Associate Director, U.S. Politics Research

Company: Dc-Aapor
Location: Washington
Posted on: March 18, 2025

Job Description:

Associate Director, U.S. Politics ResearchApply locations Washington, DC (Pew Research Center) time type Full time posted on Posted 7 Days Ago job requisition id R002838Organization OverviewPew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research in the areas of U.S. politics and policy views; media and journalism; internet and technology; religion and public life; science and society; race and ethnicity; global attitudes; and U.S. social and demographic trends. Pew Research does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew Research Center's work is carried out by a staff of approximately 170 based in Washington, DC. Staff are required to be present in the Center's office at 901 E Street NW two days per week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), and may work virtually from remote locations on the three other days of the week.Position DescriptionPew Research Center is looking for an Associate Director for its U.S. Politics team. The Associate Director will play a key role in managing a research team which provides nonpartisan survey research about American attitudes toward politics and policy. In addition to conducting regular timely surveys on politics and domestic and international policy issues, this department periodically takes on larger-scale research projects exploring current political themes in depth - this includes long-term studies of public opinion trends in values and issues, biannual "validated voter" studies, explorations of themes like public trust in government and the political system, and the Center's signature "political typology" work. The Associate Director will manage much of the team's day-to-day operations, including questionnaire development, quality control, data analysis, writing, editing, visualizations and number checking, and liaising with other research teams and internal stakeholders. The Associate Director is also expected to provide intellectual leadership for the team in conceptualizing the team's research and to serve as a writer, editor and spokesperson for the Center's research.Reporting to Director, Politics, the Associate Director will model best practices in collaboration across teams, as well as in creating systems and processes that help produce the best possible products.Responsibilities

• Manage development and execution of original U.S. politics research
• Manage team day-to-day operations planning, editorial and production calendars, budgeting and staff assignments to projects
• Substantially contribute to the editorial output of the team, including in providing editorial direction to staff
• Supervise team members by providing regular feedback and comfortably addressing performance issues
• Act as a spokesperson for the team's research
• Take an institutional role in setting the research agenda and contribute to management and culture building across the Center as a whole
• Work with the Center's communications team to ensure that the work meets the needs of, and is accessible to, the Center's priority audiences
• Work with the Center's methods team to ensure that the Center's survey research meets the highest methodological standards
• Ensure accuracy, impartiality, clarity and methodological transparency in all research productsKnowledge and Skills Required
  • Must have a passion for the mission of a non-advocacy organization that conducts high-quality social science research and reports its findings in impartial, clear and accessible ways
  • Demonstrated success in project management along with maturity, independence and time management skills to work effectively with little or no day-to-day supervision
  • Dedicated to the highest principles of transparency and accountability
  • Ability to execute on multiple complex projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
  • Excellent writing and speaking skills
  • Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with direct reports, peers and managers
  • Strong inter-personal skills to relate effectively to staff at all levels
  • Strong collaboration skillsEducation/Training/Experience
    • We welcome applications from a range of professional backgrounds, including but not limited to academia, journalism, media or other fields with demonstrated experience in designing public opinion surveys and writing, editing and visualizing narratives using public opinion and/or behavioral data.
    • MA required, with at least 15 years of professional experience in a relevant field or institution (academia, news media, research organization, etc.). A minimum of 10 years of specialized experience in research and analysis, with significant experience working collaborating with others on projects, including in a supervisory role.
    • Demonstrated subject matter expertise in U.S. politics and policy landscape, particularly in public attitudes and behaviors on topics like polarization, trust, values, etc.
    • Advanced skills in quantitative data analysis
    • Proven ability to write clear, compelling and accessible reports on quantitative research, ideally with experience in visualizing and communicating findings to lay audiences
    • Successful experience leading small teams, mentoring others and giving feedbackFLSA Status: ExemptThe typical starting salary for this position is $155,000.LocationPew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center's Washington, D.C., office two core days weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days in a typical work week.Application ProcedureClick on the Apply button, and complete required fields. Both cover letter and resume are required.When requested, please upload a copy of your resume/cv, as well as a copy of your cover letter in the section labeled Resume/Cover Letter. If the documents have successfully uploaded, you should see 2 attached files beneath the "Drop files here" box. Please make sure you have uploaded a resume AND a cover letter before moving on to the next page.Total RewardsIn addition to competitive pay, Pew Research Center's employees enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes:
      • Affordable, comprehensive health care that includes medical, dental (including adult orthodontia) and vision benefits.
      • Generous paid annual leave plan, including a winter break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
      • Employer-paid disability, life insurance and paid family leave plans
      • Up to a 12% employer 401(k) contribution, with vesting at the end of the first year.
      • A 37.5-hour workweek.
      • Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component.
      • Flexibility to telework up to 60% for most staffEEO:Pew Research Center makes employment decisions without regard to age, sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We champion inclusion, diversity and equity, and we encourage applications from candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.About UsPew Research Center is a great place to work, learn and grow. Our culture is open, collegial, collaborative, supportive and down-to-earth. Our staff is made up of more than 180 smart, talented, mission-driven people who care deeply about the work they do. We hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including social science researchers, data scientists, survey methodologists, journalists, graphic artists, web developers, communications professionals, and administrative support and operations staff. In our work we value independence, objectivity, accuracy, rigor, humility, transparency, and innovation. An extension of these values is our vision of a positive, welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration, openness, accountability, and community building - one where everyone can thrive and contribute to the mission.
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