Research Associate

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE ROLE ABOUT MORE IN COMMON Morein Common’s mission isto understand the forces driving us apart, find common ground, and help bring Americans together to tackle our shared challenges. We work with leaders across fields and across the ideological spectrumto support effective problem-solving, strengthen democratic institutions, and better navigate the dynamics of a polarized society.More in Common US works alongside teams in other major democracies. Globally, More in Common iscomprisedof a team of more than70 people working in national offices in the US, UK, Germany, France, Poland, Spain, and Brazil. Our work is built onMore inCommon’s unique audience and opinion research, grounded in social psychology. We promote a better understanding of Americans’ perspectives,providingfresh insights about not just what Americans think, but why. We find Americans’ views are more complex and varied than is often assumed, and while the most divisive are often the loudest, they rarelyrepresentmost Americans. Our work cuts through the ‘perception gaps’—the false impressions that Americans hold about each other—to highlight common ground,identifythe areas of genuine difference, and reveal ways Americans can come together to tackle our shared challenges. Deploying our people-centered insights, we engage with hundreds oforganizations and leaders across sectors—including community groups, government, media, business, philanthropy,corporationsand faith communities—on a range of public issues.We partner with leaders and institutions to help them navigate the challenges of polarization, communicate in ways that reach new audiences,and execute strategies that bring Americans together across differences. In taking on the challenge of uniting a divided America, More in Common is grappling with a daunting problem that has many dimensions. We believe that we have a better chance at success if our team reflects a broad range of disciplines, social and cultural backgrounds, beliefs, political persuasions, and life experiences. For this reason, we strongly encourage people with backgrounds from across the political spectrum(including conservative, libertarian, centrist, liberal, progressive and Independents),those with disabilities as well as candidates from all genders,races, ages, religious, ethnic, socio-economic backgroundsand of all sexual orientations to apply for this role. For more information on More in Common, pleasevisitour globalwebsiteandU.S. website. DAY-TO-DAY AT MORE IN COMMON More in Common US iscollaborative team ofunder 20 people workingacross the United States. We primarily work together virtually, but with several in-person opportunities tocollaborate together—often in office space in NYC or DC.The pace is fast and the work is varied. Team members regularly wear many hats and move quickly across projects. We stay connected through Slack, weekly all-team and research team meetings, regular project-specific check-ins, and one-on-ones with supervisors. Most day-to-day work is US focused, though some projects involve collaboration with our international teams. We come together as a full team acoupletimes a year and regularly cross paths at conferences and in-person partner meetings. Our research portfolio spans three types of work: externally facing projects developed in partnership with mission-aligned organizations, internally generated research initiatives, and grant-funded projects we develop and pursue proactively. THE OPPORTUNITY More in Common is lookingto hireaResearch Associate. This is a full-timerole.The focus for thisrolewill besupportingMore in Common’s researchon democracy, polarization, topical political events, and social cohesion. The role involves Designing and programming quantitative and qualitative surveys Designing andfacilitatingfocus groups and interviews Managing aqualitativeonline research panel of 300+Americans Conductingmixed-methodanalyses ofsurveyand qualitativedata, including longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses Conducting literature reviews Social media and social listening analysis Visualizing data(e.g., in R, PowerPoint, Flourish, Canva, etc.) Regularly writing up research findings, including inmemos andreports Craftingand conductingpresentations ofdatainsightsforwider audiences Developing new project ideas Drafting concept notes and grantproposalsto support new projects Designing andfacilitatingwebinars and workshops to help practitioners integrate research insights into their program design and delivery Mentoring research interns This role reports toone ofourResearch Managers.TheResearch Associatewill work closely with other researchand communicationsteam members onourUS team. This opportunity is flexible in terms of location, with a preference to be based in Washington D.C.(working in-person 3 days/week), andwill include some U.S.travel.Remote workalsowillbe considered. CANDIDATE PROFILE Throughout our journey as an organization, we know one thing for certain: our team is our greatest asset. We know that sometimes, qualified candidates do not apply for roles based on not meeting all of the criteria; if you are interested in our work and our mission, but unsure if you are the right fit, we encourage you to submit an application. As an organization, we look for great people before we look for specific qualifications and experience. Toreflectthis, the minimum qualification required to be considered is to have or soon-to-have a 4-year university degree. Our work encompasses many substantive areas and uses multiple methodologies, and we do notanticipatea Research Associate will be experienced in all these methodologies or expert in all