Senior Investigative Researcher

Position: Senior Investigative Researcher

Location: Washington, DC

Status: Exempt, Full-time 

Reports to: Senior Director of Research & Campaigns

About Accountable.US 

Accountable.US (A.US) shines a light on special interests that too often wield unchecked power and influence in Washington and beyond. We conduct in-depth investigations to expose conflicts of interest and then share our findings with the media, public, policymakers, and allies in real-time. We fill a distinct and critical role by holding corporations and public officials accountable for their actions. Our work helps create an economy that works for everyone, a democracy that functions, and a sustainable environment for future generations. If you're looking for a growing, fast-paced organization that invests in its people and strives to create more equitable and inclusive communities, then Accountable.US could be the place for you. We offer competitive salaries, exceptional benefits, and we encourage a healthy work/life balance for our staff. 

Position Summary 

Are you a meticulous investigator who loves coming up with new and creative ways to approach a new research project? Do you enjoy delving deep into an issue and then connecting the dots of what you’ve found to tell a compelling story? Did you love your journalism class/internship in college? Do you have exceptional writing skills? 

Accountable.US seeks a Senior Investigative Researcher to focus on longer term, investigative research, with a specific emphasis on uncovering unreported or novel information to aid research projects across the Accountable.US focus areas. The right candidate for this position will have excellent communication skills, a strong knowledge of progressive nonprofit and advocacy circles and strong networking skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across teams with senior staff. The position will be based in the Washington, D.C. areas though travel on occasion is possible. Some weekend work may be required. 

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks 

• Assist with and oversee discrete research projects and tasks for Accountable.US’s various workstreams, including work on Economic and Democracy issues. As part of this responsibility, the Senior Investigative Researcher may have some project management responsibilities, including potential supervision of a junior researcher at times. 
• Work with senior leadership of organization to define and determine research objectives and priorities that support campaign goals and strategies; 
• Work with project directors and research directors at Accountable.US to ensure that research produced helps support their research and communications goals.
• Develop and execute both short and long-term research plans to support those campaign goals and strategies; 
• Author and/or oversee preparation of detailed research reports/books and other products that have clear narrative arcs;
• Identify rapid response opportunities and craft rapid response products as needed;
• Oversee fact-checking of organizational work products; and 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Ability  

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• 3+ years experience in investigative research or investigative journalism strongly preferred;
• Some background in economic/corporate research preferred; 
• Ability and comfort with managing up; 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; 
• Ability to juggle competing priorities and deadlines; 
• Proven track record for being a self-starter; 
• Knowledge of transparency and government relations and background in issue advocacy preferred; 
• Experience working with research systems and structures; 
• Exceptional communicator; 
• Extremely well organized, detail-oriented and analytical; and 
• Demonstrates an interest and ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

Compensation & Benefits 

The salary range for this position is $75,000-$85,000. Exact compensation package is commensurate with experience. Our excellent benefits package includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, a 401(k) match, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and more. 

Accountable.US Careers 

Accountable.US is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. Our work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working. 

A Note to BIPOC Candidates: Studies have shown that women, nonbinary folks, and People of Color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.