Director of Research & Programs

Job Title: Director of Research & Programs

Start Date: January 5, 2026
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid)
Position Type: Full-time
Salary: $135,000–$150,000



About the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI)
The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) is an international, non-profit organization that works to make the online world safer for kids and their families. FOSI convenes leaders across industry, government, academia, and civil society to collaborate on solutions, promote best practices, and inform balanced approaches to online safety. Through research, events, policy engagement, and public education, FOSI advances the conversation on digital citizenship, youth well-being, and technology’s role in society.

Position Summary
The Director of Research & Programs will lead FOSI’s research agenda, oversee its flagship programming, and ensure that all initiatives exemplify the organization’s mission and thought leadership in the field of online safety. This senior position combines strategic oversight with hands-on management of projects, research outputs, events, and staff.

The Director will directly manage FOSI’s Online Safety Fellows Program, Digital Parenting Initiative, and Digital Citizens Program, along with the organization’s Annual Conference and European Forum. The Director will also supervise the Research Specialist, Program Specialist, and Online Safety Fellow(s), fostering collaboration and professional growth across teams.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of online safety, child development, and technology—paired with exceptional organizational and leadership skills—to deliver high-quality, evidence-based, and impactful programming.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, D.C., with an expected travel commitment of approximately 10–25% for conferences, events, and in-person meetings nationally and internationally.


Key Responsibilities
Strategic Research Leadership

Develop and implement FOSI’s annual research plan in consultation with the CEO and COO, aligning with organizational priorities and member interests.
Oversee the design, execution, and publication of research projects, reports, toolkits, and white papers on emerging issues in online safety, digital parenting, and youth well-being.
Manage partnerships with academic institutions, research consultants, and member companies to produce credible, balanced, and actionable insights.
Ensure all FOSI publications reflect methodological rigor, accessibility, and brand alignment.

Program Oversight & Event Leadership

Lead the planning and execution of FOSI’s Annual Conference and European Forum, ensuring both events reflect the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and reputation for thought leadership.
Provide strategic oversight and integration of FOSI’s Online Safety Fellows Program, Digital Parenting Initiative, and Digital Citizens Program, ensuring they advance FOSI’s research, education, and outreach objectives.
Partner with the Public Affairs team to manage and expand FOSI’s presence at international premier events, including conferences, policy forums, and stakeholder convenings that advance FOSI’s global visibility and impact.
Curate programming for high-level convenings, including agenda development, speaker selection, and content design that fosters engagement and aligns with FOSI’s strategic objectives.
Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure cohesive program delivery, strong execution, and timely completion of all event-related deliverables.

Fellows Program Management

Direct and expand the FOSI Online Safety Fellows Program, recruiting and mentoring a diverse cohort of experts and emerging leaders.
Oversee Fellows’ research and public outputs, ensuring alignment with FOSI’s strategic themes and communications standards.
Create professional development and visibility opportunities for Fellows through events, publications, and external engagement.

Team Management & Internal Collaboration

Supervise the Research Specialist, Program Specialist, and Online Safety Fellow(s), providing regular guidance, feedback, and mentorship to support their growth and performance.
Coordinate cross-departmental collaboration with the Policy, Communications, and Membership teams to ensure consistency and synergy across all FOSI programs.
Support the COO in strategic planning, annual reporting, and board briefings related to programmatic impact and research outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

Represent FOSI at external events, conferences, and briefings as a subject-matter expert and spokesperson on online safety and family technology use.
Collaborate with FOSI member companies, foundations, and partner organizations to design and execute joint research or programming initiatives.
Present FOSI’s research findings to policymakers, educators, and media, promoting balanced and actionable insights on digital well-being.

Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree (or higher) in Public Policy, Education, Communications, Sociology, Child Development, or a related field preferred but not required.
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in research, program management, or policy work related to technology, online safety, or youth development. Candidates without a Master’s degree should demonstrate equivalent professional experience (typically 15+ years).
Proven track record in managing research projects, authoring publications, and curating complex, high-profile events.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience supervising and developing staff or fellows.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex topics clearly and persuasively to multiple audiences.
Demonstrated ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution.
Comfortable representing FOSI at national and international events, panels, and media engagements.

Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with technology monitoring, product testing, or user-experience analysis.
Experience with digital content creation (video, social media, or blogs).
Knowledge of current policy debates around AI, children’s online safety, data privacy, or digital platforms.
Proficiency in project management tools and virtual collaboration platforms (e.g., Asana, Slack, Google Workspace).

Benefits & Total Rewards at FOSI
At the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI), we value our team as much as our mission. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees and their families.


FOSI offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience and nonprofit leadership benchmarks.


Benefits include:
100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
4.5% employer retirement contribution (no match required)
Short-term disability, life, and supplemental insurance options through Corestream
Mental health and wellness resources
15 days of paid vacation plus all federal holidays
Hybrid schedule: work remotely on Mondays and Fridays, with in-office collaboration midweek
Additional paid time for personal or wellness needs
Commuter benefits
Mobile phone with hotspot provided
Annual professional development budget
Team-building and morale activities throughout the year
Inclusive, mission-driven environment focused on collaboration, trust, and innovation

Why FOSI
FOSI offers the flexibility of a modern workplace with the stability and purpose of an established nonprofit. Our benefits reflect our belief that when our team thrives, so does our mission—creating a safer, more positive online world for children and families.


To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples (preferably research or policy-oriented) to careers@fosi.org with the subject line:
“Director of Research & Programs – [Your Name]”.


Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged.