and contacts.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• An extensive proven track record of utilising strong interpersonal and relational skills to lead a successful research team that supports the development, implementation and evaluation of high impact research initiatives, developing and training staff, and managing performance where required
• Proven track record of empowering and coaching team members to innovate, whilst leading by example, demonstrating clarity of thought and direction, drive and humility
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at a senior level, and ability to develop strong, successful, collaborative and influential working relationships at all levels of seniority within an organisation
• A research-based PhD (or equivalent qualification), and excellent proven practical research, analytical and project management skills, including a thorough understanding of how to interpret stakeholders business needs and translate them into application and operational requirements, demonstrating creativity, agility and a solution-orientated approach.
• Practitioner understanding of participatory and theological research methods, ability to theologically reflect and discern, with a thorough understanding of research ethics.

This role has an occupational requirement that the successful candidate must be a committed and practising Christian, actively involved with your own Church and will be in sympathy with the doctrines of, and supportive of, the purposes and the aims and objectives of The Salvation Army.

In order to complete your application please download and read the job profile and any other attachments.

In the job profile you will find the criteria required for the role please make sure that you address this in your supporting statement as this forms the basis of our shortlisting.

Working hours: Minimum of 35 hours per week - working a minimum of 40% across each month at our London Headquarters

Closing date: Monday 26 May 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Appointment subject to satisfactory references including a reference from your Church Minister and proof of right to work in the UK,

For details of how to prove your right to work in the UK please visit the government website and please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship.

Please note that any Salvation Army employees who are under notice of redundancy and apply for this position will be given priority consideration.

We reserve the right to close this advert earlier if we feel that we have received sufficient applications.

Promoting equality in the workplace and as a disability confident leader scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet all the minimum essential criteria for the vacancy.

Benefits:
25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time) a contributory pension scheme; an employee assistance programme