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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.