Job Description
Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) is looking to hire a full-time Research Associate to join our team in our Los Angeles office. Expectations are that this person would work in the office a minimum of 50% of the time, with the flexibility to work from home otherwise.
This entry-level position is a great opportunity for recent college graduates who are interested in a potential career in public policy and politics, providing a chance observe policy decisions being made and develop a richer understanding of high-profile political campaigns at the local, state and national level. Those who successfully grow in this position will find themselves moving into the position of Researcher, and then ultimately leading research efforts, presenting research findings, and providing clients with strategic recommendations and guidance.
THE COMPANY
Since 1981, FM3 has specialized in providing public policy-oriented opinion research to guide Democratic political candidates, ballot measure committees, private sector corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
Our 25-person company (with presences in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Portland) conducts as many as 300 surveys and 150 focus groups each year, focusing on federal, state, and local elections and issues including the environment; clean energy; housing; climate change; transportation; health care; education; public finance; drug policy; growth and development; and the particular implications of public policy for groups such as people of color, children and seniors. Sample clients can be found on our website: fm3research.com.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Research Associates work closely with senior members of FM3’s research team on all aspects of quantitative research (e.g., surveys) and qualitative research (e.g., focus groups, executive interviews, and online discussion boards) conducted for our clients.
Specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Conducting background research to inform survey questionnaire and focus group discussion guide design
Reviewing and finalizing research instruments for fielding, and writing initial survey drafts
Using Census and voter database information to provide summary statistics of sample universes to inform survey sampling, quotas, and weighting
Refining codebooks for verbatim survey responses
Preparing focus group materials and reviewing verbatim transcripts for strategic analysis
Directing FM3’s Data Processing Team on compiling cross-tabulated survey results
With assistance from senior research staff, directing FM3’s Graphics Team on presentation of survey results
Editing and proofreading proposals, memos and presentations
Observing focus groups, public presentations (before city councils, school boards, etc.), and client briefings
Keeping abreast of pertinent policy issues and changes in the local, state and federal political landscapes
Contributing to the FM3’s evolving methodological approaches to opinion research
Assisting and supporting FM3 researchers as necessary to ensure excellent client service
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must have a strong character, ability to excel in a dynamic team environment, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service, given that our work environment requires interdisciplinary problem solving, often on compressed timelines
A Bachelor's degree is required
Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills
Ability to multi-task, think strategically, pay attention to details, show initiative, and be a self-starter
Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
A high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
Occasional attendance at evening presentations and focus groups
Prior exposure to quantitative and qualitative opinion research is a positive, as well as any experience with electoral politics and public policy issues
For more information, please visit:
https://fm3research.com/about-us/careers/