Research Manager

About Kinship:

 Kinship is a charity committed to supporting families with kinship care arrangements. They provide vital support to families across the UK, ensuring that children in kinship care receive the love, stability, and opportunities they deserve. As they continue to grow, they are looking for a dedicated Research Manager to join their team and support their mission.

Purpose of Role:

Join us in a new and impactful role where you’ll significantly contribute to our expanding research program. At Kinship, the leading provider of services for kinship carers in England and Wales, you’ll collaborate with internal teams and research partners like the University of Oxford and Lancaster University. Your work will span all research stages, from design to impact, directly influencing our services, policy, and practice. Your research will make a tangible difference, supporting over 12,000 kinship carers and building a robust evidence base for kinship family support.

Key Responsibilities:

In this impactful role, you'll contribute to shaping and executing Kinship's research strategy. Key duties include:

- Leading research design, data analysis, and reporting.

- Conducting desk research, surveys, and focus groups.

- Collaborating with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs on the annual kinship carers survey.

- Analysing Salesforce CRM data to inform policy and service development.

- Managing research projects with external partners, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

- Supporting kinship carers' participation in research.

- Presenting findings and maintaining an up-to-date online research bank.

This role is critical in generating insights that directly impact kinship care services and policy development.

Skills & Experience Required:

- Proven expertise in applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies across diverse projects.

- Strong experience in planning, commissioning, and managing research projects, ensuring timely and budget-conscious delivery.

- Track record of delivering impactful research in a relevant field.

- Exceptional written communication skills, adaptable to various audiences, including kinship carers.

- High-level data analysis and presentation skills, with a focus on strategic thinking and influence.

- Proficiency in CRM systems (preferably Salesforce) and strong financial literacy for managing research budgets.

- A collaborative, self-starting attitude, committed to meaningful participation and the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Candidate Profile:

We are seeking a confident and strategic individual with the ability to build and maintain positive, productive relationships both internally and externally. Financial literacy and experience in managing research budgets are essential. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, capable of taking initiative and driving projects forward.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

- Postgraduate-level training in research methods.

- Experience with peer researchers and fundraising for research.

- Understanding of children's social care.

- Lived experience of kinship care.

Attributes:

- Flexibility to travel across England and Wales.

- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

- Enthusiastic team player with strong problem-solving skills.

- Excellent written and spoken English.

- Permission to work in the UK.

-Dedication to the values and objectives of Kinship is essential.

Compensation & Benefits:

- Competitive salary

- Full Time/Perm Position

- Hybrid Working (3 Days in Office in Vauxhall, London)

- Pension scheme

-- 30 days of holiday per year, plus bank holidays

- Opportunities for personal and professional development

- A supportive and collaborative working environment

If you're passionate about making a difference to the lives of families in kinship care and have the skills and experience we're looking for, we'd love to hear from you. To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you're the perfect fit for this role by Wednesday 4th September 2024.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Kinship family!

Kinship is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting a positive and inclusive working environment.