The FrameWorks Institute is an action-oriented think tank for progressive movements.
We conduct cutting-edge social science research to understand how to change the way people think, feel, and act. We engage with partners who can mobilize this research to build power around progressive solutions.
We believe framing is critical to making cultural and systemic change. That’s why we’re building a unique, integrated team of multidisciplinary researchers and real-world change-makers.
This is an exciting time to join FrameWorks. And we want you to be a part of it.
About the position: Director of Framing Research
The Director of Framing Research will lead FrameWorks’ research to develop and test frames that have the potential to shift public discourse and thinking in ways that enable progressive change. The Director will oversee frame development and testing to ensure that the frames and narratives FrameWorks recommends are responsive to field partners’ strategies and needs, effective in shifting public understandings and attitudes, and highly usable.
The Director will oversee the day-to-day work of FrameWorks’ framing research to ensure high-quality analysis and products. This includes providing intellectual thought leadership to the team, contributing to its strategic direction, and representing the team and organization at a high level in a wide range of external venues. The Director will also manage staffing and monitor team workloads and capacity to ensure high-quality and meaningful work and effective collaboration.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in research on framing and/or narrative and demonstrated experience leading a research team; have experience working with partners and successfully building and managing those relationships; be intellectually curious, innovative, adaptable, and insightful; be knowledgeable about contemporary social movements and policy issues; and be committed to principles of inclusion and equity.
This is a full-time position based in Washington, D.C. The position can require up to 15% travel under standard circumstances. (Due to COVID-19, all research is being conducted virtually until at least early 2022.)
Key responsibilities
- Oversee the field story process, frame development, on-the-screen interviews, and focus group methods; this includes reviewing research designs, guides, and analyses to ensure high quality and consistency with FrameWorks’ approach and standards.
- Create and review reports, presentations, and other external-facing products for depth of insight and clarity of presentation.
- Ensure continuity across methods by working closely with the Director of Cultural Mindsets Research and maintaining open and clear channels of communication and collaboration.
- With the Research Operations Manager, manage staffing and monitor team workloads.
- Manage and innovate team processes and systems to ensure clarity in roles, information flow, and effective collaboration within the team and with other FrameWorks teams.
- Supervise members of the research team and provide coaching and mentoring for direct reports, including leading the evaluation of team members and managing their professional growth and development.
- In conjunction with other senior staff, build and maintain a team that is highly skilled, innovative, diverse in perspectives and identities, and effective at collaboration.
- Serve as member of the Management Team and help make decisions about organizational work and policies.
- Play a role in business development, including development of proposals and supporting materials and participation in introductory meetings with potential funders and partners.
- Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with partners and funders.
- Lead 1-2 high-profile research projects at a time. This includes conducting and analyzing research across methods and serving as the main point of contact for project partners.
Skills needed
- Commitment to FrameWorks’ mission, including commitment to equity diversity and inclusion
- Deep grounding in framing research methods and theory
- Outstanding critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written
- Sound judgment and decision-making skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong mentoring and coaching skills
- Strong collaboration and team-building skills
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills
- Strong ability to thrive in a fast-paced organization and get things done
- Excellent strategic and practical judgment to move work forward
- Superior flexibility and ability to adapt to changing needs.
Experience required
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Minimum of ten years of combined education and professional experience in research on framing and/or narrative
- At least three years of team leadership and supervisory experience, preferably in a collaborative research setting
- Experience working in the fields of economic justice, health equity, and/or children and families is a major plus
- Expertise in integrating principles of equity, justice, and inclusion into daily work
- Strong, demonstrated success in managing relationships with partners, coalition members, or clients, preferably in a nonprofit or movement setting
- Experience working collaboratively on a diverse team
Salary: $125,000, depending on experience
To apply
Please submit the following materials to jobs@frameworksinstitute.org, using the subject header line Director of Framing Research 2021:
- Resume or CV with complete employment history and educational background
- Cover letter explaining your interest in the position, its relevance to your career goals and past experience, and where and how equity and social justice fit into your professional and/or academic experiences
- Up to three writing samples, preferably in a mix of styles and genres, and for a range of audiences
Review of all applications will begin immediately and continue until the search process concludes. Please check FrameWorks’ website (www.frameworksinstitute.org) to ensure that the position is still available before applying. No solicitations, please.
FrameWorks Institute is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Interested individuals who are BIPOC, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ are strongly encouraged to apply.