Director of Research

RHRC is hiring a Director of Research and Investigation to help develop and oversee evidence-based news reporting, a new program of investigative research, and a new program of opposition research.
The incumbent will work directly with the Editor-in-Chief and other staff to develop a database of critical research and information used in reporting; assist in developing and overseeing a new program of investigative research; and help develop and oversee staff working on a sub-site devoted to opposition research in the areas of funding, legislation, policymakers, and organizations. This position reports directly to the President.

The ideal candidate is a creative and strategic thinker who is able to multi-task and work with a small team to get things done, often on a tight timeline; a self starter not afraid to take initiative when
appropriate; a manager able to engage constructively with other staff; and an individual who is not afraid to think outside the box.

The Director of Research and Investigations will be responsible for:

• Conducting and overseeing other staff conducting opposition research on anti-choice initiatives;
• Overseeing, advising, and supporting investigative reporters working a variety of stories;
• Working collaboratively with a team to develop and keep up-to-date a sub-site featuring legislative and policy updates; opposition research; and profiles of legislators;
• Recruiting and overseeing research interns, and eventually other research staff;
• Developing basic tools and systems through which RHRC staff and reporters can gain easy access to research and research findings, facts, data, and other necessary evidence and materials;

• Has worked as an opposition researcher, political researcher, investigative reporter or researcher, or in another closely related area, and has demonstrated/is known for a deep
  commitment to evidence, facts, and findings, both published and not-published;
• Has successfully completed research on policymakers, political figures, organizations, and government actors to make a case;
• Is highly organized, highly curious and innovative, a multi-tasker, and a good manager;
  
• Has demonstrated knowledge of databases, resources, government sources, and other reservoirs of information necessary to conduct and/or guide evidence-based reporting and investigative reporting;
  
• Has a keen sense of intuition about facts, figures, and information related to sexual and reproductive health and justice and knows when more evidence is needed, and what is “enough;”
  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Works extremely well on their own or as part of a team; and
• Has demonstrated knowledge and passion for the broad range of reproductive and sexual justice issues.
  
• A master’s degree in journalism or social science is a plus, although qualified candidates without such degrees will be given equal consideration.