Now Hiring: Research Director - Global Trade Watch - Public Citizen, Washington, DC
Sherry Joseph
Position
Global Trade Watch – Research Director
General Description:
The Research Director works with the GTW Director to plan and implement all research materials and reports in support of Global Trade Watch program and goals. The Research Director seeks to expand GTW’s impact by ensuring the team and its many domestic and international allies are empowered with strategic, accurate and thorough information and materials on an array of trade and globalization issues. The Research Director creates academic-quality research materials that frequently become the cornerstone of major domestic and international policy debates. The Research Director also serves as the intellectual sonar for Global Trade Watch, identifying emerging issues and trends and keeping the GTW team and the broader coalition ahead of issues so as to be able to shape them to support GTW goals and programs.
Specific Responsibilities:
Develop and successfully implement an ambitious and achievable short and long-term research agenda designed in consultation with the Global Trade Watch Director, organizing and communications staffs. The products of Global Trade Watch’s Research Department are widely used by policymakers, civil society organizations, activists, press and scholars in the United States and abroad, often defining major trade and globalization debates.
Play a leading role in developing Global Trade Watch’s overall strategy.
By networking with peers and reading diverse materials, maintain familiarity with a diverse set of issues and research products on the issues related to globalization, international trade, financial services, investment arbitration and dispute settlement, and keep the GTW team informed of developments and strategic opportunities related to economic, policy and trade law developments.
Supervise junior researchers or fellows and ensure clear priorities and quality control. Supervise the research work of interns, contractors and other staff. Ensure accuracy of all Global Trade Watch written materials.
Manage (and often implement) research-related writing and analytical projects, including books, reports, legislative analysis, memoranda, fact sheets, articles, op-eds and submission of comments to various agencies in support of various campaigns and programs.
Provide content for and edit a widely read and cited blog on trade issues, “Eyes on Trade.”
Conduct rapid response operations to counter misinformation and educate the press.
Maintain and expand relationships with academic, government and other researchers and scholars in the United States and abroad.
Oversee maintenance and development of in-house databases related to congressional votes, Trade Adjustment Assistance, WTO dispute settlement, investor-state arbitration and others as needed. This valuable data system allows Global Trade Watch to respond to an array of inquiries and spot trends.
Act as a media and public spokesperson for Global Trade Watch. Represent Global Trade Watch at conferences and other public speaking venues.
Oversee maintenance of research products on websites and blogs. Regularly review and manage the updating of all GTW websites.
Act as a facilitator for exchange of research-related information between the different Public Citizen offices, including acting as liaison to publications and program services departments within Public Citizen and organizing libel reads of reports with Litigation Group.
Coordinate research-related media strategy with communications officer and general Public Citizen communications office.
Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Education: College degree required, and advanced degree strongly preferred, ideally in law or economics.
Knowledge: Familiarity with a broad range of public policy issues including trade, investment and finance issues and food safety, environmental and other regulatory policy; familiarity with the legislative process, political environment and media relations; extensive knowledge of database development and management, particularly Excel, Access and ideally others (such as “R”); extensive knowledge of research techniques including utilization of Internet, government, NGO and academic sources.
Work Experience: 5 years of demonstrated research and writing experience, particularly on economic and legal issues, political candidates and corporate wrongdoers.
Skills: Strong supervisory, planning and project management skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Word and database programs; excellent analytical skills including expertise in technical, statistical and legislative analysis.
Capabilities: Ability to provide leadership and develop and implement programs. Ability to work well with a wide range of people, work well and quickly under pressure, and adapt to changing situations on a daily basis. Comfort with public speaking a plus.
Conditions: Strong interest in and commitment to the public interest. The ability to walk two flights of stairs. Some travel may be required.
Apply:
Send letter of interest, resume and cover letter to mgr...@cititzen.org.