Social Science Research, Director

About this position

The Director of Social Science Research is a senior leadership position within our research team, responsible for leading social science research initiatives focused on understanding and strengthening the physical sciences enterprise.

Research Program Leadership

• Serves as AIP’s senior authority on social science research methodology, guiding the design and execution of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies.
• Ensures research activities are rigorous, ethical, and aligned with best practices.
• Produces actionable insights that support Member Organizations, researchers, academic leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Team Leadership and Operations

• Leads a multidisciplinary team of approximately nine researchers, data scientists, and analysts.
• Oversees an annual budget of approximately $1.5 million and ensures the effective allocation of staff, contractor, and financial resources.
• Fosters a collaborative, high-performing culture that supports professional growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Thought Leadership and External Engagement

• Represents AIP as a visible leader in the research community through publications, presentations, webinars, reports, and other forums.
• Builds relationships with scientific societies, institutional leaders, funders, and external partners while advancing the visibility, relevance, and impact of AIP’s research.

Partnership Development and Portfolio Growth

• Cultivates strategic partnerships with Member Organizations, collaborators, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Works closely with the Chief Research Officer and Grants & Development Office to pursue funding, partnership, and growth opportunities that strengthen the reach, sustainability, and long-term impact of AIP’s research portfolio.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading social science research projects using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
• Expertise in research design, survey methodology, data analysis, and communicating research findings to diverse audiences.
• Experience managing complex research portfolios with multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing research teams in a collaborative environment.
• Experience managing budgets, resources, and research operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, build organizational capacity, and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to connect research to broader organizational, community, and societal priorities.
• Experience translating complex analyses into actionable insights that inform decision-making.
• Knowledge of higher education, workforce development, scientific societies, or the broader research enterprise is highly desirable.
• Proven success securing external funding through grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or sponsored research.
• Experience developing competitive proposals, project budgets, and collaborative partnerships.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with academic, philanthropic, professional, and policy audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or other advanced degree in sociology, education, economics, public policy, higher education, social science research, or a related field.
• Familiarity with scientific societies, nonprofit research organizations, foundations, government agencies, or other mission-driven organizations.

To Apply

To apply, please include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description. At AIP, we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences.

Compensation

$122,828.00 - $135,111.00

Working at AIP

We offer a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.

About AIP

Scientific discovery shapes our lives every day. And AIP empowers the organizations and people that make those discoveries possible.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.