Job Title : Research Director

Reports to : Communications Director

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000/annually, generous benefits package

Location : Madison, WI( Please note: Employment with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin requires residence or willingness to relocate to the state of Wisconsin. )

Start date : Summer 2024

Application Deadline : May 22, 2024 (Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Deadlines may be shortened or extended as necessary. There is no guarantee this posting will remain open until the deadline or be closed on the deadline. This is a suggested timeframe based on organization needs.)

Proudly a Bargaining Unit Position with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

About The Democratic Party of Wisconsin: WisDems is nationally recognized as one of the country’s highest-performing and most pivotal political organizations. During the 2024 cycle, WisDems will drive massive programs to defend the Democratic majority in the United States Senate by re-electing Senator Tammy Baldwin, to re-elect President Biden for a second term, elect progressive candidates up and down the ballot, and work to build volunteer-led coalitions for the long term. WisDems’ work is grounded in inclusion, respect, and empowerment across race, gender, other dimensions of identity, and the rural/suburban/urban divide. Our work continues year-round, collaborating with partners to build a movement that delivers meaningful change for all Wisconsinites. We seek outstanding applicants who share our values and vision to join the team, help win elections, and build a future where everyone can thrive.

The Opportunity: The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is aiming to reimagine the work of political research at the state level. As Research Director, you will lead this effort. We are seeking a researcher eager to challenge the way things have always been done and develop creative new solutions to old problems. In addition to leading the way on long-term and short-term opposition research projects, this role will also manage DPW’s sophisticated statewide tracking operation and play an integral role in approving forward-facing digital and communications products.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Assist with rapid response efforts and media monitoring. 

• Fact-check statements, scripts, ads, emails, and other public-facing DPW content. 

• Compiled press pitches, briefings, and research materials.

• Monitor election activity around the state.

• Manage DPW’s statewide media monitoring and tracking operation in coordination with allied campaigns.

• Complete background vetting as needed.

• Evaluate processes in the department and improve/make recommendations as needed.

• Perform additional specific research responsibilities, as directed.

• Manage direct reports in all aspects of their work and support their success in the role by conducting relevant coaching conversations, providing and receiving feedback, and creating an inclusive and engaging team culture. More specific tasks could include but are not limited to:

• Managing and reviewing time off requests

• Hiring new team members

• Having constructive conversations with team members on performance

• Building rapport and trust within your team

• Leading projects and delegating tasks

• On-year requirements include working outside of normal work hours; including canvassing and other election preparation as necessary.

  Qualifications (Required):  

• Growth Mindset - Able to take and implement feedback.

• Relentlessly Goal-Oriented - Enjoys working toward and achieving ambitious goals. Keeps calm in stressful situations. Has the capacity and willingness to work long hours during peak season, rolling up their sleeves and getting the work done.

• Cultural Competency - Able to build authentic relationships across lines of difference, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender identity, citizenship status, or other identities. Understands how to take an inclusive lens into all aspects of work.

• Management Skills - Ability to manage relationships within your team, bring out the best in your employees, and treat employees equitably across lines of difference; including but not limited to feedback, performance, and engagement.

• Self-Starter - Comfortable taking the reins in your own hands and proactively working towards a goal with minimal direction.

• Research Experience - Experience in a political research role. 

• Agile Communication - Ability to quickly synthesize complex information and communicate it in a digestible fashion. 

• Database Knowledge - Experience with LexisNexis, government databases, campaign finance records, public financial disclosures, congressional and legislative vote records, and other relevant databases. 

  Benefits : Great benefits including; excellent health care ($1/month), dental ($1/month), vision ($1/month), life insurance (free), short term and long-term disability (free), TalkSpace virtual therapy, free Calm premium subscription, mileage reimbursement, monthly cell phone stipend, paid vacation days (starting at 10 days), retirement plan with 3% employer match, 4 floating holidays, 9 paid holidays. 

  Equity and Inclusion : The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has a vision for a deeply inclusive and diverse party organization, membership, and electorate. In order to be successful at the  Democratic Party of Wisconsin candidates must have the cultural competence to successfully work with a diverse array of constituency groups. We especially strongly encourage applicants with close ties to Black, Indigenous, AAPI, Latinx, Muslim, non-English-speaking, disability, and LGBTQIA+ communities. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

  Note on COVID-19 : Candidates will be required to verify that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment, except where prohibited by law. Fully vaccinated includes receiving any booster shots recommended by the CDC or other public health authorities within the timeframe recommended. Reasonable accommodations due to disability, medical condition, or bona fide religious belief will be considered on a case-by-case basis for exemptions to this requirement in accordance with applicable law.

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