Think Tank Research Director
Directs the research agenda and output of a policy institute to influence public discourse.
Overview
A Research Director serves as the primary architect of an institution's intellectual strategy, balancing deep academic inquiry with the fast-paced demands of political and social cycles. The daily rhythm involves reviewing complex manuscripts, mentoring junior researchers, and coordinating with communication teams to translate data into persuasive policy briefs. Success in this role requires a high tolerance for ambiguity as the director pivots between long-term research projects and rapid-response commentary on breaking global events.
The role is fundamentally collaborative and outward-facing, requiring constant engagement with donors, government officials, and the media. Professionals in this field find themselves managing the tension between objective scholarly standards and the strategic goals of their organization. Those who thrive are typically experts in their specific policy domain who also possess the managerial acumen to oversee budgets and the editorial eye to ensure all published material is both defensible and impactful.
Responsibilities
- Set the annual research agenda in alignment with the organization's strategic goals and mission.
- Supervise a diverse team of policy analysts, fellows, and research assistants through the project lifecycle.
- Review and edit all major publications to ensure high standards of empirical rigor and clarity.
- Cultivate relationships with government agencies, legislative bodies, and international organizations to promote research findings.