Director of Research

Position description

The Research Director leads the research portfolio at the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS), overseeing the development and execution of rigorous, policy-oriented research that advances the Institute’s mission and informs real-world decision-making. This role is essential in shaping GIWPS’ research priorities, identifying emerging issues and opportunities within the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) field, and ensuring the Institute’s research remains relevant, timely, and responsive to evolving policy needs. The Research Director oversees a diverse portfolio of research projects and grants, ensuring high-quality deliverables, strong project execution, and effective dissemination of findings to varied stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative leader with subject-matter expertise in Women, Peace and Security, advanced methodological training, and demonstrated experience leading policy-oriented research portfolios. They bring people management experience and skill coordinating across functions and teams, particularly in translating research into policy-relevant programming and external engagement.

As a senior member of Institute leadership, the Research Director contributes to organizational strategy, supports cross-functional planning and decision-making, and helps guide GIWPS’ long-term growth in alignment with its strategic vision and theory of change. The role also carries responsibility for fundraising, grant management, and administrative oversight. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision, subject-matter expertise, methodological rigor, and results-driven management with a strong commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions that improve the lives of people in conflict-affected settings.

The projected base salary range is $95,000 – $120,000. Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.

The preferred start date is September 1, 2026. This position is based at the Georgetown University campus in Washington, DC. Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. This role is a full-time non-tenure line faculty position with benefits. The initial contract will be for one year with the possibility for extension based on performance and available funding.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in international relations, political science, sociology, international relations, public policy, peace and conflict studies, gender studies, or a related field required.
• Training in research methods, including ethical human subjects research. Experience designing mixed methods research projects preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in research, policy analysis, or applied research leadership in Women, Peace and Security, conflict, gender, human rights, development, or closely related fields. Experience with research in conflict-affected contexts is desirable.
• Demonstrated subject-matter expertise in Women, Peace and Security.
• Experience developing and leading research portfolios or multi-year projects, including setting strategic priorities, managing competing deadlines, and delivering high-quality outputs on time and within scope.
• People management and supervisory experience, including recruiting, managing, mentoring, and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Project and grant management skills, including overseeing budgets, deliverables, reporting requirements, consultant management, and donor compliance across multiple funding streams.
• Fundraising experience desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research into clear, compelling products for varied audiences.
• Strategic judgment, organizational leadership, and ability to work collaboratively across teams in a fast-paced environment, with a high degree of initiative, adaptability, and attention to detail.

Application instructions

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