Common Ground Collective: Research Associate

LOCATION

SALARY

COMPANY

DEPARTMENT

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

JOB DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW

The Research Associate is responsible for the execution of individual research projects, reports and memos. Candidates with a strong working knowledge of LexisNexis and other research tools preferred. Attention to detail, time management skills and strong writing skills are essential requirements for this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Synthesizing information from government records, polling, media, and academic sources.

• Analyzing legislation, public opinion, and policy proposals.

• Identifying patterns, biases, and implications in data and narratives.

• Monitoring news cycles, and social media for relevant developments.

• Drafting clear, persuasive briefs, memos, or reports.

• Fact-checking, source verification, and accuracy are crucial.

• Ability to work independently and cohesively with other staff members.

• Ability to work under tight deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-2 years of campaign experience and/or internships or entry-level work with campaigns, legislators, advocacy, policy and non-profit organizations, or news outlets.

• An understanding of political systems, legislative processes, elections and current events in Chicago and Illinois.

• Familiarity with current events, policy and legislative issues, in both Chicago and Illinois.

• Previous experience using LexisNexis, Chicago Board of Elections and the IL Board of Elections platforms, preferred but not required.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong attention to detail, organizational and time management skills.

• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information appropriately.

• Willing to work extended hours, late evenings and weekends.

• Other duties as assigned.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

The Research Associate reports to the Research Director.

START DATE

April 2026 - May 2026

LOCATION

Chicago, IL (hybrid)

SALARY & BENEFITS

The anticipated salary for this position is $60,000 - $75,000 and is commensurate with experience. CGC offers a benefits package that includes employer paid premiums for employee medical, dental, and vision insurance.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the position to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

ABOUT US

Common Ground Collective (CGC) is a 501(c)(4) issue advocacy organization dedicated to educating and mobilizing local elected officials, building grassroots coalitions, and proactively engaging voters around effective policies that benefit Chicagoans in every neighborhood. Focused on solving problems and delivering results, CGC supports policies that reflect Chicago’s deeply held democratic values. We work to defeat extremist policies from both the far right and far left that seek to divide our city.

CGC is a nonpartisan organization and operates independently of candidate campaigns, in full compliance with federal and state laws.