Senior Research Associate

Research is the messaging and strategy backbone of campaigns. We scour public records, campaign finance reports, articles, interviews, social media, books, legislation, and more to gain a deep understanding of the topics and candidates we research. We also closely follow the news and current events as we look for opportunities to effectively deploy our findings through rapid response products.
The Research Departments work has a direct impact on upcoming elections through our collaborations with other departments throughout the DNC as well as with campaigns and state parties. Our Senior Research Associates play a key role in executing research and rapid response plans, translating research into communications and digital-ready material, and helping to build and maintain research books. We look for applicants who have experience in research on political campaigns or at political committees, strong command of key research tools and processes, and the ability to formulate clear and concise narratives or arguments in writing.
If youre interested in helping us relentlessly dig for the truth - come join us!
Responsibilities:

• Thoroughly gather, analyze and utilize information from a variety of sources;
• Develop succinct research documents for rapid response and communications staff that can be used to generate public-facing content;
• Identify opportunities for deeper research and focus, think creatively and develop ideas for research products and projects;
• Monitor and extract key points from local and national news and simplify very complex issues into factual and concise narratives;
• Work with staff across the DNC to ensure final products are factually accurate and include consistent messaging; and,
• Perform additional specific research responsibilities, as directed to support the department and the DNC's mission.

Skills:

• Ability to use common political research tools and resources, including public records requests, campaign finance reports, personal financial disclosures, legal records, policy and legislation, ad tracking, and LexisNexis;
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including an eagle eye for typos and errors; and,
• Strict attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree is preferred;
• Minimum one full cycle of experience in political research on a campaign or committee, or experience in research in a closely related field;
• Political knowledge and background to understand and explain the significance of events and findings;
• High proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; and,
• Specific knowledge of Nexis, campaign finance databases, federal and state-level vote analysis, statistical data gathering, and primary source materials.

The starting salary for the Senior Research Associate position is $63,000, on an annualized basis, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a full-time, exempt position, that may require work on weekends and is in the bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local-500.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC), is committed to diversity among its staff, and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse staff that provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The DNC is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or physical disability, or any other legally protected basis. The DNC will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination and any such conduct is strictly prohibited.

Benefits: The DNC offers a generous benefit package, including: Generous paid time off, including federal holidays and open leave Health and dental insurance for employee and dependents; 90% paid by the DNC, 10% paid by employee Supplementary vision plans available to employees for purchase Up to a 5% employer match DNC 401(k) plan Pre-tax flexible spending account benefits available to employees and dependents