The Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) seeks an experienced social science researcher with excellent management, program and business development, and public presentation skills to strengthen and lead the strategic growth of its policy research portfolio. Expertise in employment and labor markets, poverty and inequality, or health economics desired.
IWPR is a Washington D.C.-based think-tank that conducts rigorous research and disseminates its findings to address the needs of women, promote public dialogue, and strengthen families, communities, and societies. (See www.iwpr.org for more information about IWPR's mission and work.). Areas of research include Employment, Education and Earnings, Poverty and Income Security, Work and Family Issues, Democracy and Society, and Health and Safety.
Position Summary:
The Director of Research's primary responsibilities will be to:
IWPR is a Washington D.C.-based think-tank that conducts rigorous research and disseminates its findings to address the needs of women, promote public dialogue, and strengthen families, communities, and societies. (See www.iwpr.org for more information about IWPR's mission and work.). Areas of research include Employment, Education and Earnings, Poverty and Income Security, Work and Family Issues, Democracy and Society, and Health and Safety.
Position Summary:
The Director of Research's primary responsibilities will be to:
- Ensure the strategic and effective conception, design, development, implementation, and dissemination of high quality, policy-relevant research that addresses the information needs of policy makers, advocates, and the public.
- Manage and develop a small but highly skilled research staff, currently including directly overseeing 5 Ph.D./MA-level researchers, and several consultants, who in turn supervise research assistants, research interns and fellows, and additional research consultants.
- Play a lead role in fundraising from private foundations and government sources to meet research budget targets (currently $1.9 million per year), in collaboration with the Institute's development department. This will involve meeting with potential funders, developing new research, and leading and contributing to the research grant proposal process.
- Develop and track the research department budget.
- Represent the organization to the public through presentations and relations with the media.
- Spend a percentage of time directly involved in funded research in their area of expertise.
- Serve on the organization's management team and as liaison to the research and program committee of the Board of Directors.
- Lead and convene the organization's external Program Advisory Committee to receive expert input on program direction.
Desired Skills, Qualifications, and Expertise:
- Ph.D. in economics, sociology, public policy or a related discipline; rigorous training in quantitative and gender-related social science research methods; at least five years of post-Ph.D. work experience.
- A strong record of publication and presentation of policy-relevant research.
- Excellent staff management and supervision skills, including at least five years of personnel management experience.
- Financial and budgeting acumen.
- An entrepreneurial orientation and evidence of success raising funds for research.
- Outstanding program and management skills.
- Excellent capabilities in organizational development, team-building, motivating staff, and creating a positive, vision-driven work culture.
- High-level experience in an applied policy environment, and deep expertise in several policy areas affecting women and families.
- A passion for contributing to gender and racial/ethnic equity, and to improving the well-being of low-income families.
- A love of the research process.
Compensation:
IWPR offers a competitive salary based on experience and a generous benefits package, including:
IWPR offers a competitive salary based on experience and a generous benefits package, including:
- vacation, sick, personal, and family leave;
- health, disability, dental, and prescription drug insurance;
- employer contribution to a 403-b retirement plan,
- Flexible Spending Account plan;
- transportation subsidy; and
- a flexible workplace.
Accountability:
The Director of Research will report to the Executive Director, Dr. Barbara Gault.
To apply: Send a cover letter, CV or resume, short writing sample, and contact information for three references to:
Research Director Search Committee
Institute for Women's Policy Research
1707 L Street NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20036
Or by e-mail: researchdirector@iwpr.org.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Institute for Women's Policy Research is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. People of color are encouraged to apply.
The Director of Research will report to the Executive Director, Dr. Barbara Gault.
To apply: Send a cover letter, CV or resume, short writing sample, and contact information for three references to:
Research Director Search Committee
Institute for Women's Policy Research
1707 L Street NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20036
Or by e-mail: researchdirector@iwpr.org.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Institute for Women's Policy Research is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. People of color are encouraged to apply.
