Program Director

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization devoted to the advancement of interdisciplinary research in the social sciences and related disciplines through a wide variety of workshops and conferences, fellowships and grants, scholarly exchanges, research, and publications. Working with partners around the world to link research to practice and policy, our work strengthens individual and institutional capacities for learning and enhances public access to information.

The SSRC seeks to hire a Program Director to play a leadership role in launching and guiding the new Abundance Academic Network (AAN) program, a multi-disciplinary academic community focused on improving government capacity in the United States and laying the foundation for strong, equitable, and sustainable economic growth. Initial focus areas include housing, climate/energy, and transportation – topics linked by the need to find better ways of building in the physical world. The Program Director will oversee the design and execution of the network’s strategy, lead fundraising efforts, and manage engagement with researchers, funders, policymakers, and advisory board members.

The Abundance Academic Network engages researchers across disciplines to identify critical data needs and research opportunities, assess and communicate the state of the literature to policymakers and practitioners, and develop effective and testable policy solutions to urgent challenges. Through grantmaking, convenings, talent development, and targeted research translation, the network fosters collaboration across institutions and connects scholarship to the real-world needs of policymakers, advocates, and communities.

This position reports to the SSRC Chief Operating Officer and will work in close collaboration with AAN faculty leads, the advisory board, and SSRC colleagues. The Program Director will be responsible for developing and coordinating meaningful opportunities for network members; overseeing the creation and dissemination of publications, briefs, and digital resources; and ensuring strong alignment between AAN’s mission, funder priorities, and the needs of the policy and practitioner community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In partnership with supervisors and AAN colleagues, the Program Director will:

● Lead strategy, operations, and delivery for the Abundance Academic Network, overseeing all core program activities, including grantmaking, convenings, workshops, working groups, publications, and virtual gatherings.

● Foster a cross-disciplinary community of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to encourage collaboration, cross-learning, and real-world policy impact.

● Manage grantmaking processes from proposal review through grantee communications, ensuring transparency and alignment with AAN’s mission.

● Oversee the creation and dissemination of program outputs, including website strategy, special journal issues, newsletters, policy briefs, and other materials tailored for academic, policymaker, and public audiences.

● Maintain strong funder relationships, including regular progress updates, strategic discussions, and timely grant reporting.

● Drive fundraising strategy, identifying prospective funders, developing proposals, and stewarding relationships to sustain and grow AAN.

● Manage budgets, documentation, and progress tracking to ensure efficient operations and accountability.

● Represent AAN externally, cultivating partnerships with aligned institutions and networks, and elevating AAN’s profile in relevant policy and academic circles.

QUALIFICATIONS

● PhD in the social sciences required.

● Significant experience (7+ years) in public policy, public interest technology, philanthropy, or related sectors.

● Demonstrated success in designing and managing multi-stakeholder initiatives with research, funding, and program components.

● Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills.

● Experience with grantmaking, program operations, and fundraising preferred.

● Proven ability to bridge research, policy, and practice.

This position is based in New York City, with the option to work remotely or from the SSRC office at the employee’s discretion, aside from two mandatory in-person meetings each year.

Annual salary range for this position is $120,000 - $130,000 commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, vision, disability, life, and gym reimbursement; outstanding pension plan and tax savings programs; generous vacation and sick leave. Provisions are made for professional staff to continue their development as scholars while at the Council.