Research Manager
£40,000–£50,000 | 0.7–1.0 FTE | Hybrid (London)
The Difference is looking for a Research Manager to help shape national conversations on inclusion, lost learning and school belonging.
Working across our research, practice and policy functions, you’ll lead qualitative research with schools, multi-academy trusts and local authorities, produce influential publications, convene sector leaders around emerging areas of practice, and generate evidence that informs policy and improves outcomes for vulnerable children.
This role would suit an experienced researcher who is equally comfortable delivering in-depth research projects and responding quickly to fast-moving policy developments. You’ll combine strong analytical skills with excellent writing, stakeholder engagement and project management.
Join us at a pivotal moment for inclusion in England’s schools and help drive our mission to reduce lost learning nationally by 2030.
Salary: £40,000–£50,000 (depending on experience)
Location: Hybrid, with 50% office presence in Bethnal Green, London
Contract: Permanent, 0.7–1.0 FTE with flexible working options
Closing date: 9am, Monday 6 July
Read the full job description below and click here to apply now.
Director of Engagement & School Partnerships
£70,000–£75,000 | 0.8–1.0 FTE | Hybrid (London)
The Difference is looking for a Director of Engagement & School Partnerships to help grow the relationships that bring more schools, trusts and local authorities into our work on whole-school inclusion.
Sitting on our senior leadership team, you’ll grow our traded relationships with school groups and school leaders, lead a team turning strong engagements into a joined-up pipeline of deeper interactions, shape our offer and the partner journey behind it, and build the systems and data that let us track growth with confidence. This is a front-to-back role – not a traditional sales position, and not a programme content role – bringing partnerships, delivery, impact and learning together as one coherent cycle.
This role would suit someone with real credibility with schools, trusts or local authorities, who has designed or improved partner journeys, and who can hold commercial and mission discipline in the same breath – hitting income and growth targets while staying honest about quality and what partners actually need. You’ll bring systems thinking, data-informed management and the strategic judgement to balance this week’s delivery against next year’s value.
Join us as we move into the next stage of our 2030 strategy, and help build the systems, relationships and partner journeys we need to grow our work sustainably and deepen our impact.
Salary: £70,000–£75,000 (depending on experience)
Location: Hybrid, with a minimum of Mondays and Tuesdays in Bethnal Green, London, and national travel for delivery
Contract: Permanent, 0.8–1.0 FTE with flexible working options
Closing date: 9am, Monday 20 July
Read the full job description below and click here to apply now.