We have an excellent opportunity for an Acting Director of Research and Development association for a part-time role on a Fixed Term Contract until October 2023.  This is to join the Sector Development / Professional Services team at the UK’s library and information, based in Bloomsbury, London. A full job specification will be sent on application.

About the company
Our client is a renowned charity and leading voice for the information, knowledge management and library profession. They are here for everyone who has a professional connection to information, knowledge, data and libraries, and shares their belief in their power to change lives whose purpose is to unite, support and empower information professionals across all sectors.

About the role
As Acting Director of Research and Development, you will lead the development and growth of an integrated R&D programme, undertaking external and internally-funded projects and research activities to drive content, insight and added value and impact for members and your responsibilities will include:

• Working with the wider team and Board to set out a R&D agenda and plan in support of the charities strategic and business objectives
• Lead a team to ensure the timely and effective delivery of projects and programmes within funder requirements
• Liaise with colleagues in other Directorates to identify opportunities for product and service development, new content and other activities which drive value for members
• Work with the CEO to develop a longer-term pipeline of project funding to ensure that R&D activity is sustainable
• Develop a ‘learning and evaluation’ culture, ensuring that everything we do contributes knowledge, insight and understanding to drive our future work
• Provide effective and supportive line management, leadership and development for the R&D Team
• Provide proactive development support and engagement for R&D Team
• Represent the R&D Team with the Senior Management Team, including reporting, liaison and identifying opportunities for collaboration to embed outcomes
• Define business, accounting, monitoring and reporting processes for internal project & programme management function
• Lead the PPM function and uphold priorities and dependencies by maintaining an overview of workflows, capacity and resource allocation and highlight issues to the Executive Team
• Instil an evidence based project and programme delivery, from well-developed business cases and theory of change to extensive stakeholder mapping, PIDs and data and equalities impact assessments
• Bid-writing and business development
• Be responsible for managing  X3 Project and Programmes Managers, Health Liaison Manager and Project Support Officer

About you
As Acting Director of Research and Development you must have:

• A strong track-record of leading a R&D or Programme Management function
• Experience of designing and leading research programmes, supporting wider content, product and service development through research, supporting, developing and empowering a high-performing team
• Proven track-record in bid-writing, fundraising and/or assessment and experience of financial reporting, monitoring and compliance with funder requirements
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills with stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to prioritise activities within challenging deadlines
• Able to build and maintain relationships and connections across the organisation
• Knowledge of the library, knowledge and information sector
• Organised, informed, collaborative and methodical in their approach
• Budget management, financial monitoring and reporting

About the hours & rewards
The role of Acting Director of Research and Development is a fixed term contract hybrid role for 17.5 hours (until October 2023), paying £54,127 (London Weighting) and £49,796 (Outside London Weighting) per annum, both pro-rated. Plus you will receive:

• Excellent Pension Scheme and Life Assurance
• Professional growth, training and opportunities to hone your skills and knowledge
• Ability to purchase additional holidays
• Extra benefits giving staff access to over 1000 discounts from a wide range of retailers, including high street names, on-line retailers, food outlets and supermarkets
• Employee Assistance Programme (Well-being)
• Contribution for Eye and Glasses Tests and Subscriptions
• Cycle to Work
• Membership benefit making use of the various benefits negotiated for CILIP Members with insurers, hoteliers and other suppliers of services
• Free tea and coffee for staff as well as a weekly delivery of fresh fruit

How to apply
Please note that eRecruitSmart is advertising the role of Acting Director of Research and Development on behalf of the Hiring Company and your CV will be sent to the Hiring Manager who is responsible for the vacancy that you have applied to.   Please only apply if you consent to these terms.

You must reside in and have eligibility to work in the UK.   Please note, only suitable applicants will be contacted.  If your address and contact details are not on your CV, you will not be considered.

We look forward to hearing from you!



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