Job Description

Documented is seeking a senior researcher skilled in producing quick-turnaround research projects to support our expanding investigations into threats to our democracy. This is an exciting opportunity for an organized, motivated individual to develop their investigative and professional skills and have a real impact. You would be joining a team of experienced researchers, journalists and policy experts who are committed to exposing the ways in which organized special interests are undermining the freedom to vote, protections for marginalized communities, and a free and fair judiciary. This is a 12-month, term-limited position with the potential to extend depending on funding.

About Documented:

Documented is a nonpartisan investigative watchdog and journalism project that conducts innovative, forward-looking research that exposes the ways in which organized special interests are undermining our democracy. Formed in 2017, Documented has conducted groundbreaking and award-winning investigations into the strategies, funding, and networks of the powerful interests attacking the pillars of our political system. We’ve revealed how the same actors who sought to overturn the 2020 election are working to set the rules for the 2024 election and beyond, and we’ve played a central role in exposing how far-right political actors are seeking to reshape the judiciary and legal system in order to advance an extreme political agenda through the courts. Documented has published co-branded, co-bylined pieces with outlets like ProPublica, The Guardian, and Rolling Stone, and our research has been featured in front-page stories in outlets like the New York Times, Washington Post and the New Yorker, and in broadcast stories in outlets like CBS Morning News and NPR. For more on our work, see documented.net/about-documented.

Role & Responsibilities

The position will take on a variety of roles to support the Documented research team as we expand our democracy work, with a particular focus on producing shorter-term research as new threats emerge, as well as supporting longer-term investigative projects.

The exact job responsibilities are fluid day to day, and require creative thinking and both collaborative and independent work.

Day to day responsibilities may include:

• Conducting open source research on newly-identified groups and targets, summarizing key research findings, and producing memos for internal and external use.
• Identifying new targets for deeper research and investigations.
• Working closely as part of the research team to draft, track, and follow up upon state and federal public record requests.
• Conducting research using campaign finance databases, lobbying and ethics disclosures, and legislation trackers.
• Working with the research team to develop content for publication across platforms, including social media, internal or external memos, or the Documented website.
• Assisting others in the research team on a variety of projects.

You may be a great candidate if you have the following demonstrable knowledge, skills, and/or experience:

• Demonstrated interest and experience exposing threats to U.S. democracy.
• Experience conducting quick turnaround research products.
• Experience in working with external partners and stakeholders.
• Experience with investigative research methods, including tools such as LexisNexis, state and federal campaign finance tools, and ethics and lobbying disclosure databases.
• Ability to stay organized and on top of multiple projects, databases, and large datasets, ensuring that deadlines are proactively communicated and met.
• A keen eye for detail and accuracy in research, writing, editing, and project management.
• Ability to translate research findings into clear, compelling narratives.
• Ability to write clearly and persuasively across a variety of formats, including memos and news articles.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teammates and flexibly respond to changing priorities, as well as self-motivation to work independently.
• Willingness to travel for events or other research needs.
• Willingness to dive in, make mistakes, learn quickly, and have some fun. Our team will be here to support you.

Please note the qualifications listed in our job descriptions are only guidelines. We encourage candidates who meet some, not necessarily all, of the requirements listed to apply. We value transferable skills, including academic, unpaid, and volunteer experience. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.

Documented is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our country, and an equitable and inclusive environment that values team members’ unique skills and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from members of marginalized communities that have been disproportionately affected by ongoing threats to democracy, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, and the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities.

The compensation for this position is $70,000 - $100,000, commensurate with experience. We are a family-friendly organization. We offer a generous and competitive benefits package, including health insurance, which includes vision and dental care; life insurance and disability coverage; three months’ paid parental leave; and generous sick and vacation time.

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