Vice President of Research

Reason Foundation Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA; or Virtual October 7, 2026 Join Our Team Reason Foundation advances a free society by developing, applying, and promoting libertarian principles, including individual liberty, free markets, and the rule of law. We use journalism and public policy research to influence the frameworks and actions of policymakers, journalists, and opinion leaders. About the Role Reason Foundation is seeking a Vice President of Research to join our team. With policy change being the goal, the VP of Research will work closely with the VP of Government Reform to provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s Policy division. The VP will work with the marketing and communications teams to identify key audiences and to define suitable strategies, products, and activities to reach those audiences. The VP will manage a team of virtual policy analysts who conduct research and publish material aimed at policy audiences, including legislators, legislative staff, and other key stakeholders. The goal is positive policy change in areas including drug policy, education, government spending, housing, public pension reform, technology regulation, criminal justice reform and transportation. The VP will travel to represent Reason at conferences and meet with federal, state and local legislators, stakeholders, journalists, and donors. (Expected travel: 25%) The ideal candidate will have ten (10) years of experience in policy research, with at least five (5) years in a senior supervisory or leadership capacity. Bachelor’s degree in law, public policy, public administration, political science, economics, or other related field is required and an advanced degree is preferred. Desired skills include: Proven track record of managing multidisciplinary research teams and producing high-impact policy work that effects policy change. Demonstrated commitment to the principles of free minds, free markets, individual liberty, limited government, and the rule of law. Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain quality across a high-volume research operation. Strong publication record and recognized expertise in one or more policy areas. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research for policymakers and general audiences and to speak from a rostrum. Experience working with or in legislative, regulatory, or advocacy environments preferred. Understanding of public budgeting, public finance, and governmental legislative and policy processes. Reporting to the CEO, this is a full-time position with the option to be in-office in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles or to work virtually anywhere in the U.S. Job Duties Provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s Policy division, overseeing the research portfolios of issue-focused policy teams. Set and execute a research agenda that achieves policy changes advancing Reason Foundation’s mission of expanding individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and the rule of law. Identify emerging policy issues where Reason Foundation can shape the conversation and deploy research resources accordingly. Manage and provide leadership to individuals and teams on developing annual research plans, project strategies, and their successful execution. The VP will have 5-7 direct reports with a total team of 20-25 FTEs and contractors. Ensure quality, intellectual rigor, analytical consistency, and ideological coherence across all policy publications. Oversee and ensure the effectiveness of the editorial pipeline for all research products, including policy studies, data dashboards, briefs, FAQs, and commentaries. Review and evaluate research assessing technical methodologies, writing quality, and effectiveness. Assist with the peer review process. Develop (or contribute to the development of) policy studies, briefs, public comments, explainers, technical memos, and testimony. Work with Reason’s communications and marketing teams to develop strategies for reaching new audiences (legislators, legislative staff, media, and other key stakeholders) using newsletters and other marketing materials. Ensure that editorial products are planned, structured, and formatted to appeal to key audiences and delivered on time to maximize impact. Track the results of the Policy division (with policy change being the end goal) for reporting to institutional management and the Board of Trustees. Assist in recruiting, mentoring, and retaining high-caliber policy and data analysts. Conduct performance reviews and professional development planning for direct reports. Work with the development team to raise funds for Reason Foundation – identify prospects and project/program pitches, help draft and edit reports and proposals, and meet with donors as needed. Ensure that grant deliverables are met. Work with Reason’s marketing team to develop strategies, products, site UX, and activities for reaching new audiences (legislators, legislative staff, media, and other key stakeholders). Measures of Success Policy change (or prevention of negative policy change) Quality and quantity of research output that produces policy change Media citations and Reason’s relevance in public policy debates Growth of key legislative audiences and policy partners that produce policy change Recognition of Reason’s quality and impact by government officials or other influential figures Contributions to successful fundraising efforts Highly engaged and productive team Contribution to Reason at the institutional level Positive feedback from team, management colleagues, donors, and board members Compensation and Benefits The anticipated annual salary range for this role is $180,000 to $210,000, depending on experience and skills. Reason offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan with an employer match. #J-18808-Ljbffr Talent Market