Public Policy Research Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Develop and implement the organization-wide research strategy in alignment with KLSA’s advisory services and client portfolio.

• Design and oversee policy research projects, program evaluations, and impact assessments across various simultaneous engagements.

• Choose and justify the use of experimental, quasi-experimental, mixed-methods, and qualitative research methodologies.

• Convert research findings into practical recommendations for policymakers and agency leaders.

• Establish and uphold research standards, protocols, and quality assurance measures.

• Mentor, supervise, and cultivate the skills of research staff, analysts, and subject matter specialists.

• Distribute and manage workloads; oversee delivery timelines and research budgets.

• Enhance the firm’s research capabilities through recruitment, subcontracting relationships, and partnerships with academic institutions.

• Act as the organization’s technical expert on research design and analytical precision.

• Function as the primary research liaison for client agencies and program offices.

• Update senior government officials, advisory boards, and community stakeholders on research findings and their implications.

• Write and present technical reports, evaluation frameworks, policy briefs, white papers, and executive summaries.

• Conduct stakeholder meetings, working groups, and data collection activities in collaboration with community partners.

• Assist in proposal development by crafting technical methodologies, evaluation strategies, and narratives of past performance.

• Contribute to thought leadership through publications, conference presentations, and public discussions.

• Ensure adherence to federal regulations, including IRB protocols, human subjects protections, data privacy standards, and relevant OMB evidence-building guidelines.

• Maintain research documentation in accordance with KLSA’s ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.

• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and audit preparedness across all research outputs.

⛳️ Requirements

• PhD in a social science field (public policy, public administration, economics, sociology, political science, education, psychology, or a closely related discipline) or an equivalent combination of advanced education and proven research leadership.

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in conducting and leading applied policy research or program evaluation.

• Proven experience in leading research teams and managing multiple concurrent projects within set deadlines and budgets.

• Expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including causal inference, survey design, sampling, and analysis of administrative and secondary data.

• Proficiency in at least one major statistical software package (R, Stata, SAS, SPSS, or Python).

• A history of producing publication-quality technical reports and briefing senior decision-makers effectively.

• Exceptional written and oral communication abilities, with the capacity to engage both technical and executive audiences.

• Authorization to work in the U.S.

• Capability to successfully pass a federal background check.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401K plan.

• "Discretionary" paid time off (PTO).

• Opportunities for professional development.

• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.