USCIRF is seeking a Director of Research and Policy to support the Executive Director in carrying out USCIRF's mandate and play a critical role in advancing USCIRF's organizational mission and developing policy priorities and recommendations for the U.S. government to advance freedom of religion or belief abroad.

Duties

The Director of Research and Policy supervises and provides management and guidance to the research and policy team in developing USCIRF's annual research and policy plan in compliance with USCIRF's strategic objectives; works with Commissioners and the Executive Director to develop and finalize policy priorities and recommendations; and coordinates the monitoring of religious freedom conditions and related international law issues in countries of interest and the production of research and policy related publications. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Research and Policy's primary responsibilities include the following: 1. Strategic Planning Working closely with the Executive Director to develop USCIRF's general strategy, goals, objectives and priorities to advance freedom of religion or belief abroad. This includes: Developing an annual research and policy workplan in compliance with USCIRF's strategic objectives and taking primary responsibility for implementing it; Identifying research and policy projects, publications, travel, and other opportunities to support policy priorities and recommendations; Efficiently and strategically allocating resources, both personnel and financial, to conduct research and policy projects; and Continually evaluating the operation of the research team for on-going effectiveness and impact of USCIRF's research and policy efforts, including evaluating the implementation of USCIRF's policy recommendations. 2. Monitoring and Policy Recommendation Formulation Coordinating the monitoring of religious freedom conditions and related international law issues in specific countries and proposing policy priorities and recommendations consistent with USCIRF's mission and strategic objectives. This includes: Assigning specific substantive (country) portfolios and special projects to policy analysts and researchers; Working with research and policy staff to develop policy priorities and recommendations for the U.S. government to advance freedom of religion or belief abroad, and identify new and emerging policy trends; Working with the Executive Director to finalize policy priorities and recommendations and communicate them to the Commissioners; Overseeing efforts to track the implementation of USCIRF's policy recommendations and measure their effectiveness; Overseeing all reporting efforts, including the Annual Report and all other research publications to advance USCIRF's mission and strategic objectives. This includes providing substantive and stylistic direction to all written products, ensuring they communicate policy priorities and recommendations and international religious freedom (IRF) conditions effectively and persuasively; and Assisting with research and policy related outreach initiatives and events to advance policy recommendations to key stakeholders. 3. Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach Engaging with relevant stakeholders inside and outside the U.S. government to advance policy recommendations and raise awareness of relevant IRF conditions. This includes: Expanding the network of IRF experts and institutions, and developing new and strengthening current working relationships with relevant stakeholders inside and outside the U.S. government; and Organizing and attending regular meetings with target groups and other research and policy events to support the advancement of USCIRF's mission. Serving as a principal advisor to Commissioners and the Executive Director on IRF issues and supporting them in their efforts to advance USCIRF policy recommendations and to raise awareness of IRF conditions through private briefings, public engagement, and trip delegations. 4. Leadership and Management Managing the work of the Research and Policy team towards meeting the Commission's mandate, goals, and priorities in a manner that is consistent with the Strategic Plan; Managing activities of supervisees and ensuring an inclusive workplace that fosters cooperation and teamwork; Implementing the Commission's mandate in a continuously changing environment, consistent with the long-term interests and priorities of the Commission outlined in its Strategic Plan; Communicating effectively both internally and externally; and Understanding the needs of each function at USCIRF and collaborating and supporting team members on relevant projects. 5. Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications

Must be a U.S. citizen; 12+ years of progressively responsible experience commensurate with the duties outlined above; Graduate degree in a relevant field; Senior-level experience with demonstrated ability to organize and supervise staff to ensure on time completion of assignments; Ability to identify and manage policy, program, and operational priorities; Demonstrated research, writing, and editing skills, particularly those applied in a work setting (i.e., not only university coursework); Ability to proactively develop, synthesize, and articulate effective and actionable policy recommendations; Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with collegial demeanor; and Proven experience using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Education

Advanced degree.

Contacts

• Address US Commission on International Religious Freedom 732 North Capitol Street, NW Suite A-714 Washington, DC 20401 US
• Name: Thomas Kraemer
• Email: [email protected]