Research Economist

Institute for Women; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 94,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) is seeking a Research Economist to lead original research and quantitative analyses across IWPR’s policy pillars. The role emphasizes rigorous data work, policy-relevant findings, and collaboration with policy, communications, and advancement teams.

Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D. or equivalent, with strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines.

Qualifications

• Experience with multivariate statistical methods, survey research, and/or qualitative research.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including presentation skills.
• Superior problem-solving, managerial, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across the organization.
• Effective, versatile, and action oriented.
• Ability to work well under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research and policy analysis in IWPR’s core pillars: Equitable Work and Wages, Caregiving and Families, Education and Career Advancement, and Reproductive Justice and Health Equity.
• Design and lead the analysis of technical quantitative studies; create data visuals; develop surveys.
• Write high quality fact sheets, briefing papers, reports, and presentations.
• Represent IWPR’s research to outside groups, funders, media outlets, and stakeholders.
• Track budgets and timelines; assist with fundraising proposals and donor reports.

Skills

Multivariate statistics

Survey research

Qualitative research

Written communication

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Job Description:

Research Economist

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. We also prioritize building an inclusive and welcoming work environment that values the diverse perspectives and experiences of all staff.

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, disability, marital or veteran status, age or any other legally protected status.

Job Description Overview:

Research Economist conducts original research and analysis on issues related to IWPR’s core research and policy pillars: Equitable Work and Wages, Caregiving and Families, Education and Career Advancement, and Reproductive Justice and Health Equity. They are responsible for leading work in one or more of IWPR’s core research areas, sharing research findings at events and conferences, and building networks and organizational partnerships in the field.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Research Work

• Provide thought leadership and conduct original research and policy analysis on issues related to IWPR’s core research and policy pillars: Equitable Work and Wages, Caregiving and Families, Education and Career Advancement, and Reproductive Justice and Health Equity;
• Design and lead the analysis of technical quantitative studies;
• Perform quantitative data analysis, including developing models; creating data visuals; developing, programming, and fielding online surveys;
• Write high quality fact sheets, briefing papers, reports, and presentations;
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of policy proposals and research in multiple domains;
• Provide organization-wide support on research design and data sources available for studying dimensions and trends of core issue areas;
• Elicit feedback from Policy, Communications, and Advancement staff on scope of research publications to maximize impact;
• Consult with researchers on methodological questions arising from data analysis needs and assist with designing new studies and considering data availability and analysis plans for quantitative studies including identifying data sources, confirming study design feasibility, and contributing to proposal development;
• Apply racial equity and intersectional frameworks and analysis in research study designs, written reports, and briefs; and
• Represent IWPR’s research to outside groups, funders, media outlets, other stakeholders, and to the research community.

Program Design and Management

• Track project budgets and timelines to ensure that work is completed on time and within resource parameters;
• Work with SVP of Research to fundraise and manage donor relationships, including writing grant proposals and reports;
• Work with Policy and Communications staff to coordinate policy campaigns and dissemination efforts on key issues and priorities;
• Advise on emerging research gaps in the field and potential innovations and opportunities for IWPR;
• Demonstrated commitment to IWPR’s mission and vison, including IWPR’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and;
• And other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience

Research Economist – A Ph.D. or equivalent

• Experience with multivariate statistical methods, survey research and/or qualitative research and design and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including presentation skills.
• Superior problem-solving, managerial, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across the organization.
• Effective, versatile, and action oriented.
• Ability to work well under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities.

Salary

This is an on-site, full-time exempt position. This position is in the bargaining unit. The salary for the Research Economist is $94,187-$115,117 salary will be commensurate with experience. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package.