substantive issue areas. That said, we list below a range of skills that wouldbenefitour organization and contribute most to our work. If you have experience in one or more of these areas, please emphasize and explain this in your application materials. PERSONAL PASSION AND AMBITION FOR OUR MISSION We look for people who: Demonstrate a commitment to understanding the forces driving us apart, finding common ground, and bringing people together to tackle shared challenges. Possess a deep curiosity about how other people think,a strong senseof respect for people whose views may bevery differentfrom your own, and an interest inutilizingthe social psychology and political science insights underpinning More in Common’s work. Are passionate about elevating the voices of the ‘exhausted majority’ Have an ability anddesireto work across the ideological spectrum Holda strong conviction thatyou personally can make a difference in making America a less divided nation, with the humility to understand how hardthat’sgoing to be. Big ideasand low ego! MIXED METHODSRESEARCHER We look for people who have some combination of the following skills of a mixed methods social science researcher. Arekeenly interested in politics and public issues, but you are not deeply partisan. Instead, you enjoy the challenge of finding common ground among people with differing views and those who are disengaged. Enjoy getting into the details of data analysis and data presentation, to generate insights from public opinion research and make those insights compelling and engaging for others. An appetite for and understanding of public opinion research and insights into how public attitudes change Can sift through both small and large quantitative and qualitative datasets toidentifyimportant trends and synthesize the findings. Comfort with navigating complex data sets (e.g., in Excel and R) and creating polished data visuals (e.g., in R, Flourish, Canva, PowerPoint, etc.) Experience designing surveys and programming surveys (e.g., via tools like Qualtrics, Google Forms) Ability to conduct quantitative data analysis (e.g., in Excel, R, Python) Experience with social media analysis or social listening Experience conducting message testing research Cancraft compelling and fresh data visualsthatresonate withpartners Can build stories and insights from quantitativeand qualitative research, creatingclear and compellingmemos, presentation decks,and reports Know how to use AI tools to power your research analyses but also understand AI’s limitations. LEADERSHIPANDPARTNERSHIP SKILLS This role and this moment in the nation’s history call for exceptional leadershipand partnershipskills. While wedon’tlook for a fixed list of qualifications, the following will be especially valuable: A broad range of interests and a record of impactin relevant areas such asdemocracy, elections,politics,socialpsychology,advocacy, campaigning, social history, polling,and/oracademia An exceptional ability to executeand achieverigorousresults in the face of strong headwinds A predisposition for candor in moments when many might be scared to say what they think Outstanding verbal and written communication skills Have strong interpersonal skills and canrepresentMore in Common well with its partners Strongattention to detail incommunicationswithstakeholders Are passionate about helping inform, serve, and grow the nonprofit, nonpartisan democracy,and social cohesion fields Experience with and a capacity to understand people fromdifferent backgrounds, to see the world from others’ perspectives and inspire trust among diverse audiences JOINING MORE IN COMMON Each member of our team makes a vital contribution to our work, and we put a strong emphasis on character, culture, and values in hiring. We look for people who: Are strategic, rigorous, restless, energetic, and creative Are able tothink ahead and get big stuff done Are committed to a process of ongoing learning and experience of a ‘test and learn’ approach Act with humility, generosity, and integrity towards others Are excited to work with heart as well as head Feel comfortable and excited to dwell on the edge but not on the margins Want to be part of an effort to turn despair into hope Here are someadditionalthings we look for: An agile and entrepreneurial mindset A drive to make a measurable difference to society and a track recordto prove it Curiosity and creativity Demonstrable empathy and great listening skills Strong collaboration and field-building skills The capacity to embrace complexity and find a way through it, taking others with you along the way Able to set priorities, meet goals, and evaluate both process and results Resilience under pressure A strong familiarity with a diverse range of communities in the US Belief in the power of a good sense of humor COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The salary for thisrole isin the range of$63,000- $80,00annualrate, based on skills and experience.More inCommon offers excellent benefits, includingagenerous leave policy, matching 401(k),andmedicalinsurance. HOW TO APPLY APPLICATION STEPS Pleasesubmit: A resume Brief response to the following questions: Why are you interested in this position at this moment in your education or career? What makes you suited to contribute to More in Common’s mission? What is one recent trend,discourse,phenomenon,or moment in the U.S. that you think is misunderstood or overlooked? Why does it stand out to you? TIMELINE We willbe reviewing applications on a rolling basis andaccepting themthrough April 26, 2026. We plan to make final decisionsinearly tomid June. Process Submit Application First Round Interview Second Round Interview Written Test Final Round Interview #J-18808-Ljbffr