Research Manager

Summary This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of the National Trust’s research programme, working as a key member of our Research Team to develop and support research activities across the National Trust.

We are looking for a Research Manager who will help us develop our profile as a research organisation, maintain an overview of research at an organisational level, and promote a step change in our research capability.

The National Trust gained UKRI Independent Research Organisation status in 2019, and since then has built up a track record of UKRI awards, working in partnership with universities and other research organisations.

We need research to shape our activities, whether that’s through better informed decisions to protect places in our care, or feeding into public engagement programming to give visitors a richer experience of National Trust places. Our research portfoliocovers the range of academic disciplines needed to understand the collections, properties and landscapes in our care, and to ensure that history and nature are accessible for everyone, for ever

What it's like to work here We’re bigger than you think, we’re more complicated than we appear and we’re larger scale than you’d imagine.We’ve got passionate people in all our teams, and we’ve got so much more we want to achieve.We’re for ever, for everyone and we really mean that.

Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon, however there will be an opportunity to explore and agree hybrid working arrangements which strike the right balance for you and the Trust. The role will involve travel to National Trust placesto meet with stakeholders and to carry out work.

What you'll be doing Working with the Head of Research, you’ll manage the delivery of the National Trust’s programme to implement ourStrategic Framework for Research.You’ll work with senior leaders and expert colleagues to develop and implement plans for research.You’llhelp to build and manage sustainable research partnerships with universities and other Independent Research Organisations.

You’ll support staff in developing their research ideas into projects and funding bids, with great support from the fundraising team.You’ll provide research advice, including designing guidance and delivering research training for staff.You’ll help buildthe Trust’s profile as an Independent Research Organisation, promoting our research activity, outputs and impact in the cultural heritage and environment sectors.Leading our postgraduate programme, you’ll liaise with doctoral training partners, and overseeingcoordination of our PhD student cohort. You won’t be doing all this alone - you’ll deliver these activities in collaboration with the Research Team.

You’ll have line management of three members of the research team and will support research coordinators based in National Trust regions and in partner organisations.

Who we're looking for You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what is possible in this role. We’d love to hearfrom you if you have:

- In-depth knowledge of the research sector including UK research organisations / universities, funding sources and research themes of relevance to the Trust (e.g. cultural heritage, natural environment, interdisciplinary research)
- Excellent organisational skills and be able to manage a diverse portfolio including delivering complex activities
- Great abilities to build effective working relationships and develop partnerships with other organisations
- Confident communication style, both written and verbal, and are able to lead delivery of communication activities, run meetings, workshops and training events
- Line management experience
The package The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Free parking at most locations
- Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.