Managing Director of Research and Policy - Georgetown Center on Poverty & Inequality

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

The Georgetown Center on Poverty & Inequality works to alleviate poverty and inequality, advance racial and gender equity, and expand economic inclusion for everyone in the U.S. through research, analysis, and ambitious policy ideas. The center’s areas of research include policies, programs, and practices related to tax and income supports, jobs and education, health and human services, and census and data justice.

The Managing Director of Research and Policy is responsible for aligning the center’s programmatic work with GCPI goals and values and translating center strategic direction into policy and research priorities and publications. The Managing Director plays a key role on the leadership team, helping formulate center strategies, goals, and long term plans and serves as a trusted expert and collaborator with stakeholders. The Managing Director will:

• Develop research programs, ideas, funding, and partnerships for new & existing projects and idea advancement opportunities.

• Provide strategic direction and support to program directors and senior policy analysts to align purpose, audience, scope, and impact within and across publications and projects and advance the overall goals of the center.

• Assist Executive Director in formulating center strategies, goals, and long-term plans.

• Oversee Census and Data Justice portfolio and provide thought partnership and oversight on other projects and initiatives, including project design, budget management, relationship management, and policy idea development. 

• Build and strengthen relationships with faculty, funders, policymakers, and external partners.

• Provide mentorship and experiential learning opportunities to students.

• Supervise and mentor staff, as well as represent the Center at public events and with the media.

Work Interactions

The Managing Director will report to the Executive Director. The Managing Director of Research and Policy will interact daily with the Leadership Team and staff, providing guidance and ensuring that research efforts align with and support overall center goals. As a supervisor to program directors and senior policy analysts, the Managing Director will help with the selection process of new employees and oversee performance appraisals.

Requirements and Qualifications

• JD or Masters and at least 8 years of experience on issues related to the Center’s mission

• Substantive analytical skills related to economic security and racial equity policy, demonstrated excellence and networks in the field

• Exceptional interpersonal and project management skills

• Ability to convey complex concepts, scholarship, and policies to a diverse range of audiences

• At least 3 years of administrative and management experience, in a government, non-profit, or academic context, including experience leading teams and as a direct supervisor to multiple staff

• Demonstrated commitment to mission and deep relationships and networks in economic justice and racial equity

• A high level of knowledge of a broad range of poverty & inequality issues, and deep expertise in one or more of GCPI areas of focus, including tax, income supports, jobs and education, health and human services, and census and data justice

• Experience running large scale research projects with excellent writing and communication skills

• Race, class, and gender equity and inclusion experience, skills, and values with the ability to lead and work collaboratively

• Excellent strategic, organizational, problem-solving, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills

• Ability to make timely, informed decisions using judgment and taking into account the facts, goals, constraints, and risks

• A positive, collaborative, proactive, forward-thinking mindset and strong organization skills

• Flexibility, enthusiasm for learning, and strong accountability practices with demonstrated success in fundraising

• Research