Director of Research

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The Research Director leads the research portfolio at the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS), overseeing the development and execution of rigorous, policy-oriented research that advances the Institute’s mission and informs real-world decision-making. This role is essential in shaping GIWPS’ research priorities, identifying emerging issues and opportunities within the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) field, and ensuring the Institute’s research remains relevant, timely, and responsive to evolving policy needs. The Research Director oversees a diverse portfolio of research projects and grants, ensuring high-quality deliverables, strong project execution, and effective dissemination of findings to varied stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative leader with subject-matter expertise in Women, Peace and Security, advanced methodological training, and demonstrated experience leading policy-oriented research portfolios. They bring people management experience and skill coordinating across functions and teams, particularly in translating research into policy-relevant programming and external engagement.

As a senior member of Institute leadership, the Research Director contributes to organizational strategy, supports cross-functional planning and decision-making, and helps guide GIWPS’ long-term growth in alignment with its strategic vision and theory of change. The role also carries responsibility for fundraising, grant management, and administrative oversight. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision, subject-matter expertise, methodological rigor, and results-driven management with a strong commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions that improve the lives of people in conflict-affected settings.

The projected base salary range is $95,000 – $120,000. Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.

 

The preferred start date is September 1, 2026. This position is based at the Georgetown University campus in Washington, DC. Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. This role is a full-time non-tenure line faculty position with benefits. The initial contract will be for one year with the possibility for extension based on performance and available funding.

Qualifications
●PhD (or equivalent) in international relations, political science, sociology, international relations, public policy, peace and conflict studies, gender studies, or a related field required.

●Training in research methods, including ethical human subjects research. Experience designing mixed methods research projects preferred.

●Minimum of 10 years of experience in research, policy analysis, or applied research leadership in Women, Peace and Security, conflict, gender, human rights, development, or closely related fields. Experience with research in conflict-affected contexts is desirable.

●Demonstrated subject-matter expertise in Women, Peace and Security.

●Experience developing and leading research portfolios or multi-year projects, including setting strategic priorities, managing competing deadlines, and delivering high-quality outputs on time and within scope.

●People management and supervisory experience, including recruiting, managing, mentoring, and developing multidisciplinary teams.

●Project and grant management skills, including overseeing budgets, deliverables, reporting requirements, consultant management, and donor compliance across multiple funding streams.

●Fundraising experience desirable.

●Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research into clear, compelling products for varied audiences.

●Strategic judgment, organizational leadership, and ability to work collaboratively across teams in a fast-paced environment, with a high degree of initiative, adaptability, and attention to detail.
Application Instructions
Applications should be submitted through Interfolio via this link: https://apply.interfolio.com/189922

The submission packet must include the following:

●Cover letter describing your fit for the position

●CV

●Two writing samples

Description

The Walsh School of Foreign Service seeks qualified applicants for a non tenure-line professor in gender, peace and security. The successful candidate will be appointed within the School of Foreign Service (SFS).

 

Ideal candidates will have an active research agenda on issues related to gender, peace and security. We encourage candidates from multiple disciplines to apply, including but not limited to political science, international relations, economics, cyber operations, history, and public policy. The incumbent will teach courses on topics relating (but not limited to) gender equality and women’s empowerment, peace studies, conflict resolution, and conflict related sexual violence. Candidates must have completed their PhDs by the time of appointment for the fall 2024 semester.

 

To apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a writing sample, three reference letters, and if possible, evidence of teaching record (syllabi, course evaluations, etc.). The SFS is strongly committed to fostering a climate that encourages diversity, equity and inclusion. Applicants should also submit a brief statement that discusses how they would contribute to inclusiveness in the areas of research, teaching, mentorship and service. The committee will not be considering candidates for associate or full professor positions.

 

All applications and supporting materials must be submitted through the following link http://apply.interfolio.com/147700. Faxed, emailed, or mailed applications will not be accepted. The committee will start reviewing applications on June 28, 2024, but applications will be accepted through July 6, 2024.  Invited interviews will occur shortly thereafter. The salary range for this position is $65,000 – $85,000.

 

Questions about the online application should be directed to Lauren Bauschard, Director of Faculty Affairs, at [email protected]. Questions about the position should be directed to Professor Katharine Donato, SFS Faculty Council Chair and Donald G. Herzberg Professor of International Migration, at [email protected].

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please click here for more information, or contact the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Affirmative Action (IDEAA) at (202) 687-4798.