Research Director

Role: Research Director 

About Us

Arc Initiatives is a full-service political, digital, and public affairs consulting firm. Our team consists of experienced professionals ranging from the highest level of national politics, including six presidential campaigns, to grassroots advocacy work and critical state and local races. The team at Arc Initiatives has helped countless clients see the full arc of their initiative and bend it toward the right outcome. We are looking for a Research Director to lead our research team at the intersection of advocacy and politics. As a senior researcher at the firm, you will be responsible for advancing the firm's research strategies for clients including traditional political research as well as integrated communications and research products. The research you produce will help drive narratives around a variety of advocacy and political campaigns.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• You will be an integral member of Arc Initiatives’ political and advocacy team, managing the firm's research program and staff along with the strategic approach for our clients. 
• You will build and oversee the products and strategies to produce actionable recommendations for clients including media and political landscaping. 
• You will be responsible for managing political research clients including candidate vetting and opposition research books. 
• You will work to guide teams on best practices for regular research needs including media monitoring, using Nexus, databases, campaign filings and various search tools
• You will work in partnership with communications and advocacy teams to produce extensive research documents such as: compiling information from public sources including news clips, campaign finance disclosures, travel records and receipts; personal financial disclosures, property, court, and business records; TV, radio and digital media; and research databases, as well as in-depth research analyzing federal, state and local governmental voting records.
• You will be responsible for tracking deliverables and managing outcomes for your clients 
• You will be responsible for timely client and team communication 
• You will support Arc's business development by building relationships and expanding our research offerings for clients. 

Qualifications

• You have 7+ years of experience working on campaigns, for elected federal or state government officials, on Capitol Hill, at an advocacy, non-profit, or similar organization. 
• You are a collaborative leader with at least 5+ years of experience leading a research team or department  
• You have a clear understanding of the political landscape and you want a fast-paced environment where you’ll continually be challenged and grow your skill sets while working on top voter issues during election season.
• You have proficiency with research tools including LexisNexis, campaign finance databases, and public records filing
• Strong understanding of political campaigns and messaging strategy;
• Significant experience and ability to train junior staff on Lexis-Nexis, campaign finance or public records, and/or other commonly-used research databases
• You are a strong communicator with exceptional writing skills and can produce materials with little oversight or editing needed.
• You have experience managing multiple projects on short timelines 
• You’re passionate about progressive causes, particularly political campaigns. 
• You are committed to ​​Arc’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Please keep in mind: Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds only apply to jobs when they meet 100% of the requirements vs. their majority counterparts, which apply at a much higher rate if they meet 50-60% of the requirements. So, with that being said, if you are interested in the role, we would love to hear how you can leverage your talents to be an excellent addition to Arc Initiatives' team.

The Details 

• Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000
• Health Coverage - 80% Employer Paid
• Disability, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options available
• Eligibility for 401k benefits with up to 4% matching contributions 
• Up to $150/mo cell phone reimbursement 
• Commuter and Telework Benefits
• Bonuses as determined on a yearly basis
• This position is based in St. Paul MN or Washington, DC, with a hybrid work-from-home and office schedule. 

Applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis. To learn more about what life is like at Arc Initiatives, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Arc Initiatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, or genetic information.