Careers and Fellowships

Please scroll down or click for the Strategic Engagement Associate vacancy announcement. Please click here for the Research Interns – Summer 2023 vacancy announcement.

Position: Director of Research

Status and Location: Full-time, Washington, D.C.
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
FLSA Salary Classification: Full-time Exempt
Hiring Salary Range: $140,000 to $155,000

Position Summary:

The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) Director of Research provides oversight, management, and leadership to a growing research department. The incumbent oversees all phases of research including overall project conception, sampling and questionnaire design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. The Director of Research manages multiple projects and a research team of three. The incumbent serves as one of the organization’s on-the-record spokesperson for PRRI and writes occasionally for external audiences. The Director of Research is a member of the senior leadership team and reports to the CEO. This is a hybrid position with two days in the office and three days remote.

Responsibilities:

• Directs and manages the administrative and programmatic resources of the research department. Oversees the implementation of systems, polices, and procedures that assist research department staff in completing multiple projects and within budget.
• Initiates strategic planning and goal setting for future research, administrative structure, technology needs, and growth.
• Hires, trains, and supervises research department staff. Sets performance expectations, provides support, coaches, and mentors staff.
• Serves as a member of the PRRI senior leadership team. Provides input to organizational vision and planning and carries out the decisions and directives of the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Serves as on the record spokesperson at events and in the media. Writes articles for external publication and analyses for the PRRI blog.
• Participates in the publication and presentation of research papers at national meetings such as AAPOR and APSA.

Qualifications and Core Competencies:

• Ph.D. in political science, sociology, or related field.
• Expertise in religion and American politics.
• Minimum eight to ten years of experience as quantitative principal researcher and team manager.
• Experience managing multiple projects and team members.
• Exceptional time management, project management, and organizational skills.
• Strategic thinker; achievement- and results-driven.
• Outstanding written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and strong decision-making skills.

About PRRI:

Founded in 2009, Public Religion Research Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to conducting independent research at the intersection of religion, culture, and public policy.  PRRI research explores and illuminates America’s changing cultural, religious, and political landscape.  The organization’s mission is to help journalists, scholars, thought leaders, clergy, and the general public better understand debates on public policy issues, and the important cultural and religious dynamics shaping American society and politics.

Please visit our website for more information at https://prri.org.

Instructions for Applying:

Applications will be received until May 5, 2023, or until the position is filled. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references here; incomplete applications may not be considered. PRRI offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. No inquiries, please.

PRRI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and other members of under-represented groups who will contribute to the diversity of our staff.

Position: Strategic Engagement Associate

Status and Location: Full-time, Washington, D.C.
Reports to: Senior Communications Associate
FLSA Salary Classification: Full-time Exempt
Hiring Salary Range: $75,000 to $85,000

Position Summary:

The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) Strategic Engagement Associate manages relationships with external groups working on issues related to the five main areas of PRRI research: racial justice; immigration; LGBTQ rights; religious, racial, and ethnic pluralism; and reproductive health.  The incumbent will be responsible for leading the PRRI Public Fellows program, coordinating a national network of scholars and other public knowledge producers, and managing stakeholder relationships.  As part of the Communications team, the incumbent will also assist with some communications functions. This is a hybrid position with two days in the office and three days remote.

Responsibilities:

• Proactively manage PRRI’s strategic engagement program, identify and build relationships with external stakeholders, and host survey report briefings with the support of the Research team.
• Manage the PRRI Public Fellows program, an initiative that supports the work of a diverse group of 16 socially engaged scholars working across the core areas of PRRI research, including organizinging monthly meetings and planning the program’s annual convening.
• Manage a national network of 20 scholars and other public knowledge producers working in the area of racial justice, including planning their annual convening
• Develop engaging content in collaboration with members of the Communications team for press materials, research briefings, presentations, and grant materials.

Qualifications and Core Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public affairs, religious studies, or a related field required.
• Three to five years of experience in external relations, legislative affairs, academic affairs, community organizing, or coalition building.
• Proactive, results-driven problem solver.
• Compelling communicator and strategic thinker with outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Exceptional time management, project management, and organizational skills.
• Displays personal credibility and integrity; treats all people with dignity and respect.

About PRRI:

Founded in 2009, Public Religion Research Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to conducting independent research at the intersection of religion, culture, and public policy.  PRRI research explores and illuminates America’s changing cultural, religious, and political landscape.  The organization’s mission is to help journalists, scholars, thought leaders, clergy, and the general public better understand debates on public policy issues, and the important cultural and religious dynamics shaping American society and politics.

Please visit our website for more information at http://prri.org.

Instructions for Applying:

Applications will be received until April 22, 2023, or until the position is filled. To be considered, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references here; incomplete applications may not be considered. PRRI offers competitive benefits commensurate with experience. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. No calls or agency inquiries, please.

Please note, this is not a research position.

PRRI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and other members of under-represented groups who will contribute to the diversity of our staff.