Job Description

Senior Democracy Researcher
Location: Virtual, Washington D.C. preferred
Experience: 4-10 years relevant experience
Term: Full-time employee
Salary: $74,000 - $92,000

Summary: Documented is seeking creative senior researchers to support our expanding investigations into threats to our democracy. This is an exciting opportunity for an organized, motivated individual to hone their investigative and professional skills and have a real impact. You would be joining a team of 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 role includes frequent work with outside media and others.

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, The Guardian, and Rolling Stone 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 lead a variety of projects in support of Documented’s work to protect our democracy. The exact job responsibilities will vary based on the senior researcher’s background and expertise—but inevitably require creative thinking, dedication, and both collaborative and independent work.

Day to day responsibilities may include:

• Developing and driving groundbreaking investigative projects.
• Developing content for publication across Documented platforms, including our website, newsletter, as well as preparing research memos.
• Writing news stories for publication with external media partners.
• Speaking with external media and others about Documented research.
• Reviewing, organizing, and analyzing large volumes of material and data to identify and summarize key research findings.
• Participate and contribute regularly in strategy and planning meetings to identify new research opportunities and ideas.

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

• Demonstrated success conducting investigative research and/or reporting, including developing stories, analyzing public information and large datasets, and translating your research into fresh, compelling narratives.
• Established interest and deep understanding of U.S. politics, including the groups, donors, and individuals undermining our democracy.
• Ability to stay organized and on top of multiple projects, databases, and large collections of interrelated documents.
• A keen eye for detail and accuracy in research, writing, editing, and project management.
• A creative and innovative approach to research and problem solving.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teammates and allies and flexibly respond to changing priorities, as well as the self-motivation to work independently as needed.
• Experience in managing and mentoring junior researchers.
• Willingness to travel for events or other research needs.
• Experience using research databases such as LexisNexis, state and federal campaign finance tools, ethics and lobbying disclosure databases is a plus.
• A willingness to dive in, make mistakes, learn quickly, and have some fun. Our team will be here to support you.

The compensation for this position is $74,000 - $92,000, 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. It is preferred that candidates will be in the Washington DC area, but exceptional candidates located elsewhere will also be considered.

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 to apply, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, and the non-binary, LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities.

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.

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