The Role
Conducts original qualitative research and policy analysis across women’s economic equity, caregiving, education, and reproductive justice. Designs and leads qualitative studies, trains research staff, develops publications and presentations, advises on research methods, applies racial equity and intersectional frameworks, represents findings externally, and supports project budgets, fundraising, grant writing, donor relationships, and policy dissemination.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Description:
Senior Qualitative Researcher
Senior Qualitative Researcher
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:
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.
- 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.
A 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.
SALARY
This 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
Skills Required
- PhD in a qualitative research field such as sociology, social psychology, or anthropology, plus 3 or more years of public policy research experience; alternatively, a master's degree in a qualitative research field plus 10 or more years of public policy research experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methods, study design, and qualitative data analysis.
- Ability to write high-quality fact sheets, briefing papers, reports, presentations, and grant proposals.
- Commitment to IWPR's mission and its diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
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The Company
What We Do
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) is a Washington, D.C.-based, nonpartisan nonprofit research organization. Founded by feminist economist Heidi Hartmann, it develops comprehensive, women-focused, policy-oriented research to shape public policy and advance gender equality. IWPR fights for economic equity for women and gender-expansive people using evidence-based research and policy solutions to identify and eliminate structural barriers in society.
