Manager, Policy Research

Please Note: We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Due to the holiday season, interviews may not commence until January. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Who We Are

Independent Sector (IS) is the nation's membership organization for nonprofits and philanthropy. Our vision is for a charitable sector that is healthy, trusted, and equitable and helps all people in the United States thrive in a vibrant civil society and just democracy. We unite nonprofits and philanthropy to strengthen the charitable sector, identifying structural challenges and mobilizing around policy and practice solutions.

Why Choose Us

• Comprehensive benefits: (100% employer covered for self) to include coverage for health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance and additional coverage for dependents.
• Retirement Contribution: We will match up to 7.5% of your 403(b)-retirement savings.
• Leave Options: Unlimited time off, paid time off (PTO), 14 holidays, parental leave, and DC FMLA.
• Work life balance: Flexible hours core hours with a hybrid work schedule (3 days of telework), access to wellness and employee assistance programs (EAP).
• Professional Development: A yearly stipend for continuous learning and professional development.
• Company Events and Social Activities: Participate in companywide events, team building activities and social gatherings.
• Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: Be a part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your unique perspectives and contributions are valued.
• Advocacy: Opportunities to travel, engage, and represent IS at various meetings and conferences.

Summary

The Manager, Policy Research will be an integral part of Independent Sector's research team, managing research projects and contributing to research and analysis tasks.

Our research provides the empirical backing that informs and guides the work of Independent Sector while facilitating shared understandings with IS member organizations, the rest of the nonprofit sector, and policymakers. We do this by commissioning and publishing original research and by bringing together researchers and practitioners for constructive dialogues to strengthen the work of the sector.

Much of our research assesses the health of the nonprofit/charitable sector as regards four things that Independent Sector believes must be true for the sector to succeed in the vital roles it plays in American society:

• Charitable organizations must be financially robust.
• Charitable organizations must be powered by a thriving workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
• Charitable organizations must be trusted, well-governed, and effective.
• Charitable organizations must be informed and active advocates, as allowed by law.

The Manager, Policy Research will manage research projects connected to the health of the nonprofit workforce and equity in the workforce, including a literature review and landscape analysis as well as a commissioned national survey of nonprofit organizations. The incumbent will also manage and support other projects as the organization's strategic priorities evolve.

Essential Job Functions

Research Project Management:

• Manage a commissioned national survey of nonprofit organizations, including development, implementation, and analysis of findings, as well as other projects as assigned.
• Work with team members and other teams to ensure timely progress on research projects and related products.
• Stay up to date on relevant data sources, updates to data sources and research products, and new data sources and research.
• Foster relationships with staff in other departments and serve as a subject matter expert on IS and other nonprofit sector research related to assigned projects.
• Cultivate and manage ongoing relationships and partnerships with academic, research, practitioner, and funder organizations working on topics related to assigned projects

Applied Research:

• Undertake a literature review and landscape analysis to identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the nonprofit workforce.
• Identify, review, synthesize, and analyze academic and policy research on a wide range of nonprofit issues, including but not limited to the nonprofit workforce.
• Contribute to the creation of research products tailored to target audiences; includes writing research summaries, briefs, white papers, infographics, and one-pagers as well as the development of presentations.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research or analysis, including literature reviews, surveys, and statistical analysis of government data.
• Provide equity analysis, check facts, proofread, and edit research documents for accuracy, both on assigned projects and when assisting other team members or teams.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in public policy, social sciences, nonprofit management, or a related field and at least 3-5 years of full-time experience managing research projects, or a high school diploma and 5 years of full-time work experience relevant to the above fields and roles. A focus on nonprofit sector issues is strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex research projects, ensuring timely progress and quality outcomes.
• Experience fostering and maintaining partnerships with academics, researchers, and practitioners in the nonprofit sector.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and coordinate efforts across departments.
• Strong proficiency in research methods, including quantitative and qualitative techniques.
• Exceptional writing skills, with experience creating research summaries, briefs, white papers, and presentations tailored to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience conducting literature reviews, landscape analyses, and surveys.
• Excellent attention to detail, with strong fact-checking, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate complex information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (or equivalent software), databases, and internet research.

Work Environment: 

The work environment is a typical office environment. The noise level is usually quiet. Up to 10% travel may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: 

• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting for prolonged periods 
• Communicating with others to exchange information 
• Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone, that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. 
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
  

The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check. 

Salary : $80,000 - $90,000