Thorn is a non-profit focused on building technology to defend children from sexual abuse. Working at Thorn allows you to apply your skills, expertise, and passions to directly impact the lives of vulnerable and abused children. Our staff solves dynamic, quickly evolving problems with our network of partners from tech companies, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies. If you can bring clarity to complexity and lightness to heavy issues, you could be an excellent fit for our team. 

Our CEO took the stage at TED and shared our audacious goal of eliminating child sexual abuse material from the internet.

About the Role:

As a Research Manager, you will independently and in partnership with the Research & Insights (R&I) team, advance Thorn’s organizational knowledge of online child sexual exploitation and emerging trends. The work you do will be a combination of finding quick wins and developing longer-term research. You’ll work closely with R&I leadership to grow the team’s impact, both internally and externally, by delivering nimble, innovative, and rigorous research. Independently and in collaboration with the R&I team, you’ll help to increase data-based strategic decision-making within the field and advance Thorn as a global thought leader in the fight to combat online child sexual exploitation.

What You’ll Do:

• Serve as a source of issue expertise by communicating complex issues related to CSAM; 
• Design and execute research and analysis related to a portfolio of projects which leverage a variety of data sources and mixed-method research tactics; 
• Effectively translate and elevate data-rich findings into strategic insights in ways that support Thorn’s mission and initiatives; 
• Own the development of briefs and reports that clearly and accurately distill nuanced subjects for a range of internal and external audiences;
• Conduct literature reviews/market trends analysis to identify potential white space for research;
• Support the development and implementation of internal research processes that promote standardization and consistency, including best practices and protocols for project scoping, data collection and storage, and quality review/control;
• Manage research logistics, project timelines, and stakeholder communications;
• Monitor, evaluate, and brief colleagues on relevant research, reports, and news;
• Ensure the safety and rigor of all research initiatives conducted directly by Thorn or in partnership with other organizations/companies;
• Actively pursue diversity and inclusion in Thorn research to ensure all kids are represented in our understanding of this issue;
• Support ongoing issue learning internally. Deliver regular briefings and updates on the state of the field and emerging threats.

What We’re Looking For:

• At least five years of increasing responsibility in a professional environment (preferred);
• At least three years of experience in a related field: technology, trust and safety, public health, crime analysis/intelligence, child protection/safety;
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-method research initiatives, including the ability to design studies, collect and analyze data, identify trends, and deliver concise and compelling findings via written reports and presentations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to tailor messaging to a range of audiences;
• A proactive and organized team member with demonstrated experience in  successfully prioritizing and managing multiple projects simultaneously;
• Demonstrated experience in developing research processes and resources;
• Prior knowledge of child exploitation/abuse issues is a plus;
• Travel required, up to 25%;
• Desire to serve Thorn’s mission;
• Commitment to putting the children we serve at the center of everything you do.

At Thorn, we understand the value of developing a team with different perspectives, educational backgrounds, and life experiences. We prioritize diversity within our team and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Your skills are needed here.