Research and Impact Manager

Research and Impact Manager at The 1001 Critical Days Foundation

Location:

Central London (office-based with flexibility to work from home)

Reports to:

Director of Research & Grants

The 1001 Critical Days Foundation is determined that every baby should experience the best start in life. We are relentlessly focused on the first 1001 days – from pregnancy to age two – when the building blocks for lifelong emotional and physical wellbeing are laid down. We deliver our mission through grant funding frontline charities, commissioning pioneering research, and championing the importance of the 1001 critical days around the world.

• Commission, manage and quality-assure research projects from scoping to delivery.
• Work with external researchers, universities and suppliers, issuing briefs and managing contracts.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data, synthesising evidence into actionable insights.
• Produce clear outputs: research reports, impact summaries, presentations, and briefing notes.
• Identify and mitigate risks through strong project management.
• Ensure findings are actively used to support grantmaking, influence our advocacy, and shape support for babies and their families.
• Track and report on impact metrics, contributing to annual impact reports.
• Maintain compliance with research ethics, GDPR, and quality standards.
• Support the Director of Research and Grants in delivering against a clear research strategy that builds the case for investing in the 1001 critical days.

• Proven track record of managing research and evaluation projects.
• Strong understanding of evaluation techniques, including mixed-method and theory-based approaches.
• Experience commissioning research, managing budgets, and project managing research programmes.
• Excellent data analysis skills and ability to produce actionable recommendations.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including presenting with impact to senior stakeholders.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage concurrent projects independently.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise own tasks.
• Passion for, and knowledge about, early childhood development.
• Commitment to translating evidence into impact.
• Post-graduate training in research methodology.
• Qualification, training, or equivalant experience in project management.
• Experience of working with project management software, such as  or Plinth, or enthusiasm to learn.
• Familiarity with research ethics, GDPR, or accreditation standards.
• Knowledge of programme evaluation frameworks and outcomes measurement.
• Track record of building partnerships with academics, policymakers, or practitioners.
• Experience of commissioning or managing international research projects.

Salary: £50,000 per annum

Location:

Central London (office-based with flexibility to work from home)

Pension: employer contribution matched up to 5%

• A flexible and supportive working culture, with opportunities to learn and grow
• Opportunities for international travel

Full-time

Mid-Senior level