Contract Director of Research (Maternity Leave Cover)

Kaplan International; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 108,000; Part time

Job summary

FP Analytics, the research and advisory division of Foreign Policy, seeks a Director of Research for a 6-month maternity cover at 4 days a week, to scope, manage, and deliver short- and long-form research projects.

The role will conduct quantitative and qualitative research, support crisis simulations, and supervise analysts, collaborating across FP to produce high-impact reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in international relations, economics, public policy, or related field.
• At least ten years of relevant professional experience in research design, project management, and team leadership.
• Strong track record of high-quality qualitative and quantitative research and analytical rigor.
• Excellent English writing and oral communication for public, multilateral, and private audiences.
• Ability to motivate and mentor a team of analysts.
• Experience presenting to senior executives and delivering on time and budget.

Responsibilities

• Scoping and managing research projects and timelines from conception to publication.
• Overseeing and collaborating with the research team.
• Ensuring accuracy and clarity of research drafts before publication.
• Working with design and web teams on data visualizations, microsites, and crisis simulations.
• Developing project pitches with FP Analytics team.
• Supporting FP Analytics’ growth by reporting to the Executive Vice President.

Education

Master's or PhD in international relations, economics, public policy, or related field

Job description

Job Title

Contract Director of Research (Maternity Leave Cover)

Job Description

FP Analytics, the research and advisory division of Foreign Policy, is seeking a Director of Research to join our research team for a 6-month maternity cover at 4 days a week, from approximately January through June 2027. In collaboration with FP Analytics’ Executive Vice President, the Director of Research will scope and manage both short- and long-form research projects. The Director of Research will also conduct and review quantitative and qualitative research, support the development of crisis simulations, and provide oversight on proprietary and public reports and presentations. The Director of Research will be responsible for managing and guiding a team of analysts and working collaboratively across FP. We are seeking a highly motivated, communicative, and collaborative team member with excellent interpersonal skills who is committed to the organization’s mission and who will bring professionalism, analytical rigor, and creativity to our work.

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the FP Analytics’ Executive Vice President and Associate Director of Research, scoping and managing research projects and timelines, including through conception, production, and publication
• Overseeing and working collaboratively with the research team
• Conducting due diligence on all research drafts to ensure accuracy and clarity before publication
• Working closely with graphic design and web development teams on production of data visualizations, interactive microsites, and crisis simulations
• Collaborating with FPA team to develop project pitches
• Reporting to and working closely with FP Analytics’ Executive Vice President to support FPA’s growth and success

Required qualifications

• Master's Degree or PhD in international relations, economics, or public policy, or other related field
• At least ten years of relevant professional experience, including prior research project design, project management, and team management
• Proven track record of high-quality qualitative and quantitative research, analytical rigor, and attention to detail
• Excellent English Language writing and oral communication skills, and the ability to write for public, multilateral, and private sector audiences in a clear, concise, and compelling manner
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to motivate, guide, and mentor a team of analysts
• Demonstrated ability to multitask effectively and to work independently as well as part of a team to deliver projects on time and on or under budget
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Comfort presenting and interacting with senior executives

Eligibility

Eligible to work in the U.S.

Salary

The annualized salary range for this 6-month, part-time (80%) independent contractor position is $92,000 to $108,000.

Location

Based in Washington, D.C. or New York City, working U.S. Eastern time hours (9 am to 5 pm ET, 4 days a week)

Location Washington, DC, USA

Additional Locations

Time Type Part time

About us

Foreign Policy showcases the smartest ideas, analysis, and journalism on global affairs, reaching audiences around the world through its award-winning website, quarterly print magazine, podcasts, and video. Founded in 1970, FP is today a diversified multimedia company, including live events convening top leaders and decision-makers, a research and analytics division, and a thriving audio group. Foreign Policy has been around since 1970, but we have the energy of a start-up. FP staff—whether working in editorial, tech, or business—are driven by their curiosity about the world. We draw an immense sense of purpose in the work we do, which is to curate informed debates about the fast-changing geopolitical world we all live in.