Interim Director of Research (Maternity Cover)

We're hiring: Interim Director of Research (Maternity Cover)

Part-time / £60,000-£70,000 / Hybrid role

Location - Home based and London

Hours - 3/4 days per week

Salary: £60,000-£70,000 depending on experience

We are looking for an Interim Director of Research (Maternity Cover) who will lead a talented research team of staff and associates providing direction and oversight for a diverse, ambitious research portfolio. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play an essential role in strategy and have a hands-on approach from quality assurance and developing research practice, to managing projects and nurturing partnerships.

You will need to have deep roots in qualitative research, as well as the work of charities and funders, with experience of line management, team supervision and leading on new work development.

You will play an essential role at a key moment for IVAR. Charities are facing mounting pressures and ongoing complexities, and IVAR s work is critical in supporting the response.

About us

At the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR), we work with charities, foundations and public agencies to strengthen UK communities through action research. We champion the role and contribution of the voluntary sector. We listen, learn and share what helps and what gets in the way so that funders and decision-makers can put charity voice at the heart of change.

As Interim Director of Research, you will lead a motivated and talented team of research staff and freelance research associates. You will be responsible for maintaining and developing a strategic and balanced research portfolio, including leadership of project design and new work development.

You will work closely with the Director of IVAR and both the Deputy Director of Research and Director of Communications to support quality assurance, supervise specific projects, and ensure that IVAR meets its ethical standards. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will also support and feed in on all people matters and contribute to embedding an inclusive and equitable approach and internal culture. For more details of our work please read our full job description.

You will have a proven track record at the senior leadership team level and in line management, experienced at moving between strategic and operational priorities, and be confident to lead a research team in a collaborative and developmental way.

You will have strong experience of research design, bid writing and generation of new work. You will be skilled in qualitative and action research, including significant experience of facilitating complex processes and discussions.

It is essential that you have experience of the voluntary sector and working with funders.

If you feel that this sounds like you would love to hear from you.

What we offer:

• £60-70,000 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hybrid Working (Thursdays are a key working day in the London Office, SE11)
• 0.6-08 FTE Hours (3/4 days per week)
• 30 days annual leave (pro rata for part time)
• Pension matched to 5%
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities

How to Apply

Please complete an online application by noon Sunday 26th October 2025.

Interviews will be held in person at the offices on Thursday 6th November 2025.

Start date: 5th January 2026 or before

Please submit your CV, a cover letter (maximum of two A4 sides) and links to a couple of examples of reports/papers that you have authored. Your cover letter should include;

• Why you are applying
• How you meet the person specification
• Your availability to start
• What in particular you would bring to IVAR.
  

We value, welcome and respect all the differences that make us who we are, including age, cultural background, disability and mental health, ethnicity and race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and social background.