Director, Research

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Research based in the United States.

This role offers the opportunity to lead impactful research initiatives focused on accelerating social, economic, and environmental transformation. You will design and oversee innovative quantitative and qualitative studies that shape strategy, improve program effectiveness, and influence decision-making. The position combines research leadership, data-driven analysis, stakeholder engagement, and team management within a mission-focused organization. You will collaborate with internal teams, external partners, researchers, and funders to translate insights into measurable impact. This role requires a strong understanding of behavioral research, evaluation methodologies, and evidence-based approaches. You will help advance research capabilities while contributing to initiatives focused on climate, civic engagement, advocacy, and public impact.

Accountabilities: The Director, Research will lead the design, execution, analysis, and communication of research initiatives that support strategic goals and measure program effectiveness. This role requires a combination of research expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Design and lead quantitative and qualitative research studies evaluating messaging effectiveness, audience attitudes, behavioral change, and program outcomes.

Develop research proposals, methodologies, and project plans that assess strategic initiatives and improve organizational impact.

Analyze and interpret research data, transforming findings into reports, white papers, presentations, and other materials for internal and external audiences.

Support the development of funding proposals, manage research budgets, and track spending across research projects.

Lead daily research operations, managing researchers, contractors, and external research resources.

Oversee multiple research projects simultaneously, coordinating timelines, deliverables, and collaboration across teams.

Partner with internal departments and external research organizations to strengthen research approaches and expand analytical capabilities.

Present research findings to stakeholders, including partners, funders, leadership teams, journalists, and broader audiences through reports, webinars, and conferences.

Monitor emerging research trends, academic developments, and industry best practices to continuously improve methodologies.

Build organizational visibility as a leader in evidence-based research, data-driven decision-making, and impact measurement.

Represent the organization in relevant coalitions, research communities, and strategic meetings.

Ensure compliance with applicable organizational policies and funding requirements while maintaining accurate tracking of project activities and resources.

Promote continuous improvement by identifying new opportunities to strengthen research processes, tools, and capabilities.

Requirements

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in social science research, evaluation methodologies, and research leadership. This role requires advanced analytical expertise, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage complex research initiatives across multiple stakeholders.

PhD in social or behavioral sciences, political science, communication, public health, sociology, environmental studies, or a related field.

8+ years of experience in social science research design and analysis, including at least 5 years of post-PhD experience.

Strong expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, including evaluation approaches, longitudinal studies, recontact studies, field research, interviews, and focus groups.

Experience designing and analyzing voter file data, voter registration research, and get-out-the-vote (GOTV) studies.

Proven ability to develop research proposals and manage research initiatives from concept through execution.

Experience analyzing complex datasets using statistical tools such as SPSS, SQL, STATA, R, SAS, or similar platforms.

Strong understanding of behavioral research, public engagement, advocacy, and impact measurement methodologies.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Ability to manage teams, coordinate external partners, and lead cross-functional research projects.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.

Familiarity with renewable energy, electrification, climate-related initiatives, political campaigns, civic engagement, or related fields.

Strong technical skills with tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Slack, Monday.com, or comparable platforms.

Benefits

Annual salary range of $110,000 - $125,000, depending on experience.

Remote work flexibility from anywhere in the United States.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

403(b) retirement savings plan.

Paid vacation, sick time, and sabbatical opportunities.

Paid parental leave.

Two floating holidays and two community service floating holidays.

Two weeks of full-team organization-wide time off annually.

13 observed holidays.

Opportunity to contribute to meaningful research initiatives with global impact.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1