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Iran Researcher Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior All Source Analyst

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Demonstrates ability to define comprehensive, new, or unique research approaches that enable ... Iran experience required. Desired education: * Master's Degree in an area related to the labor ...

... research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. Visit www ... Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Syria, West Bank and Gaza, Tunisia, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Iran Researcher information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31.2K

$117.7K

$171.1K

How much do iran researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for iran researcher in Reston, VA is $117,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,700.00 and $160,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Iran Researcher vs Iran Analyst?

AspectIran ResearcherIran Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in similar fields, often with analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, think tanks, universitiesGovernment agencies, consulting firms, policy organizations
Industry UsageAcademic research, policy development, intelligencePolicy analysis, strategic planning, intelligence assessment
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared with Iran Analyst due to overlapping research skillsOften compared with Iran Researcher for analytical roles

While both Iran Researchers and Iran Analysts work with information related to Iran, Iran Researchers focus more on in-depth academic or policy research, whereas Iran Analysts interpret data to inform decisions. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and application.

What does an Iran researcher do?

An Iran Researcher is a specialist who studies and analyzes various aspects related to Iran, such as its politics, economy, society, culture, or foreign relations. They often work for think tanks, academic institutions, government agencies, or media organizations to provide insights and reports about developments in Iran. Their work may involve gathering and interpreting data, monitoring news and policy changes, conducting interviews, and writing analytical papers or briefings. Iran Researchers help organizations make informed decisions and understand the complex dynamics within and around Iran.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Iran researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Iran Researcher, you need a strong background in Middle Eastern studies, political science, or international relations, often with advanced degrees and proficiency in Farsi. Familiarity with data analysis tools, research databases, and source verification techniques is critical. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set standout researchers apart. These capabilities enable accurate, nuanced analysis of complex regional developments and effective dissemination of findings to inform policy or organizational decisions.

What are some common challenges faced by Iran researchers when gathering reliable information?

Iran Researchers often encounter challenges such as limited access to primary sources, language barriers, and information censorship. Navigating local regulations and verifying the credibility of data can also be difficult due to restricted media freedom and government controls. Building a reliable network of contacts and using a combination of open-source intelligence and expert analysis are essential strategies to overcome these obstacles. Collaboration with colleagues specializing in regional studies or security can further enhance research accuracy and depth.
What are popular job titles related to Iran Researcher jobs in Reston, VA? For Iran Researcher jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Iran Researcher jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Iran Researcher jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Iran Researcher jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Iran Researcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Iran Researcher job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,666 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Senior Director of Podcasts (Hybrid)

Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PODCASTS
About the Foundation for Defense of Democracies
FDD is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute in Washington, DC, focused on national security and foreign policy. Since 2001, we've produced independent, non-partisan research and analysis to strengthen U.S. national security and support free societies. Behind that work is a professionally run organization that depends on strong operational, finance, and people-focused talent to keep it moving-and this role is central to that.
The Senior Director of Podcasts will be FDD's first dedicated senior leader for its podcast vertical - inheriting four established shows and the mandate to build the systems, team, and vision to elevate them into a consistently excellent, growing platform.
The ideal candidate brings equal parts passion and diplomacy: genuine conviction about the craft and the subject matter, paired with the interpersonal skill to earn the trust and creative confidence of FDD's executive hosts. An editorial and content strategy background is preferred alongside substantive familiarity with U.S. foreign policy and national security - the issues, institutions, and players that define FDD's work. FDD's lineup - Foreign Podicy, The Iran Breakdown, Generation Jihad, and The FDD Morning Brief - reaches a national and international audience of policymakers, analysts, journalists, and engaged citizens.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Editorial Leadership
  • Assume editorial ownership of FDD's podcast vertical - establishing narrative direction, programming priorities, content standards, and a long-term strategic vision, in close partnership with the show hosts.
  • Develop episode concepts, shape interview briefs, and ensure every show reflects the editorial quality, subject-matter rigor, and brand identity FDD's audience expects.
  • Serve as the primary editorial and operational liaison for all podcast hosts, managing or delegating scheduling, communications, episode logistics, and creative expectations with professionalism and discretion.
  • Support guest outreach and booking coordination; build and maintain the logistical infrastructure that allows hosts to focus on content and relationships.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities to grow the lineup, expand reach, and develop new show formats in alignment with FDD's mission.

Production & Systems
  • Own the full production lifecycle across all four shows - from pre-production planning and recording through post-production, publishing, and multi-platform distribution (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and others).
  • Build reliable, repeatable production systems that reduce variability, establish consistent release cadences, and create organizational infrastructure that scales beyond any one person.
  • Maintain high standards for audio quality, video presentation, content flow, and brand consistency across all shows.
  • Manage studio operations and recording technology in coordination with technical staff and vendors.

Team Leadership
  • Drive the recruitment, hiring, and development of a small in-house podcast team (1-2 staff), and manage an integrated network of outside contractors and editor - establishing clear roles, expectations, and accountability from the outset.
  • Manage day-to-day team operations with a focus on timeliness, quality, and production discipline.
  • Collaborate closely with FDD's Communications and Digital teams on audience development, promotional strategy, social media integration, and performance analytics.

Strategy & Audience Growth
  • Develop and execute a measurable audience growth strategy - with the explicit goal of raising the consistent listenership baseline across all shows to the level currently achieved at FDD's highest-performing episodes.
  • Monitor performance metrics across all platforms and translate data into programming and distribution decisions.
  • Stay current on trends in podcast and digital media and make proactive recommendations on format, technology, or platform strategy.

QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES:
  • 8+ years of professional experience, including significant time in a editorial, content leadership, or production role in podcasting, broadcast media, digital media, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated track record of editorial ownership - shaping the direction of a media product. Prior experience as a decision-maker, not just a practitioner.
  • Substantive familiarity with U.S. foreign policy, national security, and the key institutions and players. Intellectual engagement with FDD's issues is critical and candidates should be able to speak knowledgeably about the subject matter.
  • Working competency in podcast production tools and workflows - recording, audio and video editing, and multi-platform distribution. Technical mastery is not required; fluency is.
  • Proven ability to build or shape a small team; strong hiring judgment; track record of managing contractors and/or an internal team with clear expectations and accountability.
  • Organizational discipline and consistent reliability across multiple simultaneous projects. The ability to build systems that ensure on-time, high-quality output rather than relying on heroic individual effort.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work alongside strong-personality senior executives in a high-trust, high-stakes environment.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to set a direction, communicate it clearly, and execute against it, including in the ambiguous early stages of building something new.
  • A candidate based in the Washington DC area is strongly preferred; must be available to work from FDD's office in accordance with production schedules. Exceptional candidates outside the DC area will be considered.

This role has a projected salary band of $140,000-$200,000 per year, based on candidate's experience and qualifications. Additional benefits are available, including healthcare coverage based on eligibility.
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to send a resume and letter of interest to FDD Human Resources (hr2@fdd.org).
For more information, please visit FDD.org and follow FDD on X @FDD.