{{ strip_text }}

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of the David Hume Institute.

This is an exciting time to build on the outstanding work of our departing Director, Jane-Frances Kelly, in creating initial impetus to carry forward the desire of the trustees to refresh the way in which we carry out our role. We believe strongly that this is an important time in Scotland to contribute to policy debate and policymaking. The David Hume Institute is well placed to do that because we are able to combine an open minded approach about how best to do that in current circumstances with a strong reputation and track record built over more than 30 years.

{{ home.issuer_role }} Picture {{ home.caption }}

As part of our commitment to a fresh approach, we have slimmed down our operating structure and revised our funding basis to provide a starting point from which we can grow and reshape how we work. The new Director will inherit scope to continue building a dynamic organisation and energetic culture, as well as the opportunity to drive the impact of our recent research work and to lead the next stages in that programme of work.

Our open minded approach extends to the background and experience of the person best suited to become our new Director. There is no precise pathway to this exciting post. So please pursue your interest if the opportunity stimulates your desire to make an impact and you share the core belief in being guided by the evidence, rather than by a political or ideological predisposition, which we derive from David Hume.

About The David Hume Institute

The David Hume Institute is an independent, non-partisan, evidence-based policy institute. We have an established reputation based on operating at the heart of Scottish policy debate for more than 30 years. We are currently building on that through a reinvigoration of our work and operating model, a process successfully begun by our outgoing Director.

Research on some of the country's most pressing challenges

We aim to produce original research with a strong emphasis on economic and education policy issues. Our research is independent and evidence-based, and we share our findings and ideas with politicians and policymakers from all sides to stimulate open debate.

Events that are open to all

We complement our research and engagement by hosting thought-provoking events which bring together expert speakers and an informed, interested and engaged audience. Our speakers come from across the political spectrum, both nationally and internationally.

Position overview

The Board of Trustees wishes to appoint an inspiring and dynamic individual to lead the Institute as Director. This is a unique opportunity to lead a small and ambitious think tank that contributes to the Scottish public policy debate. With overall responsibility for employees and budgets, this individual will be accountable to the Board of Trustees, to deliver a programme of in-house research, engagement with policy debate and public events alongside managing the Institute's day-to-day operations. The Director will lead a small, core team that works alongside a group of associates to run the Institute and deliver research.

We are looking for an outstanding individual who will relish the opportunity to continue the current process of reinvigoration and to increase the Institute's profile and influence at the heart of policy debate in Scotland. S/he will demonstrate an ability to think and act strategically to realise the Institute's vision. They will have strong project/people management skills and have experience with policy and policy makers.

The Institute has recently implemented a new membership model and the successful candidate will have experience of stakeholder management and engagement, including in preparing and delivering on funding proposals.

The David Hume Institute is based in Edinburgh and the Director will have access to desk space at Codebase, 38 Castle Terrace, EH3 9DZ. There will be the opportunity to work flexibly, including from home, and work will occasionally be required out of hours for events and research.

Further information is available as follows:

Job Description

Annual Report

You can also find out more by visiting our site at www.davidhumeinstitute.com

How to Apply

We trust that you have found the information on this site both useful and informative. For a confidential discussion please contact Debbie Shields or Emma McEneaney on 0141 212 7555.

To apply, please send a comprehensive submission which should include:

These should be uploaded by clicking here.

Applicants will be shortlisted for interview by matching the details given on their CV and supporting documents against the role description. We would therefore ask applicants to provide clear evidence to show how your experience, skills and knowledge match those requirements.

If you have any issues uploading your application please contact Donna Sweeny on 0141 212 7555.

Process

Provided below note of the critical dates which will help you plan your diary.

Closing date: Monday 23 September 2019 at 9am

Interviews: Wednesday 9th October at client's office