Research Director

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) is seeking a senior-level Director to lead its quantitative and qualitative research both internally and in partnership with academic and other institutions. The Director will set research priorities in consultation with CDT leadership conduct guide and collaborate on original empirical research build and contribute to collaborative research networks and communicate research findings through written reports papers and presentations to key stakeholders.

CDT conducts research to inform and support its policy advocacy which addresses the many ways in which technology impacts peoples rights and democracy in the digital age. Although the Research Director will support research initiatives across all the subjects on which CDT works a particular focus will be on research to inform effective evidence-based rights-respecting trust and safety practices and related policy considerations for generative AI social media services and other platforms hosting user-generated content. The Director also will work with CDTs development team to secure new research grants.

You can learn more about the Research team and CDTs research work at CDT

CDT is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that works to advance civil rights and civil liberties in the digital age. We champion policies laws and technical designs that empower people to use technology for good while protecting against invasive discriminatory and exploitative uses. CDT was founded in Washington D.C. in 1994 and has operated a second office in Brussels since 2014.

CDT works to protect peoples rights across a range of technology uses and applications with a focus on privacy and data (including specific projects on health privacy workers rights & technology and disability rights & technology) AI policy and governance free expression/platform governance government surveillance elections & democracy civic technology & education and competition.

We engage policymakers in the U.S. and the European Union advocate for companies to adopt best practices represent the public interest in multistakeholder processes and standards bodies file amicus briefs in court conduct original research and raise public awareness about how technology design and governance impact peoples rights and our democracy.

We collaborate with a wide range of civil society partners academic researchers and industry experts. Read more at .

Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with management and policy teams lead CDTs research activities including setting research strategy and priorities; conducting managing and guiding original empirical research projects; and managing any research fellows and staff. Research topics will have a particular focus on trust and safety for generative AI social media services and other platforms hosting user-generated content.

• Write and edit public-facing research reports and papers including for academic audiences when appropriate.

• Collaborate with the communications team to disseminate research findings and products to key stakeholders and media.

• Identify and engage with external research partners at academic and other institutions including by managing CDTs Non-Resident Fellows program.

• Collaborate with the development team to identify research grant opportunities draft grant proposals and secure grants as well as grant reporting metrics and funder relationship management.

• Represent CDT at research and other conferences and meetings.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Doctorate preferred).

• 8 years of experience with empirical research efforts both qualitative and quantitative with preference for experience with trust and safety issues.

• 3 years of leadership and project management experience including with other researchers.

• Proficiency in analysis of quantitative and qualitative data empirical research methods and/or experimental research design.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including experience writing papers or reports conveying research results.

• Experience in successful fundraising for research projects (preferred).

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects.

• Access to a network of potential academic and research collaborators and relationships with relevant academic communities

• Ability to work independently.

• An energetic entrepreneurial and collaborative working style.

• A deep commitment to CDTs mission and values.

Compensation and Location

The compensation for this position ranges from $135000 to $165000. Compensation is determined on a standardized tiered pay scale based on years of experience and the responsibilities of the role. Candidates may request guidance on where they would fall within the salary range at any time during the interview process. CDT provides a generous benefits package that includes health care and dental coverage for employees and dependents a retirement plan paid vacation sick days and parental leave.

This position is based in CDTs Washington D.C. office which operates on a hybrid schedule with 3 days in office per week (generally Monday Wednesday and Thursday). A different hybrid schedule may be considered in exceptional cases and is available if needed as a disability accommodation. We may also consider exceptional candidates based outside of D.C..

To Apply

Please send a résumé and a cover letter explaining your interest in the position by clicking the apply for this position button below. The cover letter should at a minimum explain what skills you have developed in your career so far that would help you be successful in this role. If you have any questions please feel free to contact