Deputy Director - Research & Insights, Political Polling

Salary Range: 120000 to 140000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

How You Will Contribute

Research Strategy & Execution

Work with the Director to set research priorities aligned with organizational strategy.
Design and execute polling, focus groups, IDIs, mixed-method research, and message testing.
Analyze findings across projects to identify trends and guide legislative strategy, regulatory engagement, and communications.
Identify emerging research needs and lead rapid-response research.
Ensure methodological rigor, compliance, and quality control.

Communications & External Engagement

Present findings to lawmakers, donors, coalition partners, and media.
Represent YES in research coalitions and convenings, strengthening its reputation as a trusted insights partner.
Partner and coordinate across internal teams.

Project Management

Execute projects from questionnaire development through fielding, analysis, and final deliverables.
Maintain an internal insights library and knowledge base.
Support fundraising and grant reporting with data-driven evidence.

What You Will Bring

8+ years in polling and public opinion research, including work at a political polling firm.  
Direct experience executing legislative district, statewide, and national surveys.
Direct experience moderating qualitative research.  
Mastery of survey design, audience sampling, quota setting, crosstab design, and data set weighting.  
Familiarity with voter files, turnout models, sample design, and electoral audiences.
Strong political judgment and understanding of policy and advocacy environments.  
Ability to translate research into strategy and communicate findings clearly to senior leaders and external audiences.  
Strong project management skills, analytical rigor, and attention to detail. 
Ability to travel up to 25% for conferences, focus groups, and presentations.
Enthusiasm to contribute to Stand Together's vision and principled approach to solving problems, and a commitment to stewarding our culture, which champions values including transformation and innovation, entrepreneurialism, humility, and respect.
 

Standout Candidates Will Bring

Polling experience in education or other public policy areas. 
Experience with a political campaign, think tank, or advocacy organization. 
 
Candidates whose experience is primarily in consumer or customer research, brand research, product development, market research, or user experience research should also have substantial direct political or public policy research experience to be considered for this role.  

What Success Looks Like

The Deputy Director is a trusted research partner to the Director and colleagues across YES, independently leading projects from initial question to actionable findings. 

Success means delivering rigorous research on time, uncovering insights beyond the toplines, and helping colleagues apply findings to policy, communications, advocacy, and organizational strategy. This person strengthens YES’s research capabilities and partnerships, ensuring that major strategic decisions, messaging, and policy positions are grounded in credible real-world data and tested public opinion.

What We Offer

Competitive benefits: Enjoy a 6% 401(k) match with immediate vesting, flexible time off, comprehensive health and dental plans, plus wellness and mental health support through Peloton and Talkspace.
A meaningful career: Join a passionate community of over 1,300 employees dedicated to improving lives and driving innovative solutions to complex social challenges.
Commitment to growth: Thrive in a non-hierarchical environment that empowers employees to discover, develop and apply their unique talents.
Competitive compensation: Our approach rewards the value you create through competitive salaries and bonus opportunities, allowing you to share in the success you help drive.