PhD in economics, sociology, public policy, or related social science field preferred
Minimum 5 years of experience in policy-relevant research using mixed methods
Expertise in quasi-experimental methods and large dataset analysis
Proven track record as Principal Investigator on complex research projects
Experience in developing research standards in community settings
Strong quantitative skills with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Stata, R)
Responsibilities
Lead the development and implementation of NDWA's research agenda
Oversee online surveys for domestic workers and analyze the data
Design and lead research projects focused on policy impact evaluation
Apply advanced quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze datasets
Produce engaging research deliverables for diverse audiences
Establish research standards and protocols for ethical research
Implement worker-centered research approaches with feedback loops
Benefits
Remote work flexibility
Opportunity to mentor and build a research team
Engagement with diverse stakeholders and partners
Contribution to impactful advocacy and policy development
Professional development opportunities in a fast-paced environment
Full Job Description
Job Title: Director of Research
Employee Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Reports To: Vice President, Policy & Advocacy
Department: Policy & Advocacy
Entity: NDWA
Hours per Week: Full time
Salary & Job Family: Director 96,913 - 101,340 (commensurate with experience)
Work Location: Remote
POSITION SUMMARY:
As Director of Research at NDWA, you will lead the development and implementation of the organization's research agenda, aligning with NDWA's strategic goals and theory of change. This role is pivotal in strengthening NDWA's research capacity while ensuring our research directly informs advocacy, organizing, and policy development. You will lead rigorous research initiatives that use data collected via NDWA channels and by external sources to build a deeper understanding of domestic workers' experiences and evaluate the impact of policies and interventions intended to improve their lives. Working within the Policy & Advocacy department, you will also mentor and build a Research Team dedicated to understanding the experiences and amplifying the voices of domestic workers through rigorous research and insightful analysis.
PRIMARY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the development and implementation of NDWA's research agenda and strategy that aligns with NDWA's strategic plan, goals, and theory of change
Oversee the conduct of periodic online surveys for domestic workers via the organization's digital media products (including La Alianza), as well as the analysis, interpretation, and communication of data from these surveys.
Lead and design research projects as Principal Investigator, with a focus on policy impact evaluation and primary research on domestic worker conditions
Apply advanced quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze large datasets, including survey data, administrative data, and primary data collection
Produce rigorous, engaging research deliverables (e.g., reports, briefs, presentations, and other materials) that can easily inform multiple audiences, including domestic workers, philanthropic partners, academic and program partners, press, and other external partners
Lead the development and implementation of research standards and methodological best practices across the team, including establishing protocols for ethical research, data collection, and quality control that align with rigorous social science methods
Design and implement worker-centered research approaches, including participatory methods and feedback loops with domestic workers, to ensure research methods and findings reflect worker experiences while building research capacity across the team
Advise internal teams on strategies and methods to understand the characteristics and conditions of domestic workers.
Build and maintain research partnerships with academic institutions, policy research organizations, and other external collaborators
Supervise a team of researchers
Manage team budget, structure, processes and resource allocation
Lead the development of research grant proposals and manage research project budgets, working in collaboration with development team and external partners
Work closely with organization leaders to ensure research informs NDWA's work
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Experience & Expertise:
PhD in economics, sociology, public policy, or related social science field strongly preferred
Minimum 5 years of experience conducting policy-relevant research using mixed methods approaches
Demonstrated expertise in quasi-experimental methods and analysis of large datasets
Proven track record leading complex research projects as Principal Investigator
Experience developing and implementing research standards and protocols in community-based settings
Strong quantitative skills with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Stata, R)
Leadership, Management, and Collaboration:
Experience managing and mentoring junior researchers. Should demonstrate strong leadership skills, with an emphasis on mentorship, capacity building, and promoting a culture of data literacy and contextual analysis within the organization.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities, capable of working collaboratively across teams and with external partners. Must be skilled at building relationships, facilitating learning, and mobilizing diverse stakeholders around shared goals and strategies.
Proven ability to build and maintain research partnerships across academic and community organizations
Track record of translating complex research for diverse audiences through publications, reports, and presentations
Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
Values & Understanding:
Deep understanding of domestic worker issues and commitment to worker-centered research approaches
Alignment with NDWA's vision and commitment to economic, racial, and gender justice
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse staff in a fast-paced, remote environment
Additional:
Spanish proficiency is a plus
Ability to travel as needed
How to Apply: Please apply directly to the job posting and send Resume and Cover letter. Applications will only be accepted electronically, and solicitations to individual staff are unlikely to be responded to.
