Research Director

ThinkTennessee is seeking a Research Director to lead its research portfolio and serve as one of the organization's principal issue-area experts. Reporting to the President, this role owns the full arc of ThinkTennessee's research — from framing research questions and methodology, through original quantitative and qualitative analysis, to publication-ready findings that shape the organization's policy agenda. The Research Director will work closely with the President, Director of Advocacy & Communications, Policy Director, Director of Strategy & Development, and the board to design and execute research that grounds ThinkTennessee's work in credible, defensible data, and will manage and mentor research team staff, including associates, research assistants, and interns. Beyond the research itself, this person will be a visible voice for ThinkTennessee — writing policy briefs, presenting to policymakers and civic audiences, engaging with media, and representing the organization on coalitions and at conferences across the state.

By the end of year one, success looks like: an updated release of at least one of ThinkTennessee's signature dashboards delivered on schedule; meaningful authorship or co-authorship of multiple reports and briefs; a research team that is clearly managed, mentored, and producing strong work; and a Research Director who has become a recognized, credible voice for ThinkTennessee with policymakers, funders, and media across the state.

Qualifications
Required

• At least 8 years of work experience in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, advocacy, academia, economics, or government) with demonstrated increasing responsibility
• Exceptional research and analytical skills, including the ability to conduct high-quality data analysis in R, Stata, SAS, or similar programs
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including data visualization, with the ability to distill conclusions and use text and graphics to communicate them clearly to a wide range of audiences
• Demonstrated managerial skills to lead associates, research assistants, and interns in producing their best work
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple short- and long-term projects effectively
• Comfort and effectiveness representing an organization publicly, including public speaking, media engagement, and presenting research to non-technical audiences

Preferred

• Advanced degree in public policy, economics, political science, or a related field
• Academic or professional experience in public policy and/or issue expertise
• Familiarity with Tennessee's political and policymaking environment

To Apply

Nonprofit Leadership LLC is facilitating this executive search on behalf of ThinkTennessee. Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to elle@nonprofit-leadership.com addressing their proudest research project and its impact. Applications are due October 9, 2026, will be reviewed as they are submitted, and early applications are appreciated. ThinkTennessee is an equal opportunity employer.

More information at www.nonprofit-leadership.com/ttdr

Pay: $130,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $130,000 - $140,000