Director Research Business Development

Salary range: £90,000 based on skills and experience

Location: London Office

Contract: Full time, Permanent

About RUSI

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is registered charity and an independent, not-for-profit membership organisation that serves as a think tank engaged in evidence-based research on defence, security and geopolitics. RUSI's main activities include research, publications, hosting member and other events, training, and capacity building to develop and disseminate practical policy solutions to pressing global challenges. Our mission and values are underpinned by the ambition to build a more secure, equitable and stable world.

Main purpose of the post

We are seeking to appoint an experienced individual to spearhead RUSI's research fundraising efforts. The successful candidate will broaden and grow opportunities for research income by identifying, pursuing, and delivering new funding for research across the Institute, while aligning with RUSI's ongoing research priorities and strategic plan.

The postholder will lead a wide range of research business development activity, including overseeing major competitive bids to governments and multilateral bodies; developing proposals for and building relationships with foundations; building partnerships with think tanks, primes, and academia; and securing flexible funding for RUSI's research programmes from corporates and high-net-worth individuals (working closely with the Development Director and Memberships team). They will work alongside RUSI's research directors, subject-matter experts, and central services to support RUSI's research groups with research fundraising and to develop cross cutting opportunities.

Success in this role will be demonstrated through:

• The number and quality of new and incremental opportunities and strategic relationships initiated for research funding; • Tangible progress towards RUSI's strategic plan objectives, particularly in generating funding for cross cutting research priorities; • Consistently high quality, reliable, and timely support to research teams, enabling them to meet funding goals and targets; and • The strong performance and professional development of the Business Development team.

The Director of Research Business Development will lead a team including a Bids Manager and BD Coordinator. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Research and will be a member of RUSI's Management Group and Impact Committee.

Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Research Funding Leadership

• Design and deliver a n annual research fundraising strategy for each research group and the cross cutting themes aligned to RUSI's institutional priorities, in partnership with research leadership and SMT.
• Identify and prioritise high value funding opportunities from foundations, governments, corporates, multilaterals, academic consortia, and major donors.
• Ensure funding approaches reflect RUSI's strategic plan, research capacities, and long term ambitions.
• Maintain oversight of major bids and cross programmatic activity, ensuring consistent standards, strong narratives, cost recovery, and competitive positioning.
• Strengthen business development processes (e.g., go/no go decision making, competitive awareness, pricing, cost recovery, forward planning, and due diligence).

2. Funder & Partner Development Person specification Essential skills and experience

• Excellent communications and writing skills in English, both written and spoken. Other languages are desirable.
• Strong IT and Microsoft skills (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) including the use of databases.
• Interpersonal skills and social competence to interact with people of all levels across an organisation, based in different geographic locations, in a confident and professional manner, including effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines, multitask, and to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
• 25 days annual leave (rising with service).
• Additional days off during Christmas - RUSI Christmas closure days.
• Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution.
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life Assurance (after successful completion of 6 months in post).
• Rental deposit scheme (after successful completion of 6 months in post).
• Free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library.
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

£90,000 (depending on skills and experience)