Vice President, Research
Gender Equity Policy Institute (GEPI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating women’s equality in the United States through data-driven research, strategic advocacy, and policy development. We specialize in conducting intersectional gender analysis and working with policymakers and advocates to develop innovative gender policy across a wide range of issues.
Founded in 2021, GEPI is the first U.S. nonprofit focused on applying a gender lens across all issues, a successful global strategy to close gender gaps, end systemic inequality, and build power and influence for women and all people disadvantaged on the basis of gender. Our mission is to rebalance systems, guarantee equitable opportunity, and secure a just, healthy, and sustainable future for all people.
The Opportunity
GEPI seeks a seasoned and visionary Vice President, Research to drive bold, data-driven policy work at a critical moment for gender equity in the United States. This next leader will shape a cutting-edge research agenda that directly informs progressive policy at the state and national levels—especially in California, where GEPI’s work has the ear of influential decision-makers. The Vice President, Research will join a mission-driven, nimble organization known for its intellectual rigor, collaborative spirit, and commitment to equality, opportunity, and justice. This is a rare chance to lead a growing team, partner closely with the CEO, and bring your passion for gender and economic equity to life through research that not only reveals disparities but also sparks change.
Candidate Profile
Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President, Research will be responsible for leading, managing, and executing GEPI’s policy analysis and data-based research publications. They will have primary responsibility for: designing research projects; supervising data analysis; conducting or supervising all statistical analysis; ensuring quality control of all data and statistical analysis in Institute publications; and writing and editing reports and other publications. Working with senior management, they will contribute to conceptualizing and planning GEPI research projects while managing and supervising members of the Research team.
A PhD in a social discipline is a requirement, as well as 7+ years’ experience in government, academia, or independent research institution.
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Quantitative Research and Policy Analysis Expertise
The Vice President, Research will bring deep expertise in designing and executing high-quality, data-driven research that advances GEPI’s mission to promote gender equity through research and evidence-based policy solutions. This includes the ability to conduct and supervise rigorous quantitative analysis using large U.S. public datasets such as ACS and CPS, applying statistical methods with tools like R or Stata. They will demonstrate fluency in turning raw data into insightful analysis, identifying trends and disparities, and writing research reports and briefs in an effective and compelling manner. This leader will ensure all research reflects a commitment to high empirical standards and practical relevance. A strong grasp of research methods, data-based analysis, and statistics, as well as the ability to move confidently from concept to execution and publication, are essential.
Strategic and Visionary Leadership
As the head of GEPI’s research department, the Vice President will serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO and senior leadership, helping to shape the organization’s research agenda in alignment with its long-term goals. This individual will be entrusted with setting a bold and forward-thinking vision for policy research that anticipates emerging issues and leverages GEPI’s unique voice in the gender equity space. They will be expected to take initiative in designing new research areas, ensuring GEPI continues to lead with cutting-edge, actionable insights. With a collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial mindset, the Vice President will be well-positioned to influence not just internal priorities but also broader public discourse and policymaking.
Team Management and Mentorship
This role requires an experienced and inclusive team leader who can guide and grow a multidisciplinary research team that includes senior researchers, junior analysts, and policy staff. The Vice President will manage and mentor both individuals and managers, fostering professional development and building a culture of accountability, curiosity, and mutual respect. They will bring experience supervising staff from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds and will know how to inspire excellence without micromanaging. The ability to provide clear guidance, set expectations, and train others in both technical and editorial standards is critical. The Vice President must also be comfortable managing up and across, building trust with peers and staff alike while embodying GEPI’s values of collaboration, equity, and intellectual openness.
Communication and Public Engagement
An exceptional communicator, the Vice President must be able to translate complex research into clear, compelling content for a variety of audiences, including policymakers, the media, advocacy partners, and the general public. From high-level reports to op-eds and webinars, the Vice President will ensure all GEPI publications and presentations are not only methodologically sound but also engaging and accessible. They must be a confident public spokesperson who can effectively represent the organization’s work and values across a range of platforms and settings. This includes working closely with the communications team to align messaging and contribute to building GEPI’s brand as a credible, influential policy voice. Outstanding writing skills, editorial judgment, and an impeccable command of written U.S. English are non-negotiable.
Project Management and Operational Agility
Given GEPI’s small, fast-paced, and remote-first environment, the Vice President must be a highly organized and agile project manager capable of overseeing multiple research efforts at once. This includes setting and maintaining timelines, budgets, and deliverables, as well as integrating seamlessly into the organization’s cloud-based operations using tools like Asana . They must understand the importance of structured workflow while also protecting time for deep intellectual work. The ideal candidate is self-directed, resourceful, and comfortable adapting systems when needed to support productivity and collaboration. They will model an efficient and balanced approach to remote work, maintain clear communication with distributed staff, and help shape a culture that values both performance and well-being.
