Assistant Program Director

Assistant Director, Women's Initiative, Institute for Global Politics

4.5 month contract

Hybrid- NYC

• Must Haves:2 years of strong research experience in a nonclinical academic, thinktank or policy setting
• Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations, Gender Studies, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Proven experience in preparing high-level written products (policy papers, briefings, reports) and providing substantive research support.
• Preferred Skills:Master’s Degree
• PHD
• Experience working in research, policy analysis, or program management on issues related to gender equality, women's rights, or international development

Job Summary/Description:

Position Overview:

The Assistant Director will provide high-level research, strategic, and administrative support for the IGP Women's Initiative’s work focused on advancing gender equality and women's rights. The role will involve conducting in-depth research, preparing briefings, speeches, policy papers, and coordinating major convenings on key domestic and global issues affecting women. The Assistant Director will be instrumental in advancing the IGP Women’s Initiative’s agenda, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring that the projects are aligned with the overarching goals of the initiative.

• Key Responsibilities:Research & Analysis:
• Conduct extensive research and analysis on a variety of domestic and global women's issues, including gender equality policies, women’s rights, conflict-related sexual violence, child marriage, and gendered impacts of global policy initiatives.
• Produce high-quality written materials such as research reports, policy papers, and briefings, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in addressing key issues related to gender.
• Monitor and analyze the impact of the U.S. Administration’s policies on gender equality, identifying areas of improvement and opportunities for advocacy.
• Contribute to the development of a comprehensive policy paper on fulfilling the Beijing 30 agenda and support the coordination of related meetings and activities.
• Content Development & Support:
• Assist in the preparation and drafting of speeches, talking points, and presentations for the Director and other leadership team members.
• Provide substantive support for convenings and high-level meetings, ensuring that materials, agendas, and discussions are well-organized and aligned with the objectives of the IGP Women’s Initiative.
• Support the development and dissemination of thought leadership pieces, blogs, op-eds, and other written products related to the Initiative’s ongoing projects.
• Event & Convening Coordination:
• Support the organization and execution of key convenings, webinars, roundtables, and conferences focused on women’s issues, particularly on topics like conflict-related sexual violence and child marriage.
• Work closely with external partners, stakeholders, and experts to ensure the smooth execution of these events.
• Assist in identifying and engaging relevant speakers, panelists, and participants for convenings, ensuring diverse and impactful representation of voices.
• Project Management:
• Provide logistical and operational support to ensure timely execution of projects related to women’s rights and gender equality.
• Monitor progress on specific initiatives, preparing regular reports and updates for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:
• Collaborate with internal teams, including policy experts, communications, and advocacy staff, to align research and strategic objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and other stakeholders in the gender equality space.
• Qualifications:Experience:
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working in research, policy analysis, or program management on issues related to gender equality, women's rights, or international development.
• Proven experience in preparing high-level written products (policy papers, briefings, reports) and providing substantive research support.
• Experience in organizing and managing high-level convenings, meetings, or events on complex issues.
• Knowledge of global gender policies, including the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the intersection of gender with global human rights frameworks.
• Skills:
• Exceptional research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into accessible and actionable materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting speeches, policy briefs, and reports for senior-level audiences.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to engage with and manage relationships with senior stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, and advocates.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with research tools and databases.
• Other Requirements:
• Strong commitment to gender equality, women’s rights, and social justice.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, balancing competing priorities.
• Flexibility and willingness to engage in both high-level strategic tasks and operational, day-to-day responsibilities.
• Preferred Qualifications:Familiarity with U.S. government policy processes and an understanding of international gender equality frameworks and diplomacy.
• Experience in advocacy or policy reform on gender-based violence, child marriage, and other key women’s rights issues.