Research Manager

Job Summary

The Research Manager supports informed policy development across the community and helps fulfill policy and other recommendations developed through multistakeholder processes.

This role is responsible for managing, coordinating, and administering the implementation of one or more policy research and data projects. The position requires expertise in research design, data analysis, and project management, as well as the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Lead the implementation of multiple policy research and data projects for ICANN's Global Domains and Strategy function. Responsibilities include:

• Design and manage research projects requiring the collection, analysis, and synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources.
• Manage all phases of assigned projects, including:
  • Issue identification and resolution
  • Feasibility and impact analysis
  • Decision-making rationale
  • Project planning and implementation
  • Execution of project activities
  • Risk identification, monitoring, and mitigation
  • Progress reporting and KPI tracking
• Design surveys, interview guides, focus group questionnaires, and measurement frameworks that generate reliable, actionable insights.
• Ensure quality control and methodological rigor across quantitative and qualitative datasets and analyses.
• Draft, review, and edit research reports, policy analyses, recommendations, business correspondence, memos, briefings, presentations, and talking points.
• Provide project leadership and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and achieve project objectives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on cross-functional teams, anticipating emerging issues and supporting executive leadership and strategic departmental initiatives.
• Develop and implement new procedures and supporting documentation for internal and external consultative processes.
• Manage contractors and vendors to ensure deliverables meet quality, budget, and timeline expectations.
• Facilitate internal and external stakeholder meetings, workshops, and discussions.
• Train, mentor, and supervise staff on project methodologies, processes, and procedures as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Demonstrated ability to:

Research & Analysis

• Apply advanced analytical skills to interpret complex data, evaluate research quality, and generate actionable insights.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify patterns, trends, and key findings.
• Design and implement surveys, interview guides, focus groups, and measurement frameworks aligned with research objectives.
• Ensure methodological rigor, data integrity, and consistency across multiple research projects.
• Maintain high standards of data privacy, ethical research practices, and compliance with organizational policies.
• Utilize research and analytical tools (e.g., Excel, SurveyMonkey, Python, or similar platforms) to support research execution and analysis.

Project Management

• Lead projects using established project management methodologies and best practices.
• Identify and engage key internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and manage project plans, resource requirements, budgets, forecasts, and timelines.
• Lead cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliverables.
• Effectively monitor, communicate, and report project status to leadership and stakeholders.
• Manage multiple priorities with exceptional attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

Communication & Collaboration

• Work independently and collaboratively to solve complex problems and recommend effective solutions.
• Collaborate productively with diverse, geographically distributed teams.
• Build consensus and promote new ideas across departments and stakeholder groups.
• Understand the political, societal, legal, and operational implications of complex policy issues.
• Adapt quickly to evolving processes, tools, technologies, and organizational priorities.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally with technical and non-technical audiences.

Education & Experience

Education

• Master's degree in Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field preferred; or
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with 5–7 years of progressively responsible research experience.

Experience

• Minimum 6 years of progressive professional experience in a research, policy, academic, or related environment.
• Experience working within an international organization is strongly preferred.

Languages

• ICANN values diversity and encourages candidates with proficiency in languages in addition to excellent written and spoken English.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in a standard office environment with limited privacy and moderate background noise.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and arms, communicate verbally, and operate standard office equipment.
• Requires close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Position may be based in Los Angeles, California, or performed remotely in accordance with organizational policy.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time.