Research Manager

Alain Locke Hall April 19, 2026

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

The Howard University Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) engages thinkers and scholars at Howard University, in the country, and around the world in addressing deep and persisting racial inequities in areas including, but not limited to, technology, the environment, healthcare, the economy, governance, education, and the criminal legal system.

In addition to a residential fellowship program for intellectuals, and a research program, HIAS is home to The Emancipator, an award-winning nonprofit digital magazine that reimagines the nation’s first abolitionist newspapers for a new day. The Emancipator’s mission, like those who came before us, is to leverage the power of journalism to turn public opinion against racist policies and ideas.

Together, HIAS plans to enhance the general public’s understanding of racism and evidence-based antiracist solutions through research, collaboration, public lectures, workshops, and outreach programs.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Research Manager is responsible for executing the research program envisioned by the Founding Director, in consultation with the Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research. This individual acts as a project manager for all HIAS research activity, ensuring high quality and fulfilment of deadlines. They conduct primary and secondary research, conduct fact-checks, supervise a team of Research Assistants, and handle all research-related communication with internal and external partners. The ideal candidate will share a commitment to HIAS’s mission and possess a passion for translating academic research for public audiences across a variety of media (books, articles, television, social media, film, podcasts). They will have a pulse on research developments that promise to engage public-facing audiences. The Research Manager reports directly to the Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

This role supervises a team of two to three full-time research assistants, and two to three part-time student research assistants.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

This position interacts with faculty, staff, students, and internal and external contacts.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Research:

Conduct research (history and other social science fields, as needed) in primary and secondary sources
Fact-check and copy-edit research products prior to publication
Synthesize academic research findings for public audiences
Stay abreast of current events and research trends, and communicate analyses that might serve public-facing audiences to the Director, Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research, The Emancipator editors, staff and journalists, and others
Identify experts and archives of interest for research projects
Develop research standards and protocols in collaboration with the Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research
Oversee team-wide compliance with proper research protocols and citations according to the Chicago Manual of Style

Management:

Ensure project and team alignment with the Director’s vision
Provide daily supervision to Research Assistants, including: assigning research tasks, fielding and answering research-related questions, identifying and addressing inefficiencies, problem-solving, and ensuring deadlines are met
Guide the professional development of Research Assistants, identifying strengths, areas for growth, and working with the Director and the Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research to identify opportunities to assist in that growth
Build a team of self-starters who also excel in collaborative work

Collaboration and Communication:

Work closely with the Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research to manage the workflow of Research Assistants
Correspond and coordinate with internal (HIAS staff and fellows, Emancipator editors and journalists, Howard University staff and administrators) and external (scholars, publishers, producers, production companies) partners to ensure quality and timely delivery of research products

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Technical Proficiency:

Highly skilled in historical research, writing, and project management
Experience navigating archives and online academic databases
Experience creating academic citations in Chicago style
Competency in reading and synthesizing research outside field of expertise

Attention to Detail:

Meticulous in reviewing content for factual and copy-editing errors
Proven and constant commitment to ensuring accuracy
Expertise in identifying reputable and reliable sourcing

Organizational Skills:

Effectively manage own and direct reports’ time to meet project deadlines
Handle multiple tasks and adjust priorities based on project needs
Co-create research standards and protocols with Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research to train existing and new hires in practices that will facilitate high-quality and timely research products
Organize research-related documents (research documents, research reports, digital archives) in a neat, logical, and easily accessible way for internal use and sharing with relevant partners

Analytical Thinking:

Identify inefficiencies in the overall research process and discuss them with relevant stakeholders
Stay attuned to the historical throughlines in current events
Conceive of and communicate compelling research topics and approaches with internal and external partners

Communication Skills:

Clear and effective written and verbal communication
Model and cultivate a compassion-informed communication style when providing feedback that both prioritizes project execution and values individual strengths and needs

Collaborative Skills:

Work effectively and efficiently without constant supervision as a researcher and project manager, and collaboratively as a team player with all internal and external partners

Adaptability:

Flexibility to shift individual and team priorities on short notice
Remain committed to personal and professional growth

Project Management:

Develop research plans and oversee projects in each phase, from inception to completion
Keep team on task and on schedule

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Based in the Washington D.C. metro area.
Education: Ph.D. in History, African American Studies, or a related field
Historical research background in racist policies and/or practices
Knowledge of proper research methods and proper citation practices (Chicago Manual of Style)
Experience locating historical documents, secondary research, and navigating relevant archives and databases
Demonstrated proficiency in project management and leadership
Excellent attention to detail
Strong verbal and written communications skills

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Compensation Rate: $75,000 to $85,000