The Center for Christianity and Public Life is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Research to spearhead its Public Imagination work. CCPL’s Director of Research will lead a think tank that advances our mission to contend for the credibility of Christian resources in public life, for the public good.

About the Role

This is a time of profound disruption in American life in which religion, and Christianity in particular, has played a pivotal role. Increasingly, public leaders and institutions—even those that have been indifferent or antagonistic toward religion—have recognized the salience of religion in American public life and politics. There is a renewed sense and understanding that the future of American democracy is inextricable from the character and contributions of Christianity in this country.

This is true even, and perhaps especially, in the midst of significant change in American religious life. Church attendance and religious affiliation have declined this century, though America remains exceptional in the West when it comes to the resilience and pervasiveness of religion in its culture, politics, and the lives and identity of its people. And yet, there is growing contestation and cynicism regarding the role Christianity plays. Political and cultural figures marshal religion for their own self-interest and their own agendas. The perceived and actual harms perpetrated in the name of religion threaten to overcome the perceived potential of religious contribution.

The stage is set for a consequential decade at the intersection of faith and American life. If our public life is dominated by dueling perspectives that view Christianity as either useless or as something to be used, it will drive cultural and political conditions in which division will deepen, injustices will be multiplied, and social distrust and conflict will proliferate. The hope of self-government in a diverse society will drain out.

A different future remains possible, but it requires a different approach to Christianity. It requires an openness among civic leaders to welcome positive Christian contributions, and it requires a joyful confidence among Christians that they have much to offer their neighbors in a pluralistic context, for the public good. This future will need to be built by many different people and organizations, and it will be the product not just of agreement, but of differing efforts and approaches that nonetheless maintain a spirit of goodwill.

The Center of Christianity and Public Life is built to name the precarity of this moment. We will cast a broad, inclusive vision of the way forward, and drive, resource, and make our own distinctive contributions toward this better, different future. In the end, these problems will not be solved by any one program or organization. It is the kind of people we are that will determine the kind of politics we will have. It is only through imagination and formation that we can avert disaster. CCPLs Director of Research will help lead our work in this generational effort.

Job Description

The Director of Research is a senior-level position at the Center for Christianity and Public Life (CCPL), a nonpartisan institution based in Washington, D.C. CCPL launched in 2022 with the mission to contend for the credibility of Christian resources in public life, for the public good. We advance this mission through two parallel streams of work: Public Imagination—we explain Christianity to the public, and advance Christian resources for the good of the public; and Christian Civic Formation—we grow, resource, convene, and represent the community of Christians who are convinced that spiritual formation is central to civic renewal. Our vision is for a healthier politics and public life that benefits from an integrated, coherent Christian public presence.

CCPL is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Research to spearhead its Public Imagination work. Under the leadership, and in partnership with, our President and CEO, CCPLs Director of Research will lead a think tank that advances our mission. This position represents a pivotal opportunity to lead the think tank's research and Public Imagination efforts to serve civic leaders and the broader public through the retrieval and offering of positive Christian contributions to address the pressing questions and needs of our politics and public life. As the inaugural Director of Research, you will play a central role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization, resourcing civic and religious leaders, and providing public leadership on matters of faith and public life. Over time, CCPL anticipates the director will manage a robust team, including a Deputy Director and senior research fellows, and will be supported by communications and creative departments.

CCPLs theory of change relies on the mutuality and complementary nature of our Christian Civic Formation and Public Imagination streams of work. Therefore, the Director of Research will closely collaborate with CCPLs Director of Christian Civic Formation to ensure the work in both streams benefits from the support, validation, and accountability they offer to one another.

CCPLs think tank does not exist to serve CCPL, but the public good. Therefore, while the think tank will make its own distinctive, original contributions, it is essential that the Director of Research generously and creatively advances and elevates the work of other organizations and leaders. Additionally, the Director of Research will welcome and seek to benefit from the contributions of non-Christian sources as an extension of CCPLs commitment to civic pluralism, humility and service. It is because of our joyful confidence in the Lord that we can operate with curiosity, hospitality, and generosity. Our Director of Research should embody these commitments and will be expected to provide leadership that reflects these commitments and influences and inspires others by its example.

