Research Director

Overview: About BDI

The Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI) is a non-partisan research project at Princeton University that tracks and mitigates political violence in the United States. BDI is working for a future where thriving communities are prepared to respond in periods of risk, empowered to address long-term divides, and supported to build a pluralistic, multi-racial democracy.

We believe that BDI can help make this future a reality by achieving three strategic objectives: 1) producing action-oriented research to enable trend monitoring and early warning; 2) creating space for cross-sector collaboration to foster connections among pro-democracy stakeholders; and 3) building policy frameworks that equip community leaders and decision-makers with the tools they need to advance positive change. Since the project was first established in 2019, BDI has increased awareness and understanding of political violence risk in America, while driving effective interventions to reduce harm. BDI’s research, resources, and policy tools are essential components of the wider risk mitigation ecosystem working to protect our democracy and keep our communities safe.

BDI is based at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). For more information, please visit our website: bridgingdivides.princeton.edu.

Position Overview

The Research Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for Bridging Divides Initiative’s (BDI) core research functions: Data and Tools, and Participatory Research. The Research Director will report to the Executive Director and serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

This role bridges high-level strategic planning with the day-to-day management of a multidisciplinary research team, ensuring that BDI continues to deliver timely, actionable, and rigorous data, tools, and original analysis to mitigate political violence in the U.S. **This is a full-time, benefit