Senior Vice President Of Research

WE ARE:

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) is the nation’s preeminent think tank committed to achieving economic equity for women and eliminating structural and institutional barriers to women’s full participation in the workforce and society.

IWPR’s mission is to build knowledge and evidence to support policies that help grow women’s economic power and influence in society, close inequality gaps, and improve the economic security and well-being of girls, women, and families. We generate the ideas that build power and economic equity for all women.

Statement on Racial Equity and Intersectionality

At IWPR, we believe social and economic mobility in the United States is determined and influenced by race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other markers of difference. In working to achieve economic equity and to better understand the experiences of all women in the workforce and in society, we use both racial equity and intersectional frameworks in our research and analysis to help generate strategies and solutions that are grounded in the economic realities of women and families.

Statement on Inclusivity and non-discrimination

IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We value and support difference, diversity, and inclusion in our hiring and employment practices. We do not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or age.

JOB DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW:

IWPR seeks a Senior Vice President of Research to set and guide the organizational research department and strategy. They will play a critical role in ensuring that IWPR is leveraging its research for maximum impact and influence at the local, state, and national levels, and that it lands in the hands of citizens, changemakers, key stakeholders and others who can use it to accelerate change in the lives of girls, women, and families. They will manage research related fundraising efforts, and work to expand IWPR’s portfolio of Foundation, corporate, and government partners.

They will also oversee and manage the research staff and will collaborate with the Executive and Senior leadership teams, the Board of Directors, and external stakeholders to advance the mission, vision, and values of IWPR. The Senior Vice President of Research reports to the Chief Strategy Officer and serves on the Senior Leadership Team.

The ideal candidate for this position will be an inspiring, pragmatic, resourceful, and strategic leader who has a strong commitment to economic and gender equity and expanding the power and influence of women in society and in the workforce; a deep understanding of the complex public policy issues at the local state and federal levels impacting the economic security and well-being of women and families and the research methodologies and policy strategies (qualitative and quantitative) that can illuminate those issues; and the managerial acumen to lead a research and policy strategy to achieve IWPR’s mission.

They are also an innovative and respected scholar with excellent writing and editing skills. They are a proven fundraiser with a strong interest in the intersections of research, policy and practice and a deep commitment to racial and gender equity. Specifically, they have experience using and integrating racial equity and intersectional frameworks and analysis in research study designs, written reports, and briefs.

This is a research and leadership position. The Senior Vice President of Research will be expected to conduct and review original research, as well as lead a robust and growing research department.

Applicants must have familiarity and knowledge pertaining to all of IWPR’s research areas (e.g. Economic Security, Mobility and Equity; Student Parent Success; the Economics of Reproductive Health; Race, Gender, Equity and Equality; Research and Action Hub; and Status of Women) and previous research experience in one or more of IWPR’s research areas. .

Research Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

• Work with researchers and staff across departments to refine research and policy priorities and issue areas;
• Guide the incorporation and integration of racial equity and intersectional frameworks and approaches into IWPR Research and Policy initiatives;
• Develop and implement a cohesive research strategy and agenda;
• In collaboration with the Advancement team, Chief Executive Office, and Chief Strategy Officer, nurture and expand existing funding relationships and cultivate new sources--both project-based and unrestricted; and
• Identify and assess emerging research gaps in the field and potential innovations and opportunities for IWPR;
• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team.
• Represent IWPR at high-level convenings, conferences and meetings;

Program and Research Management

• Coordinate research content and report releases with the other IWPR programs and units;
• Work to ensure the research department meets internal and funder deadlines and obligations for the delivery of research products and reports.
• Build a culture that attracts and retains top talent for all positions within the research unit;
• Oversee engagement and professional development opportunities for all research staff; and
• In partnership with the Chief Strategy Officer and senior researchers, oversee the overall execution of all research projects and publications including major reports, briefs, government testimony, regulatory comments, data analysis, infographics, and other visuals;
• In partnership with the Chief Strategy Officer and the Vice President of Finance and Administration, manage the budget of the Research department to include assistance in the preparation of the annual budget and tracking of expenses to ensure alignment with deliverables;

Education And Experience

• 10 years+ experience and A PhD or equivalent experience/expertise in a related field (e.g., economics, sociology, political science, public policy, law etc.) is required.

Research Experience

• Ability to perform advanced, complex quantitative data analysis of large datasets and trends, utilizing econometric, network science and/or other statistical methods; and
• Experience using and integrating racial equity and intersectional frameworks and analysis in research study designs, written reports, and briefs;
• Familiarity and experience conducting research and/or policy analysis on issues related to poverty and income inequality, paid sick or family medical leave, the wage gap and pay equity, women’s and family economic security, quality jobs, and/or educational equity and access;
• Ability to write high-quality working papers, reports and presentations based on the data work and analysis.
• Experience with multivariate statistical methods, survey research, and qualitative research and design and analysis;

Other Professional And Personal Qualities

• A strong existing network—the candidate will be known and respected in the progressive research community, bringing existing relationships that will facilitate expansion of our research and policy work;
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including presentation skills;
• Proven track record of effectively interacting with diverse stakeholders, including executives, researchers, practitioners, policy and advocacy organizations, public officials, and Boards of Directors;
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across the organization;
• Effective, versatile, and action-oriented; and
• Ability to work well under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Superior problem-solving, managerial, and interpersonal skills;

SALARY

This is an on-site, full-time exempt position. The salary for the Senior Vice President of Research is $183,050-219,660 per year. The salary will be commensurate with experience. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package. To learn more about the IWPR compensation program and role structures, please click

How To Apply

Please submit a resume, writing sample, and thoughtful, relevant cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Vaccine Policy: IWPR has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, IWPR recently implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all IWPR employees, interns, fellows, (i.e., IWPR staff) are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive a booster shot. IWPR will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot prior to extending a job offer. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a Covid-19 vaccination, a medical exemption form should be requested from Human Resources.