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Director Political Science Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Johns Hopkins University

Executive Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

GSIDI currently focuses on political science and political theory, but the executive director would be expected to begin the work of broadening it to other disciplines in Spring 2027. The position ...

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Director Political Science information

See Washington salary details

$91.2K

$126.7K

$163.1K

How much do director political science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for director political science in Washington is $126,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director political science?

Director Political Science positions refer to leadership roles within organizations, universities, think tanks, or government agencies that oversee political science programs, research, or policy analysis teams. Individuals in these roles are responsible for setting strategic direction, managing staff, securing funding, and ensuring the quality and impact of political research and education initiatives. They often collaborate with academic, governmental, and industry stakeholders to advance understanding of political systems, public policy, and governance. Directors may also represent their organizations at conferences, in the media, or in public forums.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director political science?

To thrive as a Director of Political Science, you typically need an advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in political science or a related field, along with proven experience in academic research and program leadership. Familiarity with research methodologies, statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or Stata), and learning management systems is essential. Exceptional communication, strategic planning, and team leadership skills help you collaborate with faculty, guide students, and shape academic programs. These skills and qualifications ensure academic excellence, foster a productive educational environment, and enable effective management of departmental goals.

What are typical challenges faced by a director political science when managing a multidisciplinary team in an academic setting?

A Director of Political Science often oversees faculty and researchers from diverse backgrounds, which can present challenges in aligning different research interests and teaching approaches. Balancing administrative duties—such as curriculum development and departmental budgeting—with fostering a collaborative academic environment requires strong communication and conflict-resolution skills. Additionally, adapting to evolving institutional priorities and securing resources for the department are ongoing challenges. Regular meetings, transparent decision-making, and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration can help address these issues effectively.

What is the difference between Director Political Science vs Political Analyst?

AspectDirector Political SciencePolitical Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Political Science, extensive research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Political Science, strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research organizations, government agenciesMedia outlets, think tanks, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, policy organizationsNews organizations, consulting firms, government departments

The main difference is that a Director Political Science typically oversees research projects, academic programs, or policy initiatives, while a Political Analyst focuses on analyzing political trends and providing insights for media or policy decisions. Both roles require strong analytical skills and a background in political science, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What is the best career for a director of political science?

A director of political science typically pursues careers in academia, government agencies, policy analysis, or think tanks, utilizing skills in research, analysis, and leadership. They often hold advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. and may require strong communication and project management abilities to succeed in leadership roles or policy development positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Political Science jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Political Science jobs in Washington are:

Director Political Science jobs near you

ICBA PAC - DIRECTOR, POLITICAL OPERATIONS

Washington, DC • On-site

TCM Bank
See more jobs at TCM Bankexternal

$105K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Director, Political Operations plays a key role in advancing ICBA's federal political program by supporting the development and execution of ICBA PAC's fundraising strategy, donor engagement initiatives, political disbursement strategy, compliance program, and grassroots political activities. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Political Operations, this position helps drive the growth of one of the nation's leading federal trade association PACs through strategic fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation and stewardship, political event management, financial oversight, and strict adherence to Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations. The Director works closely with ICBA's Congressional Relations team, leadership bankers, state association partners, and volunteer leaders to strengthen political engagement, expand donor participation, and support ICBA's advocacy priorities.
This position is open to applicants in the Washington, DC area.
What You'll Do
Political Fundraising & Donor Engagement
  • Support the development and execution of ICBA PAC's annual fundraising strategy, including donor acquisition, retention, stewardship, and campaign planning to achieve fundraising goals.
  • Develop and implement multi-channel fundraising campaigns, including digital, direct mail, peer-to-peer, payroll deduction, event-based, and leadership giving initiatives.
  • Identify, cultivate, and engage new donor audiences while strengthening relationships with existing contributors, leadership bankers, and volunteer advocates.
  • Analyze fundraising performance and donor trends to identify opportunities for increased participation and revenue growth.
  • Assist Congressional Relations staff in planning and hosting political fundraising events and donor engagement activities nationwide.
  • Work in partnership with the ICBA Meetings & Events Department to plan and execute ICBA PAC fundraising events, including the ICBA PAC Silent Auction, regional fundraising events, VIP donor recognition programs, and targeted fundraising campaigns.
  • Oversee the ICBA PAC Directors Club Program, including participant recruitment, recognition, annual renewals, and stewardship initiatives.
  • Manage the ICBA PAC Payroll Deduction Program, coordinating participating banks, maintaining compliance documentation, facilitating recurring contributions, and expanding participation.

