Research Director

Job description: 

The Resolution Foundation is looking for an exceptional candidate to help lead our research team. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Foundation’s senior leadership as we seek to turn around the stagnant living standards of the last twenty years, through influencing both the policies that can boost economic growth, and those that affect families’ living standards directly. 

What does the role involve?

Working as part of the Foundation’s Senior Management Team, the post-holder will plan, manage and communicate major strands of our research and policy output. In particular, they will develop and lead our ongoing work on growth and productivity, building on the legacy of the Economy 2030 Inquiry. The research team works flexibly and there is scope to adapt other responsibilities to the experience of the successful candidate.

This is a permanent role based at our Westminster office. Applications for full-time or part-time hours are welcome, with a minimum of three days a week required. 

What kind of person are we looking for?

This is a high-profile role, and successful applicants will need experience of both leading major research or policy programmes, and line managing a team of high-performing individuals in a research or policy-making environment. The post holder must also demonstrate a first-rate understanding of quantitative analytical techniques, excellent written and communication skills, and the capacity to direct research that results in practical policy change. Post-graduate level economics (or equivalent work experience) is essential, and candidates will be expected to contribute unique insights and policies on UK growth policy.

We are a fast-paced organisation, focused on responding to the current economic challenges as well as contributing to crucial longer-term public policy debates. The ability to work at pace on several different projects concurrently and a strong desire to have an impact on government policy are essential.

We are keen to hear from individuals with skills obtained from experience working in government, think tanks, applied academic research, or the private sector. 

What is the organisational culture?

The Foundation prides itself on analytical rigour and we strive to achieve standards of excellence in all our work. This commitment is matched by dedication to our core purpose, working to improve living standards. These twin pillars of rigour and purpose inform our culture and underpin everything we do.

All members of our research team are given opportunities to interact with senior stakeholders in government, media and the wider policy-making world. We hold a regular programme of external events, and we regularly engage with politicians from across the political spectrum. We also hold internal masterclasses and roundtables with leading experts who engage with our work in detail. The research team have backgrounds in economics, social sciences and a range of other disciplines, and carry out quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, using a wide range of micro-datasets and macroeconomic data sources.

Investing in our team is a priority for us and we work hard to ensure each employee feels valued, respected and able to give their best. We use formal training, on-the-job learning and mentoring from colleagues to actively develop the skills and reputations of all our team. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead the Foundation’s research and policy programme across growth and productivity, working closely with the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and other senior staff.
• Design, commission, manage and deliver projects within the research programme, which will deliver innovative insights and policy proposals.
• Establish a personal research programme and reputation as a leading expert on economic growth and productivity, including its link to living standards.
• Engage with key stakeholders at the highest level in government, media, the private sector and the voluntary sector.
• Forge close working relationships with leading experts in other research institutions and academia.
• Line manage parts of the Foundation’s research team.
• Represent the Foundation in the media and at seminars, conferences and other public events (including speaking at events).
• Produce, and oversee, high quality written outputs ranging from major research reports to regular short articles (e.g. for newspapers).
• Manage the research budget, ensuring programmes are taken forward cost-effectively and within budget.
• Any other duties as deemed reasonable by the Chief Executive.

The Foundation is a small team and staff members support each other, work flexibly, and share cross-organisational work in addition to fulfilling individual responsibilities. 

For more information about the role, including how to apply, please visit our website via the 'Apply' button above.

Closing date: 08:59am on Monday 17 November 2025

First Interviews: w/c 1 December 2025 | Second Interviews: w/c 8 December