Senior Qualitative Researcher

Institute for Women's Policy Research; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 125,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) is seeking a Senior Qualitative Researcher to conduct original qualitative studies across IWPR’s core pillars and to advise on research design and dissemination. You will help write reports, briefs, and presentations, and will engage with policy staff to maximize impact.

The role requires advanced qualitative research expertise, strong policy analysis skills, and experience leading research projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in a qualitative field (e.g., sociology, anthropology) with 3+ years of policy research experience.
• Master’s degree in a qualitative field with 10+ years of policy research experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead the analysis of qualitative studies.
• Write high-quality fact sheets, briefing papers, reports, and presentations.
• Oversee staff training in qualitative methods and support staff conducting qualitative research to ensure rigor.
• Represent IWPR’s research to outside groups, funders, media outlets, and the research community.

Skills

Qualitative research

Policy analysis

Research writing

Grant proposal development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD in qualitative field with 3+ years policy research

Master’s degree in qualitative field with 10+ years policy research

Job description

Job Description:

Senior Qualitative Researcher

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:

Senior Qualitative Researcher conducts original research and analysis on 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 conducting and advising qualitative research, contributing to research publications, 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 qualitative studies;
• Oversee the research staff training in qualitative methods and support staff conducting qualitative research to ensure research rigor and depth;
• Provide organization-wide support on research design in qualitative methods available for studying dimensions and trends of core issue areas, including different methods of collecting qualitative data;
• Write high quality fact sheets, briefing papers, reports, and presentations;
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of policy proposals and research in multiple domains;
• 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 analysis plans for qualitative and 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;
• 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

A PhD in a qualitative research field (e.g. sociology, social psychology, anthropology) and 3+ years of work experience in public policy research or a Master’s degree in a qualitative research field and 10+ years of work experience in public policy research.

Salary

This is an on-site, full-time exempt position. This position is in the bargaining unit. The salary for the Senior Qualitative Researcher is $125,172-$148,770.00 per year and will be commensurate with experience. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package. To learn more about the IWPR compensation program and role structures.

Applications must be received on or before October 31, 2026