12 Operation manager volunteer roles in Holborn, Greater London

About Us

Quilombo UK is an independent, non-party-political social-impact organisation dedicated to tackling inequality, celebrating diversity, and building stronger communities. We believe organisations should be prepared to challenge injustice and question institutions when their actions fail to reflect the values they promote. Around 450 people engage with our programmes each year, gaining practical professional experience while actively contributing to meaningful social change. By joining us, you are not only developing your career profile, but you are also helping to drive positive, lasting impact.

About the Role (Fully Remote)

This is a 100% voluntary, unpaid Research Operations Manager position designed for professional development, strategic sector transition, or community impact. Based entirely remotely with UK-wide flexibility, the role requires a suggested commitment of approximately 10 to 12 hours per week, flexibly arranged between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, over a 16-week professional development programme. Comprehensive training and ongoing support are provided from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Translating organisational research priorities into clear research plans, schedules, and deliverables.

• Leading and coaching Research Managers and other research colleagues to ensure projects have clear ownership, priorities, and deadlines.

• Overseeing qualitative and quantitative research activities, including literature reviews, data collection, analysis, and report development.

• Improving research methodologies, quality-control processes, and review stages to ensure outputs are accurate, robust, and evidence-based.

• Maintaining clear visibility of research work in progress, upcoming publications, dependencies, and risks using the team's project-management systems.

• Collaborating with Directors to translate investigative objectives into practical research activities across relevant social-impact and EDI subjects.

• Providing regular updates on the research pipeline, findings, and risks, accompanied by clear recommendations for key decisions.

• Upholding rigorous standards around research ethics, data protection, fact-checking, and professional research practice.

What You Will Gain (Volunteering Benefits)

• Real-World Experience: Work on genuine, impactful projects rather than simulated tasks.

• CV Enhancement: Demonstrate tangible responsibilities, completed projects, and measurable social impact.

• Structured Training: Develop practical, role-specific, and professional leadership skills.

• Progression Opportunities: High-performing volunteers can take on greater responsibility and access leadership pathways.

• Potential Commission: Participants may receive separate commission payments where their work directly contributes to eligible successful research, commercial, funding, partnership, or other income-generating outcomes, in accordance with our applicable structure.

Requirements & Skills

• Strong experience in research management, academic research, social research, or a related field (strongly preferred).

• Demonstrated leadership skills with the confidence to coordinate and coach research managers or specialist teams.

• Sound knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, coupled with strong analytical skills to assess evidence critically and accurately.

• Excellent written communication skills and exceptional attention to detail.

• Strong planning and organisational abilities, including confidence in managing complex research projects to strict deadlines.

• A professional, collaborative approach and a willingness to take ownership of research quality and departmental outcomes.

• A relevant degree, published work, or an established research portfolio is highly advantageous.

How to Apply

If you are ready to step into non-profit leadership, apply your expertise for social good, and build impactful evidence for your career, please submit your application through the platform today. Quilombo UK is committed to equality, diversity, and fair treatment in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.