| Location | Portland, OR |
| Salary | $40–$45 Per Hour |
JOB DESCRIPTION: RESEARCH DIRECTOR
The Mission and Founding Principles of City Club of Portland:
To inform our members and the community in public matters and to arouse in them a realization of the obligations of citizenship.
City Club of Portland ("City Club"), established in 1916, is dedicated to promoting civic education, community service, and leadership development. Through public forums, debates, community-based research, and advocacy, we address important issues in the Portland area, the state, and society as a whole. We provide an impartial, nonpartisan platform, ensuring that our programming and research reflects the varied perspectives and voices within our community.
City Club's Research Program:
City Club's Research Board is responsible for managing City Club's research program. City Club's research efforts are conducted by volunteer members working in study committees. Study Committees conduct interviews, review source materials, and make findings and recommendations on their study topic, which are published in a written report to City Club members. If approved by City Club's membership, the findings and recommendations of the Study Committee become City Club's official positions on the study topic. For reports overwhelmingly approved by the membership, City Club authorizes the formation of advocacy committees consisting of members who work to raise awareness and seek implementation of report recommendations.
Role of the Research Director:
The Research Director assists and supports City Club's volunteer-driven research and publication processes by coordinating the work of the Research Board and Study Committees, providing administrative support, document editing, and organizational support.
Key Responsibilities:
Implement and update (as necessary) the policies of the Research Board.
Work cooperatively with the Research Board Chair on recruiting and selecting Research Board members, scheduling Research Board meetings, and assisting Research Board Chair with communicating with the Board of Governors.
Attend Research Board meetings. Create and maintain records of Research Board meetings.
Assist the Research Board in the recruitment and selection of Study Committee members.
Support and coordinate the activities of Study Committees, such as:
creating and maintaining records of Study Committee meetings;
providing technological support for the Study Committees through the use of Google Docs and Zoom;
identifying background materials and potential witnesses; managing testimony received from witnesses and information from other sources;
scheduling Study Committee meetings and witness interviews; and
managing documents, including proof reading and formatting drafts, checking citations, and creating the bibliography and the witness list for the final draft of research reports.
Manage final editing, production, and publication of reports in conjunction with the communications staff.
Work with City Club's Program Committee to arrange for presentation of research reports to the membership.
Work with City Club staff to draft and schedule press releases concerning published research reports.
Manage advocacy activities with interested members.
Work with City Club staff to respond to Club members and the general public on questions related to current or past research reports.
Maintain City Club's research database and archiving system.
Skill/Attribute Set:
Because City Club of Portland's research covers a broad range of topics, a successful Research Director will be someone who stays abreast of major public policy issues in the City, County, and State. The role requires strong administrative and writing skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Google Workspace; database management experience; and enthusiasm for working with civically-engaged volunteers and for City Club's mission.
Ability to work independently and with a team is required. People skills in recruiting and retaining Study Committee members and in promoting a collaborative Study Committee culture are critical. Some research and analytical skills are a plus.
Hours/Pay/Reporting/Coordination:
The Research Director position is a non-exempt position, working at least 20 hours/week (if part-time at the date of hiring, hours may increase over time) at a rate to be determined (between $40-45/hour), City Club offers paid leave to all employees via Paid Leave Oregon. This position is part time and does not qualify for full time benefits, which include a 401k and health insurance stipend. Should this position expand to full time, these benefits would be available for this position. The Research Director reports directly to the City Club Administrator; however, the Research Director's research-related projects are directed by the Research Board. The Research Director coordinates with other staff, including the Membership and Development Coordinator and Office Manager to fulfill key responsibilities.
This is a hybrid in-office and remote work position. Flexibility of scheduling is necessary; some evening and weekend hours are required. This position involves interaction and cross-training with other staff, club committees, and members.
How to Apply
Please submit the following materials to hr@pdxcityclub.org by November 30, 2026:
Artificial Intelligence and City Club of Portland's Hiring Process
City Club of Portland is, fundamentally, an organization that draws people together to fulfill our mission of engaging with others over policy matters that shape our lives. We value human judgment and do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in any part of our recruiting or hiring process. Every application we receive is screened and reviewed by people. We do so to create a more personal candidate experience and to reduce the ethical and bias concerns that may be associated with using AI.
While we do not use AI in our process, we understand that some candidates may use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials and interviews. However, we value integrity, accuracy, and authenticity in our members and our staff. Application responses and interview answers should reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. AI cannot replace the originality and judgment this position requires.