Research Associate

Washington, DC
Full Time
Mid Level
WE ARE:
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) is the nation’s preeminent think tank committed to achieving economic equity for women and eliminating structural and institutional barriers to women’s full participation in the workforce and society.

IWPR’s mission is to build knowledge and evidence to support policies that help grow women’s economic power and influence in society, close inequality gaps, and improve the economic security and well-being of girls, women, and families. We generate the ideas that build power and economic equity for all women.

Statement on Racial Equity and Intersectionality
At IWPR, we believe social and economic mobility in the United States is determined and influenced by race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other markers of difference. In working to achieve economic equity and to better understand the experiences of all women in the workforce and in society, we use both racial equity and intersectional frameworks in our research and analysis to help generate strategies and solutions that are grounded in the economic realities of women and families. We also prioritize building an inclusive and welcoming work environment that values the diverse perspectives and experiences of all staff.

Statement on Inclusivity and non-discrimination
IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We value and support difference, diversity, and inclusion in our hiring and employment practices. We do not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, marital or veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status.

JOB DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW:
The Research Associate is a unique position primarily supporting IWPR’s policy department by conducting data and/or policy analyses on issues related to IWPR’s core topics to better inform partners and policymakers on ways to advance the economic security and well-being of women, their families, and communities.

IWPR’s continues to innovate its Status of Women in the States Initiative which features a suite of indicators, state laws, and legislative activity that indicate the status of women in the states across IWPR’s 4 research pillars: Caregiving and Families; Equitable Work and Wages; Reproductive Justice and Health Equity; and Education and Career Advancement. The
Research Associate will be responsible for managing and updating state data and analyses, drafting reports and products which translate the data for a range of audiences, and coordinating state-level partnerships and projects. They will also support state and federal policy analyses and IWPR’s Research Department as/when needed.

For this position, candidates must have demonstrated working experience with statistical programs such as STATA, R or SPSS, major national public health and/or economic databases, and be able to interpret data, analyze results, acquire data from primary or secondary sources, and filter and clean data.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research:
  • Perform advanced, complex quantitative data analysis of large datasets and trends utilizing network science and/or other statistical methods, including creating data visuals.
  • Produce literature reviews and high-quality working papers, briefs, fact sheets, blog posts, reports and presentations based on the data work and analysis.
  • Perform advanced qualitative data analysis, including developing and fielding online surveys; and conducting interviews and focus groups.
  • Use and integrate racial equity and intersectional frameworks and analysis in research study designs, written reports, and briefs.
  • Contribute to project and research concept development and assist with proposal and grant report drafting.
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Project Management:
  • Support relationship-building and coordination efforts with partners and funders.
  • Collaborate with IWPR’s research and communications departments to maintain and update the Status of Women in the States website content and publicize findings from the program.
  • Coordinate meetings, webinars and symposia on topics related to IWPR’s research and policy priorities.
  • Help coordinate research content and report releases with the other IWPR programs and units.
Collaboration and Team building:
  • Contribute to a positive organizational culture through teamwork and collaboration.
  • Participate in meetings, events, and celebrations that encourage connection and strengthen relationships.

Minimum Requirements
  • Master’s Degree required, with three years of experience managing research projects in a related field (e.g. women’s studies, public health, economics, sociology, political science, public policy, law etc.)
  • Previous research experience in one or more of IWPR’s research areas is required: Caregiving and Families; Equitable Work and Wages; Reproductive Justice and Health Equity; and Education and Career Advancement.
  • Experience with multivariate statistical methods and demonstrated working experience with statistical programs such as STATA, R, SPSS or other related programs; familiarity with major national databases and able to interpret data, analyze results, acquire data from primary or secondary sources, and filter and clean data.
  • Prior familiarity conducting policy analyses and working for or with advocacy groups is preferred.
  • Strong time, program and project management skills and ability to work well under pressure managing multiple deadlines and competing demands.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including developing presentations and experience writing products for a broad range of readers including non-academic audiences such as the public, advocacy stakeholders, and/or policymakers is preferred.
  • Superior problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
  • Effective, versatile, creative, proactive and action oriented.
  • Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across the organization in authentic, partnership.
  • Demonstrated passion for IWPR’s mission and commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.

SALARY
This role is in a hybrid environment (minimum of two days a week in-person in the office) and is a full-time exempt position. The salary for the
Research Associate is $70,000 – $87,000 per year. The salary will be commensurate with experience. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package.

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume, thoughtful cover letter and relevant writing sample by June 12, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer.

Vaccine Policy: IWPR has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, IWPR recently implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all IWPR employees, interns, fellows, (i.e., IWPR staff) are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive a booster shot. IWPR will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot prior to extending a job offer. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a Covid-19 vaccination, a medical exemption form should be requested from Human Resources.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact us at [email protected] We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible work environment for all applicants and employees.

 
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