We are currently looking to appoint a Research Director. This is a full time, paid position. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 5th March 2025.
The Social Market Foundation (SMF) is Britain’s leading cross-party think tank. Our mission is to enable markets and government to work together to benefit society. We achieve this through the development of high quality, independent and pragmatic public policy research and debate across a wide range of social and economic areas including competition.
We are looking for someone with intellectual leadership, research project management experience and great team leadership.
About the role
The Research Director will:
- Coach, inspire, direct and manage the research team
- Together with the Director, set the direction for research programmes and the overall strategy of the SMF
- Lead key research projects
- Project manage and ensure the research is of the highest quality, pragmatic and impactful
- Engage with political stakeholders across Westminster and Whitehall
- Represent the SMF externally at meetings, events and in the media, and write eye-catching and influential op eds and blogs
- Seek out and win over sponsors and donors
What we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who can inspire a team of smart researchers, set the direction for research in an impactful way, engage confidently and effectively with political stakeholders, sponsors and media. The successful candidate will have the strategic vision to be a thought leader, the policy chops for complex public policy discussions, the political nous to navigate Westminster, the emotional intelligence to lead a team, the commercial mindset to generate sponsorship, and the humility to be a good colleague in a small but mighty team.
An ideal candidate will have the following characteristics, but we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet them all:
- Inspiring ideas and policy vision across a range of policy areas
- Experience managing and leading teams
- Experience in designing and managing research projects that influence policy or political debate
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent planning and organisation skills and an attention to detail
- Ability to work quickly and under pressure when necessary
- A respected profile and strong network across Westminster
- A keen interest in UK public policy and politics, and a commitment to the aims and objectives of the SMF
Benefits and working hours
Salary: £70,000 per annum
The SMF offers a contributory staff pension and generous holiday allowances.
Staff training and progression is important to us. We offer personal training budgets for staff members plus membership to Smart Thinking which provides online and in person training for think tankers.
Standard SMF working hours are 9.30am-6pm, Monday to Friday. We actively encourage flexible working and working patterns which are different to these hours. The appointee will be able to design their working week – in discussion with colleagues – to accommodate family commitments and other obligations.
The SMF is based in Westminster and the post-holder will be normally be expected to work in our office there at least two days a week, plus any additional days required by the team, for example to attend in-person SMF events. Other working time can be spent at home or in our office.
About the SMF
The SMF is a cross-party think-tank governed by a board of trustees that includes members of all major political parties, and non-partisan figures. This informs all of our work, which reflects our status as a charity committed to public education in public policy. We welcome applications from people of all political perspectives who are happy to put the pursuit of good policy ahead of partisanship and ideology.
How to apply
Applications should be sent to opportunities@smf.co.uk with the header ’Research Director’
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 5th March. Interview dates: Interviews will be held week commencing 17th March. Candidates for interview will be asked to complete a short written task in advance which will be discussed during the interview.
Applicants should attach two .docx, .pdf or Word documents:
- A CV (please read the notes on this carefully below)
- A one-page covering letter summarising how you fit the person specification and why you are interested in this position.
Important notes – please read before applying
- Applications will be sifted on a name-blind basis. Please do not include your first or last name on your CV or covering letter. So we can identify you please include your name in the email you send with your application.
- CVs should omit institutions. Please do not include the names of schools or universities attended. Do include courses studied and qualifications obtained.
- Where possible, please remove references that might identify your background, sex or other characteristics. For instance, change references to “University women’s football team” to “university football team.”
Applicants may download, complete and return an equality and diversity monitoring form. This is voluntary and not a condition of applying. A copy of the form can be found here.
The SMF is an equal opportunities employer and all our jobs are open to anyone, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, age, disability, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership, or pregnancy and maternity.
We particularly encourage applications from people whose backgrounds are poorly represented in Westminster-based institutions and employers.
