What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate - Data Analysis position at The Center for Election Innovation & Research?
Research Associate – Data Analysis
Location: Washington, D.C.
Organization: The Center for Election Innovation & Research
About Us:
The Center for Election Innovation & Research (“CEIR”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, whose core mission is to work with election officials and build confidence in elections that voters should trust and do trust. CEIR has a proven record of working in a nonpartisan manner with election officials from around the country and from both sides of the aisle.
CEIR’s Research team seeks to support election officials in administering elections, ensuring election integrity and security, and restoring public confidence in our election system.
Position Overview:
CEIR is seeking a dedicated and qualified Research Associate – Data Analysis to join our team (highly qualified candidates may be considered for a Senior Research Associate position). The Research Associate will work under the direction of the Research Director and in collaboration with other colleagues to support CEIR’s research initiatives. These initiatives include research and data analysis related to election administration policy, procedures, and practices. As an integral member of the Research team, the Research Associate – Data Analysis will support CEIR’s mission by performing thoughtful data collection, analysis, and visualization for research reports, presentations, and other materials for CEIR’s diverse audience of election officials, policymakers, the media, and key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collect, manage, clean, and perform checks of data using a combination of automated and manual processes
- Analyze data using appropriate data and statistical software
- Help draft reports, issue briefs, and products for publication and/or presentation
- Create data visualizations and written analyses for internal and external audiences
- Assess availability, quality, and appropriateness of data to address substantive questions about election administration policy, procedures, and practices
- Collaborate with others on the Research team to assess where CEIR’s work can have the biggest impact, identify opportunities, and develop research proposals
- Develop expertise on issues relevant to CEIR’s mission, including election administration policies, procedures, and practices across the United States
- Monitor trends, research, and publications to inform CEIR’s research portfolio
- Promote a team culture of continuous improvement that values learning, quality, collaboration, positivity, and transparency
- Maintain effective communication with team members and participate in regular team meetings
Qualifications:
- Experience with quantitative research methods, including (1) advanced statistical analysis and (2) data collection, manipulation, and management
- Proficiency in statistical techniques and knowledge of descriptive and inferential statistics and their appropriate uses
- Proficiency with data wrangling, formatting, and cleaning across multiple data sources
- Fluency with statistical tools (e.g., R, Python, SQL), data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, R, Python, Excel), and Microsoft Office applications
- Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills
- Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and consistent quality work while meeting deadlines
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and adjust to changing priorities
- Passion for election administration policies, procedures, and practices; prior work on or knowledge of these issues is a plus
- Ability to work objectively and in a nonpartisan manner with respect to CEIR’s research, election officials (regardless of party affiliation), and election issues generally
- Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, political science, public policy, or a related field required
- A master’s, other advanced degree, or equivalent experience, is not required. However, applicants with these qualifications may be considered for Senior Research Associate.
Benefits
- Salary Range: $53,000-69,000 (Senior Research Associate range: $72,000-89,000)
- Comprehensive benefits package, including:
- up to 100% of health, dental, and vision insurance premiums paid for by CEIR
- a 401(k) plan that vests immediately and with up to 5% match (i.e., CEIR matches 100% of your contributions up to 5% of your annual pay)
- at least 12 weeks of paid family leave (covers parental leave, serious family/own illness, etc.)
- Flexible work schedule
- Professional development and training opportunities
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following to https://electioninnovation.org/careers/apply/:
- Resume
- Cover letter or statement of interest (no more than 800 words)
- Up to 3 references
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If invited to interview, you will be required to provide a work sample. First round interviews will be conducted by members of the Research team. One to two additional interviews will follow for final candidates.
Questions? Email us at jobs@electioninnovation.org
Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
CEIR is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Salary : $53,000 - $89,000