Job Description:Senior Qualitative ResearcherJOB DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW:Senior Qualitative Researcher conducts original research and analysis on IWPR's core research and policy pillars: Equitable Work and Wages, Caregiving and Families, Education and Career Advancement, and Reproductive Justice and Health Equity. They are responsible for conducting and advising qualitative research, contributing to research publications, sharing research findings at events and conferences, and building networks and organizational partnerships in the field.
Duties and Responsibilities: Research Work- Provide thought leadership and conduct original research and policy analysis on issues related to IWPR's core research and policy pillars: Equitable Work and Wages, Caregiving and Families, Education and Career Advancement, and Reproductive Justice and Health Equity;
- Design and lead the analysis of qualitative studies;
- Oversee the research staff training in qualitative methods and support staff conducting qualitative research to ensure research rigor and depth;
- Provide organization-wide support on research design in qualitative methods available for studying dimensions and trends of core issue areas, including different methods of collecting qualitative data;
- Write high quality fact sheets, briefing papers, reports, and presentations;
- Develop and maintain a working knowledge of policy proposals and research in multiple domains;
- Elicit feedback from Policy, Communications, and Advancement staff on scope of research publications to maximize impact;
- Consult with researchers on methodological questions arising from data analysis needs and assist with designing new studies and analysis plans for qualitative and quantitative studies including identifying data sources, confirming study design feasibility, and contributing to proposal development;
- Apply racial equity and intersectional frameworks and analysis in research study designs, written reports, and briefs;
- Represent IWPR's research to outside groups, funders, media outlets, other stakeholders, and to the research community.
Program Design and Management- Track project budgets and timelines to ensure that work is completed on time and within resource parameters;
- Work with SVP of Research to fundraise and manage donor relationships, including writing grant proposals and reports;
- Work with Policy and Communications staff to coordinate policy campaigns and dissemination efforts on key issues and priorities;
- Advise on emerging research gaps in the field and potential innovations and opportunities for IWPR;
- Demonstrated commitment to IWPR's mission and vison, including IWPR's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
- And other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Education and ExperienceA PhD in a qualitative research field (e.g. sociology, social psychology, anthropology) and 3+ years of work experience in public policy research or a Master's degree in a qualitative research field and 10+ years of work experience in public policy research.
SALARYThis is an on-site, full-time exempt position. This position is in the bargaining unit. The salary for the
Senior Qualitative Researcher is $125,172-$148,770.00 per year and will be commensurate with experience. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package. To learn more about the IWPR compensation program and role structures, please click HERE.
Applications must be received on or before October 31, 2026 
