Work for Democracy

Research and Training Specialist (contract role)

Common Cause

Common Cause

United States
Posted on Thursday, May 16, 2024
We are looking for a Research and Trainings Specialist to support Commons Cause’s political violence prevention and response work. This is a contract position that will focus on synthesizing information about the political violence landscape, as well as best practices for political violence prevention and response, to create trainings and resources for Common Cause states and partners. This person would be expected to travel to provide in-person trainings and support as needed.
This contract role reports to the Director of State Operations; this role is remote anywhere within the lower 48 United States, and the dates of this contract role are June 3, 2024 through December 13, 2024.
Responsibilities
· Create resources and trainings for Common Cause states and partners to educate them on the political violence landscape, best practices in prevention and response, and other related topics
· Provide resources and trainings on improved targeting assistance for state Election Protection programs based on anti-democracy actors, previous instances of threats and violence, turnover of elections officials, and other non-demographic factors
· Regularly “translate” reports to staff and partners that take information such as reports from online monitoring software and other sources and put it into easily digestible and actionable formats
· Monitor and create regular internal updates on potential political violence, drawing from research from national partners, social media monitoring, and other sources
· Work with colleagues to develop and implement proactive and reactive strategies to mitigate political violence (broader than EP work – this would impact broader democracy work)
· Provide support for coalition work, with a focus on state-based political violence working groups.
· Conduct virtual and in-person training for Common Cause staff and partners on political violence prevention and response.

You will thrive in this role if you have:

  • A strong commitment to Common Cause’s non-partisan mission
  • Strong research skills, with the ability to analyze large amounts of information and content to create actionable insights
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with the ability to lead a training that compels a group of people to action
  • Ability to learn a subject matter quickly; ideally you are knowledgeable about political violence prevention
  • Ability to quickly build relationships and credibility with multiple stakeholders with diverse interests
  • A track record of working collaboratively with others
  • Strong organization skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and comfort with multiple and shifting priorities
  • Openness to feedback and awareness of your own strengths and areas for growth
  • Familiar with office productivity tools, including: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom

The following is required:

  • Ability to travel on average once a week, with an increase in travel in the lead up to elections
  • Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends, including multiple times per week during and in the lead up to elections
Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated.
Common Cause (501(c)(4)) and Common Cause Education Fund (501(c)(3)) are nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots affiliate organizations dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Common Cause has more than 1.5 million members and supporters living in every Congressional district in the United States, and offices in 25 states around the country.