Director of Research
Analyst Institute
Remote
USD 130k-154k / year
Posted on Mar 14, 2025
Analyst Institute is hiring a Director of Research. We will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis starting April 1 and prefer that the chosen candidate start work shortly after accepting an offer.
The Role
The Director of Research will be a recognized research expert and thought leader, upholding the highest standards for quality research and advancing Analyst Institute’s work and reputation across the ecosystem. This position will shape and spearhead the execution of Analyst Institute's community-informed research agenda, forging partnerships and driving innovative research initiatives that support learning across our extensive member network. Reporting to the Executive Director and collaborating with fellow researchers, practitioners, funders, and Analyst Institute staff, the Director of Research will ensure that our work is robust and relevant, and that it translates into actionable recommendations that strengthen civic participation in the U.S., achieve important victories, and lead to sustained progressive political power.
- Department
- Research
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- Remote
- Workplace type
- Fully remote
- Compensation
- $130,000 - $154,000 / year
- Reporting To
- Executive Director
Responsibilities
- Stay at the forefront of political science and civic engagement research, both public and private, on voter behavior, persuasion, mobilization, and organizing, as well as the cutting-edge methodologies that can be used to measure their effectiveness.
- Ensure Analyst Institute’s work is innovative and of the highest standards of quality.
- Provide general vision and direction for Analyst Institute’s research program. In doing so, manage two deputy directors who oversee all research and analytics staff and provide day-to-day project oversight.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including fellow researchers, as well as programmatic partners, donors and their advisors, and consultants to support their understanding and application of research findings in keeping with real-world needs.
- Guide the analysis, synthesis, and translation of research findings into actionable and accessible insights via published reports, briefings, presentations, and other materials.
Qualifications
This role requires deep substantive and methodological expertise in the research and measurement of traditional (e.g., door-to-door canvassing, phone banking) and emerging (e.g., influencer advertising, peer-to-peer organizing) voter contact strategies. It further requires capacity to lead a team in charting new research territory, sensemaking of nuanced results, sustained focus on excellence and application, and a commitment to innovation. Please consider applying if you have all, or most, of the following:
- A passion for promoting evidence-informed decision-making in campaigns and civic engagement efforts.
- Experience conducting methodologically sophisticated social science research, including RCTs and mixed-methods projects with nonprofit organizations, political campaigns, and/or advocacy groups, with a track record of applying the most rigorous measurement techniques available for the topic of inquiry.
- Experience setting the general direction, standards, and tone of a large research program.
- Up-to-date knowledge of research on individual and group-level voter behavior, political persuasion, and mobilization, including academic and private progressive research.
- A strong understanding of political and civic engagement campaigns, including how digital tools, artificial intelligence, and social media shape modern organizing.
- Demonstrated experience of interpreting, synthesizing, and translating research findings into actionable insights for diverse audiences, including via written media and verbal presentations.
- Familiarity with common political data sources, such as voter files, survey responses, volunteer data, and digital engagement metrics.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion principles within team-based work, stakeholder engagement, and research.
Additional Preferred Experience:
- A well-established network within the progressive ecosystem, including political operatives, nonprofit strategists, donors, and donor advisors.
- Experience managing a remote-based team.
- Proficiency in statistical software, especially R.
Logistics
- Location: Remote (Continental U.S.-based). Some travel (10 - 25%) for conferences and meetings.
- Start Date: Ideally shortly after an accepted offer, but negotiable for an exceptional candidate.
- Compensation: $130,000 - $154,000, commensurate with experience.
- Benefits: These include 100% premium-covered health care and 99% covered dental and vision care, generous paid time off, 401(k) matching, disability and life insurance, twelve weeks of paid parental leave (including for the birth, adoption, or fostering of a child), home office stipend, and professional development stipends for self-directed growth.
To Apply
Click the link below to fill out an application.
People of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, disabled people, and members of other commonly underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
To ensure equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Analyst Institute will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Analyst Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, size, weight, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including hiring, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. Unfortunately, at this time we cannot provide sponsorship for those requiring visas or work permits.
Analyst Institute is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as determined through an interactive process. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].
About Analyst Institute
Analyst Institute aims to maximize progressive and civic engagement communities’ impact through research-driven programs and investments, strengthened by a culture of innovation and learning that is open to all.
Rigorous research: We collaborate with organizations across the country — including groups working to increase civic engagement, win elections, and build political power in communities of color — to measure and increase the impact of their programs. Findings from our research add to a shared knowledge base and enhance future efforts across the movements we support.
Implementing learnings: We know research is only as valuable as it is put into practice. Analyst Institute plays a unique role in collecting, synthesizing, and interpreting research to support its application in the field. Our evidence-based recommendations, resources, trainings, and consulting services reach hundreds of groups each year.
Building community knowledge: We host convenings among a diverse and expanding partner network to share findings, identify knowledge gaps, and collaborate to address pressing learning needs.
Rigorous research: We collaborate with organizations across the country — including groups working to increase civic engagement, win elections, and build political power in communities of color — to measure and increase the impact of their programs. Findings from our research add to a shared knowledge base and enhance future efforts across the movements we support.
Implementing learnings: We know research is only as valuable as it is put into practice. Analyst Institute plays a unique role in collecting, synthesizing, and interpreting research to support its application in the field. Our evidence-based recommendations, resources, trainings, and consulting services reach hundreds of groups each year.
Building community knowledge: We host convenings among a diverse and expanding partner network to share findings, identify knowledge gaps, and collaborate to address pressing learning needs.
Our Hiring Process
Stage 1:
Applied
Stage 2:
Phone screen
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