Associate Director, Science & Society

Organization Overview

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research in the areas of U.S. politics and policy views; media and journalism; internet and technology; religion and public life; science and society; race and ethnicity; global attitudes; and U.S. social and demographic trends. Pew Research does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew Research Center’s work is carried out by a staff of approximately 170 based in Washington, DC. Staff may work virtually from remote locations up to three days per week and are required to be present in the Center’s office at 901 E Street NW at least two days per week.

Position Description

Pew Research Center is looking for an Associate Director for its Science & Society research team. By combining rigorous, impartial public opinion research with journalistic narrative and storytelling, the team produces insights that inform discussions and debates about science issues shaping society today. The team's primary research methodology employs national probability-based surveys using the Center's American Trends Panel (ATP), as well as secondary data analysis (of governmental and other relevant datasets), and qualitative research. Some examples of research topics include perspectives and experiences with artificial intelligence, views about healthy food and eating, climate and energy issues, the coronavirus pandemic, and Black and Hispanic Americans’ perspectives on science and scientists.

The Associate Director will play a critical role in managing day-to-day team operations, including oversight over workflows and roles for each step of research and reporting processes. The successful applicant will play a key role in shaping the team’s research and editorial strategy, as well as the Center’s multi-year, cross-team science research agenda. The Associate Director will collaborate with the Director, Science & Society and communications colleagues to conceptualize research products aligned with the team's strategy. In addition to team-level operational oversight, this person also lends their strong methodological expertise and writing and editing skills to lead activities such as questionnaire development, data analysis, and writing up findings. The Associate Director will also serve as a spokesperson for the Center’s research in their subject areas.

Reporting to Director, Science & Society, the Associate Director will model collaborative leadership and develop effective systems and processes to create the best possible products, manage team members’ workloads, and meet deadlines. The Associate Director will supervise three research staff, managing their performance and creating opportunities to foster their professional growth.

Responsibilities

•            Manage team day-to-day operations throughout the research and production process, as well as oversee editorial calendars, production calendars, and staff assignments

•            Champion and model a positive team culture that encourages open communication and mutual respect across levels and functions

•            Lead and execute select research activities, such as questionnaire development, data analysis, writing and editing compelling data-driven narratives and stories for an informed public audience

•            Ensure accuracy, impartiality, clarity and methodological transparency in all team research products

•            Partner closely with the Center’s communications team to define and adhere to editorial timelines, identify best platforms and products to share out the work, and consultatively identify and address editorial risks to ensure accuracy and objectivity

•            Partner closely with the Center’s methods team to develop research approaches and questionnaires that meet the highest methodological standards 

•            Supervise and mentor team members, providing regular feedback, addressing performance issues, and creating professional growth opportunities

•            Support the Director to identify and craft research on science-related issues at the forefront of societal change

•            Act as a spokesperson for the team’s research with external stakeholders, news media, and other priority audiences

•            Contribute to organizational management and culture-building across the Center as a whole

Knowledge and Skills Required

•            Passion for the mission of a non-advocacy organization that conducts high-quality social sci