Political Operations & Compliance
  • Support the development and implementation of ICBA PAC's political strategy in conjunction with the Senior Vice President, Congressional Relations staff, leadership bankers, state association partners, and key stakeholders.
  • Participate in ICBA PAC compliance and financial operations, including contribution processing, candidate disbursements, financial reconciliations, maintenance of solicitation and authorization records, and preparation of Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports.
  • Manage the PAC compliance database and maintain accurate financial records, including receipt processing, ACH transactions, bank reconciliations, and coordination with affiliated PACs and ICBA Accounting.
  • Prepare candidate disbursement materials, maintain disbursement budgets, coordinate approvals, process checks and ACH payments, and ensure timely execution of political contributions.
  • Compile and analyze contribution, fundraising, and disbursement reports for senior leadership and committee presentations.
  • Manage annual prior approval campaigns and solicitation authorization records in accordance with FEC regulations.

Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations
  • Collaborate with ICBA's grassroots advocacy team to recruit, retain, and engage grassroots advocates while strengthening participation in ICBA PAC.
  • Prepare meeting materials, reports, presentations, and fundraising updates for ICBA PAC Committee meetings and leadership discussions.
  • Support strategic initiatives that strengthen ICBA's political advocacy efforts and advance the community banking industry's federal legislative priorities.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, Public Administration, Communications, Business, or related field required.
  • Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in political fundraising, PAC management, campaign finance, government relations, association management, nonprofit fundraising, or public policy.
  • Experience managing a federal PAC and fundraising for a trade association, membership organization, campaign committee, or advocacy organization, including planning political fundraising events and donor recognition programs preferred.
  • Demonstrated success developing and executing fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation strategies, or political fundraising initiatives.
  • Working knowledge of Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations and campaign finance compliance.
  • Knowledge of congressional campaigns, federal political committees, and Capitol Hill operations preferred.
  • Experience managing fundraising databases, CRM systems, or PAC compliance software (Quorum or similar preferred).
  • Experience working with volunteer boards or fundraising committees preferred.
  • Strong financial management and reporting skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build relationships with senior executives, volunteer leaders, elected officials, and donors.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret fundraising metrics and prepare executive-level reports.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and database applications.
  • Ability to travel approximately 5-6 times annually.

We recognize that candidates may not meet every qualification listed. If your background and experience are close to what we're seeking, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits of Working at ICBA
  • Generous and competitive benefits package
  • 401(k) savings plan offering 100% employer match of up to 6% of annual earnings.
  • Hybrid work environment, monthly work from home stipends, and flexible work hours
  • Fitness discounts, telemedicine, on-demand therapy, and work-life balance tools
  • Tuition reimbursement and allowances for professional development
  • Frequent company social events
  • Friendly and inclusive workplace culture

The target annual salary range for this role is currently $105,000 to $125,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, location, market data and internal equity.
ICBA is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. ICBA does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA)'s guiding mission is to create and promote environments where community banks flourish. We are:
• Dedicated advocates providing community bankers, policymakers and the public with authoritative insights and resources to support and strengthen community banking.
• Knowledgeable, applying their expertise to offer personalized service that addresses the distinct challenges and opportunities facing community banks.
• Community-centered, driving meaningful change that strengthens community banks and the communities they serve. We turn commitment into action and deliver real results.
ICBA's workplace culture is built on our core values:
• Caring -We support and prioritize your well-being and professional growth.
• Connected - We foster strong relationships that create meaningful impact.
• Collaboration - We are team-oriented and results driven where diverse perspectives are valued, and innovative ideas are encouraged to achieve our common goals.
Join ICBA and further your career while making a lasting impact!

Apply