Director of Research

Federation for American Immigration Ref; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) in Washington, DC, is seeking a Director of Research for a full-time, exempt role with a hybrid work schedule. You will lead the research department, oversee projects, and develop reports to inform policymakers and the public.

The ideal candidate has at least seven years of professional research experience, strong writing and analytical skills, and a background in immigration policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in government, political science, history, economics, or related field required.
• Minimum 7 years of professional research experience with demonstrated progression.
• Excellent research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with ability to explain data to non-specialists.
• Advanced degree and nonprofit experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the research department and its projects.
• Monitor new research, data, statistics, and demographic trends relevant to immigration.
• Analyze raw data and statistics and perform demographic and other calculations.
• Develop and update research reports, issue briefs, impact statements, fact sheets, and website content.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate new data into existing publications and research.
• Provide research and analytical support to FAIR staff.
• Maintain the department’s central research files and resources.
• Respond to information requests from FAIR members and the public.
• Develop new ideas and topics for future research projects.
• Conduct student outreach and participate in speaking engagements.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Self-starter

Project management

Collaborating across departments

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in government, political science, history, economics, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)

Washington, DC | Full-Time | September 2026

Hybrid Schedule | Washington, DC

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is the nation’s leading public interest organization dedicated exclusively to immigration enforcement and the rule of law. For more than four decades, FAIR has advocated for secure borders, sensible immigration policies, and the protection of American workers, families, and communities.

FAIR is seeking an energetic, highly capable Director of Research to lead its research department and produce accurate, timely, and compelling immigration-related research for the public, media, and policymakers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the research department and its projects.
• Monitor new research, data, statistics, and demographic trends relevant to immigration.
• Analyze raw data and statistics and perform demographic and other calculations.
• Develop and update research reports, issue briefs, impact statements, fact sheets, and website content.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate new data into existing publications and research.
• Provide research and analytical support to FAIR staff.
• Maintain the department’s central research files and resources.
• Respond to information requests from FAIR members and the public.
• Develop new ideas and topics for future research projects.
• Conduct student outreach and participate in speaking engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in government, political science, history, economics, or a related field required.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing immigration law and policy issues.
• Background in statistics is helpful but not required.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional research experience, with demonstrated progression and achievement.
• Advanced degree and nonprofit experience preferred.
• Excellent research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to interpret and explain complex data to non-specialist audiences.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Creative and strategic thinker.
• Self-starter who can work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Position Details

This is a full-time, exempt position based at FAIR’s Washington, DC headquarters with a hybrid work schedule.

Salary

$100,000-115,000, commensurate with experience

Benefits

Competitive and comprehensive benefits package

Candidates are encouraged to visit FAIR’s website to learn more about the organization and its mission.

FAIR is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.