Research Director, Internet and Technology

Organization Overview

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. We conduct public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. We do not take policy positions.  We study a wide range of topics including politics and policy; news habits and media; the internet and technology; religion; race and ethnicity; international affairs; social, demographic and economic trends; science; research methodology and data science; and immigration and migration. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. The Center’s work is carried out by a staff of approximately 170 based in Washington, D.C.

Position Description

Pew Research Center is looking for an innovative and accomplished director to lead the Internet and Technology research team in our Washington, D.C., office. The director oversees a research team studying the ways in which digital technologies are impacting people’s social, political and economic lives. The team primarily employs survey research methodology supplemented by qualitative methods and computational social science. Methodological innovation is highly encouraged.

As one of 10 subject area experts leading the Center’s research units, the director: 

• Brings strategic vision and intellectual thought leadership to their team, staying one step ahead of trends in this fast-changing field, and charting a course of research that meets our audiences’ needs and is executable.
• Has the methodological background and understanding necessary to ensure that the work is of unimpeachable quality, as well as the journalistic sensibilities to ensure the products (reports, blog posts, interactive graphics, etc.) speak to the Center’s priority audiences: the media, the informed public and key stakeholders.
• As the public face for the unit’s research, works closely with the Digital and Communications team to diversify the audience for research products; communicates effectively in a variety of environments, from live media interviews to high-impact public appearances and discussions with stakeholders.
• Manages a team of roughly 6-10 highly competent professionals in an organization where leadership skills are highly prioritized.
• Identifies potential funding and partnership opportunities and develops professional contacts with major funders in the field.
• Participates actively in cross-Center research and organizational activities, collaborating with members of other units on a regular basis, sometimes leading multidisciplinary teams, and offering advice on organizational priorities and direction.

This position reports to the Vice President of Research.

Responsibilities

• Set the direction and agenda for technology and internet research, working collaboratively with staff input and Center leadership.
• Supervise execution of this research agenda, including research design, analysis, editorial oversight and outreach strategies.
• Network and maintain relationships with key external constituencies, including other researchers, stakeholders in the technology space, and journalists.
• Collaborate with fundraising colleagues to build relationships with potential funders, develop ideas and write concept papers to support grant applications as needed.
• Act as spokesperson and representative to both internal and external audiences.
• Work with the Digital and Communications team at the Center to ensure dissemination activities (reports, blogs, papers, surveys, convenings) reach audiences quickly and effectively and with maximum impact.  
• Lead, coach and develop the Internet and Technology team. Inspire the team with vision, innovative thinking and self-starting initiative. Ensure world-class output with high levels of contribution and ownership from team members.
• Demonstrate inclusive leadership and behaviors that promote inclusion, diversity and equity on the team and throughout the Center.
• Lead successful cross-team partnerships with colleagues on other research teams, methods and communications as a key part of a highly collaborative organization.
• Hire and retain top talent.

Education/Training/Experience

• Ph.D., or equivalent experience, with a strong quantitative focus, familiarity with the latest advances in social science research design.
• Previous experience at a management level in a research-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated track record of writing for and/or speaking to informed but non-expert audiences.
• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience.
• Subject matter expertise on the role internet and technology play in society.