Senior Research Associate, Policy

CEIR seeks a qualified Senior Research Associate to join our team.

The Senior Research Associate will work under the direction of the Research Director and in collaboration with other colleagues to support CEIR's research initiatives. These initiatives include matters pertaining to voter registration, voter access, election integrity and security, and election administration policy. As an integral member of the research team, the Senior Research Associate will support CEIR's mission primarily by conducting policy research related to our initiatives and drafting reports and other written materials for CEIR's diverse audience of election officials, policymakers, the media, and key stakeholders. The Senior Research Associate will also help the research team develop surveys and studies and assist with data analysis.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research public policy issues related to CEIR's research initiatives and ultimately, translate research into (1) external documents, such as issue briefs and research reports, and (2) internal documents, such as plain language bill summaries
• Play a lead role in conceptualizing, drafting, and editing formal reports and other documents for publication
• As a member of the research team, help assess where CEIR's work can have the biggest impact, identify growth opportunities, and develop research proposals
• Assist with all research activities, including project design, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of findings
• Develop deep expertise on issues relevant to CEIR's mission, including policies affecting election administration and voter access
• Monitor trends, research, and publications in the election space to inform CEIR's research portfolio
• Support the Executive Director by tracking state and federal legislation related to CEIR's mission
• Promote a team culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning, quality, collaboration, positivity, and transparency
• Maintain effective communication with team members and participate in regular team meetings

QUALIFICATIONS

Research, Analysis, and Substantive Knowledge

• Demonstrated experience in public policy research and analysis, which may include experience in a nonprofit, academic, legislative, or government environment
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and summarize complex information-including data findings and provisions in federal and state legislation-into a coherent and accurate written product
• An understanding of election administration at the state level and of the federal and state legislative processes
• Strong preference for a candidate who has a working knowledge of issues related to CEIR's research efforts, such as policies affecting election administration or voter access

Communication Skills, Work Ethic, and Environment

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including previous experience drafting and editing research reports, policy briefs, or similar documents for both technical and nontechnical audiences
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, as well as the ability to produce consistent quality work while meeting deadlines
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and adjust to changing priorities
• Ability to work objectively and in a nonpartisan manner with respect to CEIR's research, election officials (regardless of political affiliation), and election issues generally
• Ability to collaborate with people in all levels of an organization and the willingness to function as part of a team to reach organizational goals

Computer Skills, Professional Experience, and Education

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.); experience with statistical tools a plus (e.g., R, Stata, or SPSS)
• Three to five years of related experience, including in public policy research, analysis, and writing
• Master's or other advanced degree in a related field

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated individual who wants to join a quickly growing nonprofit that seeks to make a substantial, positive, nonpartisan impact on elections and American democracy. The Senior Research Associate role is a full-time job. CEIR's office is in Washington, DC, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most CEIR staff are currently working remotely. Therefore, while we prefer applicants who live in the Washington, DC Metro Area, we may also consider qualified applicants who live elsewhere.

Compensation

CEIR offers competitive pay, commensurate with qualifications, and benefits (including medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with up to 5 percent match, and commuter benefits).

Application Process

Email the following to jobs@electioninnovation.org:

1. Brief cover letter explaining your interest (less than one page)
2. Resume
3. Writing Sample
4. Three references

Interviews and hiring will be done on a rolling basis.