Research Manager

Research Manager
£31,000 to £33,000 per year
Full-time, 35 hours per week
Fixed-term contract for one year
Based in London SW8 / home and flexible working

We empower people with the literacy skills they need to succeed in life. Together, we're helping people change their stories. You could join our research team to lead our hugely influential Annual Literacy Survey.

What you’ll be doing

The work of our research and evaluation team is hugely influential, in both reporting on literacy in the UK and driving activity to respond to current challenges. You will play a key role in delivering our research programme, including managing our Annual Literacy Survey, one of the largest studies of its kind in the UK.

Working closely with the Senior Research Manager and the wider research team, you will coordinate all stages of the survey process: recruitment of schools, data collection, analysis and reporting. You will also support other research activities that strengthen our evidence base and inform programme development, communications and policy.

This role is based in London, but you will be able to work from home if you prefer under our flexible working policy. However, you will need to be in London at least six times per year for team and organisational days, or other office-based work, and unfortunately, we are unable to cover travel costs for this.

What we’re looking for

You will be experienced in managing or delivering research projects, including the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis. You will also be proficient in data analysis tools (e.g. SPSS, Excel) and able to interpret and communicate data clearly to non-specialist audiences. You will need a postgraduate degree in research, education or social policy, as well as strong organisational and project management skills. Knowledge of current UK education/literacy policy would be an advantage.

Why our work is so vital

Literacy changes everything.

It gives you the tools to get the most out of life, and the power to shape your future. It’s the key to knowledge, confidence and inspiration. It’s better results at school, and better jobs. If children grow up without the tools to communicate, without books to read or opportunities to write, it’s harder to get where they want to go.

The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity helping people overcome these challenges and change their life chances through the power of words – reading, writing, speaking and listening. From first words, through school days, to training, jobs and beyond.

- We work collaboratively in local communities, focusing our work in 20 areas of the UK that are facing the biggest challenges.
- We support schools, developing the most effective tools and techniques and providing resources and programmes to engage and inspire children.
- We campaign to make literacy a priority for politicians and decision-makers.
- We support vulnerable adults, people in the criminal justice system and young offenders’ institutions to build their literacy skills

What we offer you

Our team are passionate about our mission and we have a strong and positive working culture, based on shared values and respect. We offer a range of flexible working options and promote a workplace where you can be yourself and contribute to our success, whoever you are.

As well as a competitive salary, we offer benefits, including a generous leave allowance totalling 39 days (including bank holidays and office closure between Christmas and New Year), pension contributions of 8% of annual salary, a cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme and other health and wellbeing benefits.

Application details

Our people are our most important asset, and we value and respect diversity in all its forms (seen and unseen). We particularly welcome applications from those from Black and Asian backgrounds, as well as candidates with disabilities and from the communities in which we work. We would like to increase representation of these groups among our staff, as we know greater diversity will lead to an even greater impact for our work.

To apply, please select the button shown.

Closing date: 10am, Wednesday 10 December 2025

Please note we do not accept CVs. No agencies or recruitment sites. Registered charity no. 1116260 (England and Wales) and SC042944 (Scotland).