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Issue One · 1 week ago

Policy and Research Associate

WASHINGTON, District of Columbia, United States

Full-time

Hybrid

Entry Level

$61K/yr - $71K/yr

1+ years exp

Issue One is a leading crosspartisan political reform group in Washington, D.C. The Policy & Research Associate will support the Policy Team in areas such as technology reform and money in politics, contributing to policy development, research, writing, and project management.

Politics

Responsibilities

Track and analyze federal and state legislation, regulatory actions, court rulings, and political developments across Issue One’s core issue areas, with a particular emphasis on technology reform and money in politics

Conduct background research to support written products, policy development, advocacy strategies, and campaign planning

Identify emerging trends, gaps, and opportunities in the policy landscape

Provide analysis to help shape Issue One’s positions, recommendations, and long-term reform priorities

Provide timely, objective guidance to colleagues on policy details, legislative history, or issue-area developments

Regularly propose ideas for policy and research-related written products

Draft and contribute to writing projects and products related to Issue One’s core issue areas, including policy memos, reports, fact sheets, briefers, talking points, articles, and other materials for policymakers, partners, media, and the public

Regularly review news articles, academic reports, government filings, and other materials, and synthesize complex information into clear, accessible, actionable formats for internal and external stakeholders

Assist with the fact-checking of Issue One materials

Collaborate with the Communications team to create effective messages, including for social media content

Create, maintain, and clean datasets and databases in support of research and policy objectives

Conduct qualitative and basic quantitative research to inform Issue One’s policy, advocacy, and public education efforts

Help maintain Issue One’s internal knowledge base, trackers, and shared research resources

Support planning and execution of in-person and online policy events, roundtables, and briefings

Contribute to the development of Issue One’s strategic priorities, long-term goals, and annual policy objectives

Support the onboarding and occasional project-specific supervision of interns

Provide administrative and project management support as needed, including occasional logistics and scheduling

Attend events on behalf of Issue One, including taking notes and reporting back to other Issue One staff on key takeaways

Build relationships with other advocates interested in our work

Qualification

Policy researchLegislative trackingWriting skillsData managementProject managementMicrosoft OfficeGoogle WorkspaceInterpersonal skillsTime managementAttention to detail

Required

Minimum 1–3 years of experience in policy research, advocacy, legislative tracking, political science, government, journalism, or a related field

Strong organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills

Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and meet deadlines

Experience drafting policy and/or research products

Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear and compelling content for internal and external audiences

Strong research abilities, including source evaluation and synthesis of qualitative and quantitative information

High level of organization, strong attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams

Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities

Ability to work independently, as well as with a team

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and comfortability with spreadsheets

Commitment to Issue One's cross-partisan mission and to strengthening American democracy

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

Preferred

Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent experience

Experience working with coalitions, policymakers, or advocacy networks is a plus

Experience applying and interpreting research techniques and methods (survey methods, quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research) is a plus

Experience using statistical programming tools (such as R or Stata) is a plus, but not required

Demonstrated interest in defending democracy, protecting free and fair elections, reforming campaign finance and government ethics, and/or pushing social media platforms to be more accountable and transparent

Benefits

All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan, with Issue One paying 100% of the premium.

The organization also covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff.

Staff receive over 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures.

Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for internet and commuting, and promotes a hybrid work environment that allows for working from home while establishing regular in-person office opportunities twice a week.

Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance.

Additionally, all staff members are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization offers several opportunities for fun and fellowship.