The Director of Research is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and projects under the Public Imagination stream. Key responsibilities include:

• Research & Thought Leadership:
  • Lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of innovative research projects applying Christian resources (theological, intellectual, institutional, etc.) to contemporary challenges in politics, public life, and societal issues.Publish articles for both academic and mainstream outlets and publications, and produce policy briefs and research reports that offer original insights and analysis regarding topics such as technology, family and economic policy, political institutions and reform, virtue and character in public life, religious freedom and expression, political polarization, democracy and pluralism, and faith-science paradigms. (This list is not intended to be exhaustive.)
  • Represent CCPL in public speaking engagements, panel discussions, and media appearances to disseminate research findings, promote dialogue, and shape public discourse on issues at the intersection of Christianity and public life.
  • Develop and maintain a network of relationships with leading scholars, practitioners, and thought leaders in relevant fields, fostering collaboration and exchange of ideas to advance understanding and address complex challenges.
  • Participate in external forums, conferences, and working groups, serving as an ambassador for the organization and advocating for the importance of Christian perspectives in public discourse.
  • Contribute to the conception, planning, and execution of CCPL events and convenings that contribute to the development and/or wider, effective circulation of ideas in alignment with our mission.
• Program and Project Design:
  • Design comprehensive research projects and initiatives, from conceptualization to implementation, ensuring alignment with CCPL's mission, strategic objectives, and funding priorities.
  • Develop research methodologies, data collection strategies, and analytical frameworks that integrate interdisciplinary perspectives and methodologies to address complex societal issues.
  • Oversee the recruitment and supervision of research staff, consultants, and partners, providing guidance and support throughout the project lifecycle to ensure quality, timeliness, and impact.
  • Monitor and evaluate the progress and outcomes of research projects, utilizing metrics and feedback to assess effectiveness, identify lessons learned, and inform continuous improvement.
  • Manage the budget for the Public Imagination stream, including tracking expenses, maintaining Excel budgets, liaising with CCPL's Chief of Staff, and working with CCPLs accounting firm to inform forecasting and cash flow.
  • Manage relevant relationship management systems, processes, and operations in partnership with the Chief of Staff and Executive Office Manager.
• Event Planning and Execution:
  • Plan and execute research publication launches, symposiums, workshops, and public forums that bring together diverse stakeholders to discuss and debate key issues at the intersection of Christianity and public life.
  • Coordinate logistics, venue selection, and participant engagement strategies for events, ensuring seamless execution and meaningful outcomes.
  • Collaborate with communications and marketing teams to promote events through various channels, including social media, email newsletters, and targeted outreach to media outlets and influencers.
  • Facilitate dynamic and interactive sessions, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions during events, fostering constructive dialogue and exchange of perspectives among participants.
  • Evaluate the impact and effectiveness of events through participant feedback, surveys, and post-event analysis, incorporating lessons learned into future event planning and programming.

Qualifications

• Values: The Director of Research should embody and promote CCPL's values, including those indicated on our website. They should believe in the mission and vision of CCPL and be excited to communicate and represent the organization to a diverse audience.
• Advanced Degree: A terminal degree (Ph.D., D.Min., or equivalent) in a relevant field such as theology, political science, sociology, public policy, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Proven experience in both the development and distribution of publicly salient research and ideas. Previous experience in a senior-level or management position is preferred.
• Research Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of Christianity and public life, with a track record of scholarly publications and contributions to public discourse.
• Leadership Experience: Proven experience in providing strategic leadership and direction to research initiatives, teams, or organizations, with the ability to inspire and motivate others toward a shared vision.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences through various mediums such as academic publications, op-eds, presentations, and social media.
• Collaboration and Networking: Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders across academic, religious, political, and civic sectors.
• Strategic and Detail-Oriented: Strong organizational and strategic planning skills; must be able to transition between details/logistics and big-picture ideas.
• Team Player: Must be flexible and affable, willing to work at times with uncertainty, and eager to adjust to serve the shifting needs of a young nonprofit organization.
• Faith Background: Candidates who are Christians and who ascribe to the Nicene and/or Apostles Creed.
• Location: The ideal candidate is already located in Washington D.C., Baltimore, or the surrounding areas. A candidate with the desire to relocate to the Washington D.C. area in the next six to twelve months, but with the ability to travel for CCPL events, would also be considered.