The Middle East Forum, an activist think tank founded in 1994 by Daniel Pipes, promotes American interests in the Middle East and protects Western values from Middle Eastern threats. It does so in three ways: Intellectual, by providing information, context, and policy advice through publications, media appearances, lectures, and private consultations. Operational, by getting things done in Washington, on campus, in courts of law, and beyond. Philanthropic, by distributing about $2 million annually in separately earmarked funds to about 75 groups and individuals working to promote our goals.
The role
The Middle East Forum (MEF), a Philadelphia-based research and activist think tank, is hiring a full-time, salaried Director of Research.
Key roles and responsibilities
- Oversee the intellectual content of the Forum (other than the Middle East Quarterly).
- In conjunction with the President and Director, recruit staff, fellows, contributors, and other writers.
- Do the research and write articles for publication.
- Help with fundraising.
- Editorial Guide the publication review process, both substantive and administrative.
- Work with staff and fellows to produce clear, elegant, and timely writing about the Middle East and Islamism that provide new, original, and important contributions to knowledge.
- Conceptualize, proof, and fact-check, staff and fellow writings. Place those writings in publications.
- Maintain publication schedules and editorial calendar.
- Edit letters, reports, proposals, marketing materials, press releases, and job announcements.
- Keep MEForum.org lively, interesting, and up to date, developing new features as suited.
- Recommend which staff and fellow writings to post, distribute, and promote.
- Maintain the Spotlight, a feature on the MEForum.org homepage that features staff and fellow writers on a topic in the news, changing it every few weeks or as needed.
- Summarize webinars, television appearances, and events; generate top-ten lists; write issue overviews.
Experience and skills
- Agreement with MEF’s outlook (see http://www.meforum.org for details).
- Deep familiarity with the Middle East and Islam.
- A master’s degree in the Middle East or Islamic studies; a doctoral degree is preferred.
- Research and publications.
- At least eight years’ professional work experience.
- Hands-on experience with relevant computer programs.
- Willingness to take initiative.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize work schedules, be a team player, pay attention to detail, and meet deadlines.