Associate Director

Job Description

Associate Director - Leeds (onsite)Salary band: £40,000 - £48,000 DOE + benefits (see below)We are at an exciting phase of growth and are looking for an enthusiastic Associate Director to join our friendly team to help support this next development phase.The CompanyWe specialise in delivering youth and student research within the Education sector.Examples of areas we are commissioned to investigate include providing robust insights on student educational experiences, from secondary school through to university; and assessing impacts of targeted student initiatives.We are also proud to be a culturally sensitive organisation and deliver national educational Black and Ethnic Minority research projects, to help institutions significantly improve equitability in education for students from minority ethnic backgrounds.We also work with public, private and education sectors to deliver initiatives and training that help to improve the life chances, social mobility and experiences of young people / adults within the social care and education sectors.What we offer

• Option to become a member of the pension scheme
• Bonus review every year based on individual and company performance
• Salary is reviewed every 6 months in line with PDR objectives and reviewed on a 6 monthly basis
• 23 days annual leave entitlement - rising 1 day for every year of service *capped limit (AL is a benefit we are currently reviewing)
• Additional day off for Christmas Shopping
• 8 statutory bank holidays
• 37hrs p/w (with flexi / toil for overtime)
• Work from home Fridays
• Paid parental leave (after successful completion of probation period)
• Discounted gym membership "The Edge" (200m from office)
• Refreshments provided, free of charge
• Access to annual calendar of community events at Nexus, additional CPD

The job purposeTo oversee and guide the research and insight team in the successful execution, management and delivery of research projects.Role ResponsibilitiesGeneral duties

• Oversee and guide the research & insight team on a portfolio of research and evaluation projects.
• Marco planning of all projects to ensure adequate resource is allocated and there is sufficient time to complete projects in specified deadlines.
• Ensure all project objectives and requirements are delivered to timings and to a high standard.
• Responsible for overseeing the central tracking of all projects at Cosmos, through development of detailed project plans.
• Carry out strategic risk management on projects at initial planning stages.
• End sign off on management of changes to the project scope, project schedule and project costs.

Research Methods and Practice

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of research methods and best practice.
• Oversee and guide the team on a number of Research & Evaluation projects.
• Review and finalise a range of materials before sending to clients or conducting research.
• Manage, guide and deliver on both quantitative and qualitative fieldwork streams for projects.
• Quality management, ensure team completes research to a high standard.
• Lead on the methodological direction for each project, ensuring all are being carried out to a high standard and are theoretically grounded.

Analysis and Insight

• Oversee analysis and insight carried out by team to ensure that value is delivered to clients, in line with research objectives.
• Lead on the creation and delivery of accurate and meaningful insights to clients in line with research objectives. Taking a story first approach to the analysis.
• Sense /quality check on the analysis plans for projects ahead of the analysis taking place

Reporting and Outputs

• Review and finalise reporting outputs, ensuring these are delivered on time and to a high standard, managing client expectations in the event of any difficulties.
• Lead the creation of high quality visually engaging reports and outputs, with support from Junior/Senior researchers.
• Excellent visual storyboarding and presentation insights and data to the client.
• Lead presentations to more senior audiences as needed.

Internal Projects

• Lead the development of business strategy, best practice and proposition development, ensuring we produce the best work possible and serve as a leading provider in the sector.

New business development

• Ensure up-to-date knowledge of Public Sector and Higher Education markets and trends.
• Actively look to up-sell and develop our offerings to meet clients current and/or future needs, where appropriate.
• Attend relevant sector conferences and networking events.
• Lead the writing of proposals and meet the targets set for revenue generation.

Leadership

• Show strong leadership, with the ability to support the Directors in effectively communicating the vision research function.
• Maintain a positive presence with the ability to motivate and enthuse team members.
• Support the Director in development of strategic plans and priorities for the research function.
• Line management of Senior Research Managers, managing their workload, development and training.
• Deliver internal training and knowledge sharing sessions on areas of expertise, to the benefit of colleagues; including the Cosmos Learning lunch series.

Education, Knowledge and Experience

• Degree with a minimum of 2:1
• Desirable: Degree preferably in psychology, social sciences or research related discipline
• Strong track record of successfully delivering a portfolio of research projects
• Accomplished researcher, with minimum of 5 years experience in a research and /or evaluation related role carrying out qualitative / quantitative research methods.
• Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to effectively manage and lead a team, with the ability to foster and nurture team spirit
• Experience successfully developing and managing project teams, with the ability to coach and support others

Keywords: Associate Director, Director, Research Director, Project Director, Market Research Director, Diversity and Inclusion Director,