Investigative Researcher

States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to the rule of law and free, fair, and secure elections, is seeking an Investigative Researcher to join its Information Integrity Program team. Reporting to the Director of Information Integrity Program, the Investigative Researcher will help research, monitor and analyze information regarding elections, democracy, and the rule of law. The Investigative Researcher will perform a variety of research, analysis, and project management tasks, demonstrating expertise relating to elections and rule of law issues, and assist in research-based documentation and presentations as needed.

This is a full-time, temporary, contract position that will conclude on December 31, 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Perform all duties in accordance with States United's values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Conduct open-source research on election, democracy and rule of law topics.
• Draft, review, and finalize research documents and memos using new and existing information and research materials.
• Draft, review, and finalize research presentations, including talking points and slide decks on elections, democracy, and rule of law topics.
• Respond to research requests from across States United's team; collaborate with others in the organization to produce and update research and to analyze research and news events.
• Engage with States United's external research partners on research needs and work products, idea development, and research product feedback.
• Organize and track research projects internally, as needed.
• Assist with special projects led by the Director of Information Integrity Program and other members of the States United team, as needed.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in research or investigations.
• Working knowledge of elections, including election administration, threats to free and fair elections, or election security.
• Ability to project manage across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to operate under tight timelines.
• Excellent written communication skills, including editing and presenting information in condensed format.
• Professional proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of applications and online research tools.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities, at times driven by the needs of a news cycle.
• Strong organization, project management skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with individuals and teams at all levels.
• Embrace the mission, vision, and goals of States United and have a deep respect for the role of democracy.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering and maintaining an environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Willingness and ability to work beyond the normal workday, on weekends, and/or more than 40 hours a week as necessary.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.

Preferred qualifications:

• Advanced degree.
• Experience working with elected officials and their teams
• Ability to work East Coast (EST) business hours.
• The ideal start period for this position is early April 2026.

We welcome and encourage individuals to apply even if they do not have all or any of the desired qualifications listed above.

Work Examples and Hours:

Please submit a cover letter and a sample research memo or writing example, as well as the number of hours per week you are available. Applications that do not include these will not be considered.

Compensation + Benefits:

Retainers for this position will be between $10,000-$12,000/month commensurate to experience.

We have offices located in Boston, MA; Brooklyn, NY; and Washington, DC. This position may also be remote within the United States, with travel to attend organizational and team meetings and conferences, and other travel as needed.

States United values a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.