Research Advisor

As a Research Advisor at the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), your responsibilities will include producing original candidate research memos and books, managing the work of research associates, and editing and polishing research products to ensure accuracy. You will collaborate closely with the Deputy Research Director and may engage in various assignments as needed. You'll have the opportunity to lead projects that range from 3 to 12 weeks in duration, depending on the scope of each research initiative.

To be considered for the Research Advisor position at the Democratic Governors Association, you typically need 2-4 years of minimum experience in campaign research, preferably with a consulting firm, a DC political committee, or directly on campaigns. Strong research skills, attention to detail, and experience with tools like LexisNexis and public records requests are essential. Additionally, candidates should be proactive self-starters capable of producing error-free research independently while also being team players.

The work environment for a Research Advisor at the Democratic Governors Association is designed to be flexible, supporting a hybrid model. Located in downtown Washington, DC, the DGA is currently accommodating remote work options. Staff enjoys a collaborative atmosphere, allowing researchers to delve deeply into their projects while leveraging the support of their colleagues. The DGA has a strong commitment to diversity and ensures equal opportunity employment for all candidates.

The Democratic Governors Association supports the career growth of its Research Advisors by providing opportunities to lead significant research projects that feed into statewide research director positions in competitive governors' races. While there are no guarantees, the skills and experience you gain while producing research memos and books can greatly enhance your qualifications for future roles within the political research landscape.

As a Research Advisor at the Democratic Governors Association, you can expect a robust benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid healthcare (including dental and vision) for yourself, your spouse/partner, and dependents. Additionally, the DGA offers an up to 4% 401(k) matching program, covers your phone bill, and provides other employee benefits, making it an attractive opportunity.

When asked about your approach to producing research memos and books, discuss your methodical process, including starting with a comprehensive outline, thoroughly researching your subject, and utilizing reliable sources. Highlight the importance of structuring your findings in a clear and engaging way. Don't forget to emphasize your attention to detail and ability to prioritize information that aligns with the campaign's messaging.

In response to a question about managing a research team, share a relevant experience where you successfully guided your team towards completing a project. Focus on how you delegated tasks based on each team member's strengths, provided constructive feedback, and maintained open communication to ensure everyone was aligned and meeting deadlines.

When discussing tools for opposition research, mention your experience with LexisNexis, research databases, and public records requests. Be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively used these tools in past roles to gather relevant data. This illustrates your technical proficiency and understanding of reliable research methodologies.

To address tight deadlines, focus on your time management skills. Mention strategies like setting clear priorities, breaking tasks into manageable parts, and employing techniques to stay organized. Providing an example of a challenging situation can help demonstrate your ability to perform calmly under pressure, ensuring quality results even in demanding circumstances.

When discussing the role of research in a political campaign, emphasize its critical function in informing campaign strategies and enhancing communications. Talk about how thorough and objective research allows candidates to craft messages that resonate with voters, anticipate opposition challenges, and effectively position themselves against their rivals.

To ensure accuracy in your research findings, explain your systematic approach, which may include cross-referencing multiple sources, conducting fact-checking, and utilizing peer reviews when possible. This demonstrates your commitment to delivering reliable and precise information, which is crucial in a high-stakes political environment.

When asked about your experience with analyzing primary source documents, share specific instances where you successfully navigated complex data or documents relevant to campaigns. Explain your analytical techniques and how you synthesize this information into actionable insights that inform campaign strategies.

Addressing how you stay updated on political trends, mention your proactive approach to consuming information via reputable news sources, following political analysts on social media, and participating in relevant webinars or events. This shows that you're committed to staying informed, which is vital for effective research in a rapidly changing political landscape.

When responding to how you handle constructive criticism, highlight your openness to feedback and willingness to view it as an opportunity for growth. Share an example of a time when feedback improved your work. This portrays you as a team player who values collaboration and continual development in your professional skills.

When discussing your greatest strengths as a researcher, focus on qualities like analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and strong writing skills. Provide specific examples that showcase these strengths in previous roles, demonstrating how they have positively impacted your research outcomes and contributed to successful campaigns.