Priorities USA: Research Associate (Survey and Opinion Research)

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JOB DESCRIPTION

About Priorities USA

Priorities USA runs effective, large-scale, digital voter mobilization and persuasion campaigns in key battleground states. We invest in cutting-edge research and data. We build training and tools to grow our collective, progressive power. In partnership with movement allies, we employ innovative digital strategies and empower voters.

About the Role

The ** Research Associate** will support the execution of Priorities’s in-house public opinion and digital media behavior research program. Our program seeks to provide information about how and where voters are spending time online to produce thought leadership and tactical guidance on the future of digital political campaigns. The Research Associate will provide hands-on support to the execution of projects including survey-based polling, qualitative research like focus groups and interviews, behavioral data, and other experimental methods.

This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who:

• Has a demonstrated interest in survey and public opinion research

• Has strong organizational and quantitative skills and meticulous attention to detail

• Cares about advancing progressive policy and working to support Democratic campaigns

• “Gets” the internet – has a curiosity for how online trends, narratives, platforms, and creators are shaping the politics of today

If applicable, the Research Associate position would have the opportunity to play a large role in our bilingual (English and Spanish) research program, supporting our work with Latino voters – fluent Spanish speakers are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a remote position. The role includes occasional travel, and working hours are 10AM–6PM ET regardless of location. We are not currently registered to do business in all locations. ** In particular, we are not currently accepting applicants based in Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, and Texas due to regulatory considerations.**

Responsibilities

• Survey Programming & Fielding: Program surveys (supporting with language translation if applicable), and support survey fielding processes, ensuring accuracy and alignment with research objectives.

• Crosstabs & Reporting: Set up and format crosstabs, apply question text and labeling, and assist in building analysis products (e.g., slides, spreadsheets, or summaries). Conduct quality checks of survey data to check for errors and ensure clean, formatted datasets.

• Open-Ended Data Categorization: Conduct hands-on analysis of open ended data (voters’ opinions in their own words), applying meticulous attention to detail and strategic judgment around meaningful categories and insights.

• Online & Media Research: Conduct topical background research on influencers, podcasts, online shows, and digital trends that intersect with polling data – investigate channels, content creators, trending topics for context and interpretation.

• Analysis & Slide Production: Follow clear instructions to populate qualitative and quantitative slides, work with established templates and visual guidelines, and update longitudinal data visuals.

• Research Tracking & Archiving: Maintain organized records of polling and research materials from external sources; support the archiving of ongoing tracking data and partner research outputs.

• Partner & Communication Support: Support the Associate Director and team with partner deliverables and communication, internal updates, scheduling, and ad-hoc data or insight requests.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of professional experience in survey research, data, polling, or related fields, with a demonstrated interest in political research and/or progressive campaigns.

• Strong quantitative attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy.

• Experience (academic or professional) with survey software (e.g., Qualtrics, Alchemer, SurveyMonkey).

• Experience with basic survey research concepts and how they’re used in the US political context (e.g., polling, sample sizes, and demographic subgroups).

• Quick-learning and problem-solving attitude towards new tools or software—independently researches solutions, learns features, and debugs problems.

• Competency in GSuite tools, especially Google Slides, Google Sheets, and use of spreadsheet formulas.

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience communicating with diverse groups, and an appreciation of cultural differences.

Preferred Qualifications

• While not a firm requirement, Spanish language fluency would be highly valued in this role.

• Curiosity about online political communication, messaging, and the intersection of politics and media.

• Online fluency and awareness of digital trends.

• Experience presenting data in visual slide formats, interest in data visualization and excellent, clear visual communication.

Compensation and Benefits

The budget for this position is $70,000-$80,000 commensurate with experience. Priorities USA’s competitive benefits package includes 100% of health care premium covered for the employee and 75% for dependents, a 401K retirement plan with up to 4% employer match, paid holidays, and flexible PTO. Employees also have access to cybersecurity protection benefits.