The Education Policy Institute (EPI) is a leading public policy research institute. For six years we’ve produced high quality, authoritative research that has proven both timely and influential to policy-makers, practitioners and the public.

We are looking for an experienced quantitative analyst, economist, or social policy researcher to lead our early years team.

As a director at EPI, you will have the opportunity to:

• Deliver impactful research on policies and programmes related to young children and their families, with a focus on those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and shape the directorate work around key topics, such as access to quality early education and the impact of childhood inequalities on life chances.
• Build relationships with a range of stakeholders including grant-awarding foundations, government and politicians, and a range of charities with interests in these areas.
• Manage and grow a team, developing their skills and expertise in research techniques, report writing and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead on a range of projects, including writing reports, blogs and presenting EPI research findings to high-level audiences such as the media and parliamentary select committees.
• Be part of the Executive Team, overseeing the growth and sustainability of the organisation.

Requirements

The successful candidate should have:

• A numerate degree, and at least 5 years relevant experience or a relevant doctorate or advanced degree.
• Deep knowledge of early years research and policy.
• Experience in designing and managing research programmes to inform and influence national policy making.
• The insight to use evidence to propose effective policies.
• Strong quantitative analytical skills.
• Proficiency and expertise in using database and statistical software, e.g. SPSS / STATA / R / SQL / SAS etc.
• Excellent communication skills e.g. for presentations to and with sector experts and for media interviews.
• Experience in a management or leadership role.
• Experience in applying for and securing research grants.

Further information can be found here: https://epi.org.uk/jobs/director-of-early-years-development/