Senior Director of Research

The client seeks a Senior Director of Research to join its senior leadership team and report to the Founding Director. This role leads day-to-day management of the organization’s research initiatives and works closely with research scholars. The Senior Director of Research will also help set and align strategic research priorities with the organization’s core research mandate and manages a direct staff, including research and publications leadership and administrative support. Key responsibilities include leading research administration and publications, providing strategic guidance on research priorities and content for research scholars, and developing strategic plans for research programs with clear policy and impact metrics. The role will build implementation strategies that connect impact measurement across policy, communications, development, and external engagement, serve as a primary point of contact for affiliated faculty, and spearhead collaborations both internally and with outside academic and external organizations. The Senior Director of Research will provide intellectual leadership and management for existing and future research programs, coordinate external review processes for publications, ensure quality control and academic standards, and oversee researchers’ work coordination, including goal setting, performance review, and work planning. The Senior Director of Research will manage conflict-of-interest policies and compliance with internal guidelines, recruit and retain research talent, and support organization-wide consistency and quality through regular reviews of proposals and research outputs. Additional responsibilities include building partnerships with civil society, philanthropy, think tanks, and academic partners; setting performance metrics and review processes to ensure program goals are achieved; and fostering an inclusive, supportive culture. The role will partner with the Founding Director to engage advisory leadership on research prioritization and funding opportunities and regularly engage with media, policymakers, academics, donors, and other stakeholders; integrity, discretion, and confidentiality are expected. Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree, experience working in research organizations, and experience in government and fundraising or grant-making related to energy and environmental work. Confidential