Research Analyst
Position Summary
Blue Compass is seeking a full-time research analyst to join our opposition research team. Our team conducts strategic, high-level political research for progressive organizations on candidates and campaigns, and it performs an array of fact-checking duties for clients. We are looking for someone with opposition research experience who can help provide our clients with the analysis and research they need to be successful.
Responsibilities
Work as part of the research department to produce a variety of campaign, long-term, and ad-hoc research products
Collect information from the web, LexisNexis, vote databases, campaign finance reports, financial and legal records, government records, and other research databases, and identify strategic opportunities and vulnerabilities therein
Write concise summaries of research findings
Fact-check reports produced by other Blue Compass Strategies departments
Fact-check campaign materials, including poll drafts, direct mail, and video/audio scripts
Produce strategic reports, campaign plans, and post-election analysis in relevant states
Monitor and clip press coverage regarding developments around key political, legislative, and issue campaigns
Support senior staff on various internal projects
Minimum Qualifications
Strong research and writing skills; an ability to independently compile information and data from publicly available sources and distill it into a concise, easy-to-follow narrative for distribution to clients (these skills are an absolute must)
Familiarity with primary source documents and research databases such as LexisNexis is encouraged but not required
Ability to produce high-quality, accurate research in a timely manner
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Excellent written and verbal communications skills
Strong attention to detail
Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively
Self-motivated, with an ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of our fast-paced team
Blue Compass Strategies is located in Washington, DC. However, our firm works remotely and welcomes applicants who do not reside in the DC area. This position pays an annual salary in the range of $50,000 to $55,000 (commensurate with experience), and we offer a very competitive benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. In addition, Blue Compass covers 100% of employees’ preventive healthcare premiums, with options for coverage for spouses and children. Benefits also include paid paternity and maternity leave, paid sick days, and vacation time.
Please send a cover letter and resume to info@bluecompassstrategies.com and specify “Research Analyst” in the subject line. Please also note where you saw this posting. We will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Blue Compass Strategies is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment—including in our hiring process—and seek to expand diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. Qualified people of all races, ethnicities, national origins, ages, sex, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, marital status, religions, veteran statuses, and disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Political and Research Fellowship
Position Summary
Fellows are trained to assist our analysts in producing strategic political and opposition research to support Blue Compass’s comprehensive state reports, research products, post-election analysis, and an array of clients in the progressive community. Blue Compass Strategies has an extensive training program to help fellows, if needed, obtain the skills sets detailed below if needed.
Responsibilities
Monitoring and clipping press coverage about clients, issue campaigns, and key legislative and political campaign developments.
Collecting data and information for key states, including polling data, election results, candidate information, campaign finance data, legislative partisan control, ballot initiatives, and filing deadlines/qualifications.
Fact-checking reports and memos.
Assisting in the vetting of political candidates, corporations, and spokespeople.
Qualifications
Strong attention to detail
Excellent research and writing skills
Understanding of Excel and Google Docs
Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively
Ability to work collaboratively as a member of our fast-paced team
Preferred, but not required
Previous campaign or labor experience
Familiarity with digital media
Knowledge of Lexis-Nexis, campaign finance reporting, and media monitoring
Spanish language
Please note the fellowship is paid, part-time (20 hours/week). Blue Compass Strategies is located in Washington, DC. However, our firm works remotely and welcomes applicants who do not reside in the DC area. The ideal candidate will be able to commit to the summer term (roughly late May through August 2024).
Please send a cover letter and resume to info@bluecompassstrategies.com by April 15, 2024, and specify “Political and Research Fellowship” in the subject line. Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis. Please also specify where you saw this posting.
Blue Compass Strategies is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment—including in our hiring process—and seek to expand diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. Qualified people of all races, ethnicities, national origins, ages, sex, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, marital status, religions, veteran statuses, and disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Testimonials
“I came into the fellowship program at Blue Compass Strategies, having little research experience beyond academic coursework. I knew I enjoyed politics and had some prior experience with internships in the congressional space, but I was nervous that opposition research was out of my skill set. As soon as I entered Blue Compass Strategies, I was immediately provided all the resources to succeed and learn in an area that was relatively foreign to me. I was lucky enough to stay with the program for a whole academic year and sharpen my writing and research skills, learn how to condense important information into a consumable fashion for clients, prepare reports, copyedit, and so much more. The fellowship program set me on the path for my current career trajectory, taking the skills and lessons learned and transferring them into a government space. Being a woman of color and working in a women-led space also helped me combat my imposter syndrome and be less afraid to ask questions. I felt seen and needed at Blue Compass Strategies, an irreplaceable feeling often not granted in workspaces in the political field.” –Raina Hackett
"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working as a Fellow for Blue Compass Strategies. Coming into my fellowship, I knew little about the field of opposition research, but the staff were patient with me and showed me how to write successfully in the field. As a fellow for Blue Compass, I gained more confidence in both my ability to work in politics as a woman of color and in my skills as a researcher and writer. I am certain that the experiences I have gained working for Blue Compass will aid me in my future career." –Gemma del Carmen