The Arts and Humanities Research Board is looking for an academic with a good research record to fill the post of director of research when it becomes a research council in April.
Geoffrey Crossick, AHRB's outgoing chief executive, said: "The director of research will respond to the new strategic demands on the AHRB."
The research director will be responsible for developing and implementing research and postgraduate funding. He or she will also identify and develop priorities and engage with the academic community.
Explaining the decision to appoint a director of research, Professor Crossick said: "It came from a realisation I had over the past 18 months that we needed more experienced researchers inside the organisation, not just on our committees."
He added: "Talking to researchers and identifying research strategy opportunities and relating what the AHRB centrally is thinking to academics is something that is best done by people with significant academic credibility and experience."
The post is advertised in this week's Times Higher and the deadline for applications is March 11.