Director, Status of Women in the States Initiative

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. 

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Status of Women in the States Initiative at IWPR is designed to measure women’s economic, social, and political progress at the state and federal levels. The Initiative provides state-by-state rankings on issues such as pay equity and earnings; poverty and economic security; reproductive rights and access to health care; and political participation and civic engagement.

State and federal policymakers, journalists, advocates, and community leaders rely on our reports and rankings to craft sound public policies, identify gaps, allocate funding and create targeted programs. Over the years, we have partnered with cities, states, policy makers, Foundations, and media partners such as Conde Nast to drive resources to communities and conversations for change.

Reporting to the Managing Director, Research and Action Hub, the Director of the Status of 

Women in the States Initiative is responsible for managing our research and policy efforts focused on building the economic security and well-being of girls and in women in the states. They will manage and update our national state-level well-being index; convene state and national leaders on relevant and timely policy issues; produce high-level evidence-based reports and briefs; and help engage new audiences with our research. 

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, forward-thinking, experienced, and collaborative leader. They possess deep knowledge and experience working on issues related to building women’s long-term economic security and well-being. They also have experience with translating high-level research for broad audiences through op-eds, blogs, reports, briefing papers, or other similar mediums. 

They are also adept at building relationships with community partners, national experts, and funders. They will be detail-oriented, efficient, highly organized, and a strong writer and public speaker. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Management Experience:

• Strong program and project management skills, and ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing demands; 
• Grow and implement an initiative focused on providing evidence-based research to key stakeholders at the state and national levels on the economic security and well-being of girls and women in the U.S. 
• Manage relationships with partners, including grant reporting, adherence to grant requirements, administrative tasks, and technical support and assistance as needed; 
• Supervise project team members and interns, and coordinate with other senior researchers;
• Work with IWPR’s communications department to publicize findings and connect to key audiences to maximize the impact of research;
• Manage and update the Status of Women in the States Initiative website, including managing vendors and consultants; 
• Organize meetings, convenings, and symposia on topics related to women’s economic security, reproductive health, education, and civic engagement and participation, among other topics; and
• Represent IWPR at high-level convenings, conferences, and meetings. 

Research Experience

• Familiarity and experience conducting research and/or policy analysis on issues related to women’s economic security and well-being, educational and employment outcomes for women, and civic engagement and political participation. 
• Ability to perform advanced, complex quantitative data analysis of large datasets and trends, utilizing network science and/or other statistical methods, including creating data visuals; and conducting interviews and focus groups; 
• Ability to write high quality working papers, briefs, fact sheets, blog posts, reports, and presentations based on the data work and analysis; 
• Guide publications through fact-checking, review, design, and release processes; and 
• Experience using and integrating racial equity and intersectional frameworks and analysis in research study designs, written reports, and briefs. 

Fundraising and Resource Management

• Work in partnership with the Managing Director to nurture and expand existing funding relationships and cultivate new sources;
• Produce grant reports and help manage project budgets as necessary; and
• Help manage donor and partner relationships as necessary.

Other Professional and Personal Qualities

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including presentation skills;
• Superior problem-solving, managerial, and interpersonal skills;
• Effective, versatile, and action oriented; and
• Ability to work well under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities.

Education and Experience

PhD preferred, with three years of experience managing high-level projects and programs, or Master’s Degree with at least 7 years of experience in a related field (e.g., women’s studies, economics, sociology, political science, public policy, law etc.).

Salary

$92,500 to $112,500 and will be commensurate with experience. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package.

How to apply

Please submit applications via our careers portal HERE.

Please submit a cover letter with your application. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Vaccine Policy: IWPR has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, IWPR recently implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all IWPR employees, interns, fellows, (i.e.- IWPR staff) are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. IWPR will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 prior to extending a job offer. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a Covid-19 vaccination, a medical exemption form should be requested from Human Resources.