Director of Research - Domestic

Title: Director of Domestic Research

Status: Full-Time, Regular, Exempt

Reports to: Vice President for Domestic Research

Location: Remote

Organization:

Founded in 1968, the Guttmacher Institute is a global leader in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. Through a unique and interrelated program of high-quality research, evidence-based advocacy and strategic communications, the Institute works to generate new ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, and promote sound policy and program development; its overarching goal is to ensure the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people worldwide. The Institute is engaged in building a more inclusive, transparent and equitable organization.

Position Summary:

The Director of Domestic Research will report to the VP of Domestic Research and will help shape Guttmacher's scientific vision and strategy. As a member of the Research Management Team, they help lead the Research Division and work closely with the VPs of Research and U.S. Policy and Communications, the Director for International Research, Directors of Policy and Communications, and the Director of Institutional Giving to implement the Institute's wide-ranging policy -relevant domestic research portfolio.

  The Director brings their own substantive research focus and will provide broader input across Guttmacher's work, dividing their time between research administration, fundraising, and their own research agenda while serving as a thought partner to the VP. The Director will directly supervise and oversee a team of multilevel researchers responsible for US-focused research activities.

Responsibilities

Research oversight and execution

• Assume primary responsibility for the current research portfolio within areas of oversight, ensuring timeliness and quality control of research activities and participation in review of activities and products at key stages of each project.
• Provide broad, high-level guidance to projects at each key stage, including closer guidance and monitoring when no other principal research scientist (PRS), Director, or VP is on the project.
• Devote approximately 50% of time to implement or support research activities, including by serving as project advisor, project principal or conducting research on one or more projects and 50% time to management and research administration and oversight.
• Work with research division members to improve research infrastructure and the quality, accuracy, replicability and transparency of our work, including systems (statistical, programming, data management and infrastructure) or other work processes.
• Lead, co-lead, stimulate, encourage, and contribute to the development of ideas and new proposals in close collaboration with the Vice Presidents and Development Directors. This includes idea generation/brainstorming, maintaining existent donor relationships and cultivating new donor relationships, advising on which proposals to move forward, drafting of research sections of grant applications, review of other sections as needed, and meeting with donors, as well as ensuring post-award review of interim and final reports to funders written by project managers or Development staff.
• Ad-hoc duties as assigned 

Divisional management and supervision

• As an RMT member, help develop, implement, and monitor strategic plans for the Domestic portfolio
• Work with the VP for Domestic Research, Development VP and Directors, and the Grants, Budgets, and Operations Team (gBOT) to develop budgets, manage grant funds, allocate staff time, report on spenddown, and close out projects
• Coordinate budgetary and administrative work across the division with VPs, research administration, and other Directors; monitor adherence to budgets and workplans
• Coordinate with Policy and Communications Directors to support cross-divisional communication and integration
• Supervise principal and senior research scientists, with attention to performance and job satisfaction
• Support the VP in recruiting senior/principal staff and lead recruitment on hiring midlevel and junior staff

For staff under the director’s supervision

• Proactively guide staff toward opportunities to grow their skills—methodological, substantive, and managerial alike.
• Provide staff with adequate support, mentoring, and guidance.
• Oversee promotions, conflict resolution, and disciplinary matters; serve as ombudsperson for staff concerns.

External relations

• Cultivate and sustain strategic partnerships and collaborations with other organizations
• Represent the Institute at high-level events, including giving presentations
• Serve on advisory panels, grant review panels (e.g., NIH, SFP), and participate in other professional and external roles.

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in social science, public health, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years conducting research on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), with a substantial, field-recognized publication record
• Demonstrated commitment to policy-relevant, evidence-based research.
• Proven experience managing, mentoring, and motivating researchers across seniority levels (junior through senior/principal), with a track record of helping staff grow professionally
• Strong research administration skills: managing multiple concurrent projects, timelines, budgets, and competing priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing policy memos, funding proposals, and public-facing materials in addition to scientific publications.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships, both internally across divisions and externally with funders, partners, and collaborators.
• Experience contributing to organizational or divisional strategy at a senior level.
• Ability to travel domestically 10–20% annually

Education:

Doctoral degree in social science, public health, or a closely related field is required.

Salary and benefits 

The salary range for this position is between $188,800 to $217,100 and will be commensurate with experience. This range is specific to the New York and DC area,and base pay may vary depending on a wide range of factors. New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum to midpoint of the salary range posted depending on knowledge, skills and experience, and qualifications. Internal equity considerations will be reviewed before making a final offer. We offer excellent benefits, including medical,dental,vision, and life insurance; vacation,personal, and sick time; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; commuting subsidy; and a 401(k) plan with employer match.