Democracy Researcher

Democracy Researcher
Location: Virtual, Washington D.C. preferred
Experience: 2 - 3 years relevant experience
Term: Full-time employee

Summary:

Documented is seeking early-career researchers to support our expanding investigations into threats to our democracy. This is an exciting opportunity for an organized, motivated individual to develop their investigative and professional skills and have a real impact. You would be joining a team of experienced researchers, journalists and policy experts who are committed to exposing the ways in which organized special interests are undermining the freedom to vote, protections for marginalized communities, and a free and fair judiciary. This is a position that will be supporting the Documented senior research staff, with genuine room for growth and advancement within the organization.

About Documented:

Documented is a nonpartisan investigative watchdog and journalism project that conducts innovative, forward-looking research that exposes the ways in which organized special interests are undermining our democracy. Formed in 2017, Documented has conducted groundbreaking and award-winning investigations into the strategies, funding, and networks of the powerful interests attacking the pillars of our political system. We’ve revealed the secret internal training videos of Project 2025,  and we’ve played a central role in exposing how far-right political actors are seeking to reshape the judiciary and legal system in order to advance an extreme political agenda through the courts. Documented has published co-branded, co-bylined pieces with outlets like ProPublica and The Guardian, and our research has been featured in front-page stories in outlets like the New York Times, Washington Post and the New Yorker, and in broadcast stories in outlets like CBS Morning News, NPR and John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight on HBO. For more on our work, see our About Us page.

Role & Responsibilities:

The position will take on a variety of roles to support the Documented research team as we expand our democracy work. The exact job responsibilities are fluid day to day, and require creative thinking and both collaborative and independent work.

Day to day responsibilities may include:

• Collecting and organizing large volumes of data, then helping to analyze the material and summarize key research findings.
• Working closely as part of the research team to draft, track, and follow up upon state and federal public record requests.
• Conducting research using campaign finance databases, lobbying and ethics disclosures, and legislation trackers.
• Working with the research team to develop content for publication across platforms, including social media, internal or external memos, or the Documented website.
• Assisting others in the research team on a variety of projects.

You may be a great candidate if you have the following demonstrable knowledge, skills, and/or experience:

• Some experience with investigative research methods, including tools such as LexisNexis, state and federal campaign finance tools, and ethics and lobbying disclosure databases.
• Ability to stay organized and on top of multiple projects, databases, and large datasets, ensuring that deadlines are proactively communicated and met.
• A keen eye for detail and accuracy in research, writing, editing, and project management.
• Ability to translate research findings into clear, compelling narratives.
• Ability to write clearly and persuasively across a variety of formats, including memos and news articles.
• Demonstrated interest in U.S. politics.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teammates and flexibly respond to changing priorities, as well as self-motivation to work independently.
• Willingness to travel for events or other research needs.
• Willingness to dive in, make mistakes, learn quickly, and have some fun. Our team will be here to support you.

Please note the qualifications listed in our job descriptions are only guidelines. We encourage candidates who meet some, not necessarily all, of the requirements listed to apply. We value transferable skills, including academic, unpaid, and volunteer experience. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.

Documented is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Documented will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, including a writing test, applicants may request these needs in their application.

Documented is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our country, and an equitable and inclusive environment that values team members’ unique skills and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from members of marginalized communities that have been disproportionately affected by ongoing threats to democracy, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, and the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities.

The compensation for this position is $56,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience. We are a family-friendly organization. We offer a generous and competitive benefits package, including health insurance with vision and dental care; life insurance and disability coverage; three months paid parental leave; generous sick and vacation time and a 401k/Roth investment plan, including an employer match.