Director, Research and Policy Analysis

Job Title: Director, Research and Policy Analysis

Department: Public Policy & Sector Health

Reports to: Chief Strategy Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Salary Range: $135,000 - $145,000

Independent Sector is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

IS values a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization including diversity in experience, and diversity of perspectives. IS is committed to taking full advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of all employees and to promoting greater diversity in positions of influence

SUMMARY 

The Director, Research and Policy Analysis is responsible for developing and executing the research and policy analysis activities of Independent Sector and supervising delivery of core research and analysis products (Health of the US Nonprofit Sector products, annual trust surveys, public polling, and commissioned research). The successful candidate will have a deep fluency in sector-based research with a demonstrated effectiveness in designing and delivering research products that advance the health of our sector and the aims of the organization and its members.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

Add essential functions here:

• Lead/grow the sector health function of the organization, manage delivery of sector health products, and apply core sector health learnings to the development of public policies and sector practices that improve the health and equity of the sector and add value to IS' membership
• Conceptualize and oversee development (research questions and design methodologies) and execution of original quantitative and qualitative research projects (internal and commissioned) to advance IS' sector health and public policy aims and to close to close critical knowledge gaps that impede progress against those aims
• Assess research needs and opportunities that advance the interests of the IS membership and deliver research products that enhance the IS "value proposition"
• Build and manage strategic research partnerships (including IS Visiting Scholar Program) that advance organizational aims
• Collaborate with peers to create effective research education, engagement, and entrepreneurial dissemination strategies that appeal to diverse stakeholders and propel action (data to action)
• Present to/engage with external audiences on sector issues, trends, health status, opportunities to build a healthier and more equitable sector
• With senior management, and in close collaboration with the Director of Government Relations, lead the policy R&D function to align with the core needs of policy agenda, government relations team, and its aims to promote and advance a healthy and equitable sector
• Align and integrate the work of the sector health function with the work of the policy research, analysis and development function
• Ensure consistent application of our equity assessment tools and procedures in all policy development work
• Participate in coalition and other external work as required
• Supervise staff as and perform other duties as required

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Interviews, hires and oversees training of direct reports 
• Oversees the daily workflow of direct report
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations 
• Motivates, disciplines and directs employees  
• Directly manages other employees - approximately 2 positions

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience and Education:

• Bachelors degree in research, public policy or related field required; Master's degree in research, public policy or related field preferred and/or;
• 4 (Four)+ years of relevant experience in the sector, designing and managing programs, mobilizing resources, fostering cross-sector collaboration, advancing organizational aims through pragmatic research aims
• Strong supervisory experience with history of managing direct reports
• Deep understanding of, and relationships with, leading organizations, networks, thought leaders/researchers in the field

Qualifications: 

• Expertise in researching, analyzing, and developing policy initiatives, primarily at the federal level. Areas of desired policy expertise include tax and regulatory policies as they impact the nonprofit sector, political activity and advocacy by nonprofits, policies that advance diversity, equity and inclusion within the charitable nonprofit sector.
• Deep research-based knowledge of the nonprofit sector, including scope, role, history, needs, legal frameworks, and critical issues
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver research products that deliver value to organizational stakeholders (internal and external), preferably in an association model
• Working knowledge of research methodologies, statistical concepts and methodologies
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to integrate equity into a wide range of research projects, policy development and other programmatic work, as well as personal, professional development
• Ability to conduct basic statistical analysis and survey research
• Superior written and verbal (presentation) communication skills, agile and at ease presenting at conferences, on webinars, before members, and in the occasional classroom
• Ability to navigate at both a strategic and tactical level
• Strong ability to manage teams and budgets, delegate and prioritize work
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining quality work and meeting deadlines
• Demonstrates strategic thinking, sound judgment, high integrity, and confidentiality  
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of products, association management systems (AMS), legislative tracking and advocacy management software, and statistical analysis software

Work Environment: 

The work environment is a typical office environment. The noise level is usually quiet. Up to 10% travel may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

IS has implemented a hybrid working model. All staff currently are required to work from the IS office on Tuesday and Wednesdays.

Physical Demands: 

• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting for prolonged periods 
• Communicating with others to exchange information 
• Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone, that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers 
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.