Policy and Research Associate

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $61,000-$71,000

ORGANIZATION

Issue One is a leading crosspartisan political reform group in Washington, D.C. We unite Republicans, Democrats, and independents in the movement to fix our broken political system and build a democracy that works for everyone. We educate the public and work to pass legislation on Capitol Hill to bolster U.S. elections, build a healthier digital information environment for our democracy, improve the ability of Congress to solve problems, strengthen ethics and accountability, and limit the influence of big money over politics.

Position Overview

The Policy & Research Associate is a key member of Issue Ones Policy Team, providing cross-team support across our four main issue areas: technology reform, election protection, money in politics, and constitutional defense, with a particular focus on money in politics and technology reform. This role contributes to policy development, research, analysis, writing, project management, and administrative support that helps shape Issue Ones reform agenda and equips the organization with actionable, evidence-based insights.

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven, proactive, organized, detail-oriented professional with excellent research, analysis, and writing skills, a demonstrated interest in democracy issues, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced advocacy environment. They will carry out multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work. This position offers the opportunity to develop policy expertise across multiple issue areas while supporting high-impact campaigns, legislative engagement, and public-facing communications. They should enjoy working as part of a small team in a mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development, Research, and Analysis (30%)

• Track and analyze federal and state legislation, regulatory actions, court rulings, and political developments across Issue Ones core issue areas, with a particular emphasis on technology reform and money in politics.
• Conduct background research to support written products, policy development, advocacy strategies, and campaign planning.
• Identify emerging trends, gaps, and opportunities in the policy landscape.
• Provide analysis to help shape Issue Ones positions, recommendations, and long-term reform priorities.
• Provide timely, objective guidance to colleagues on policy details, legislative history, or issue-area developments.
  
  

Written Products (30%)

• Regularly propose ideas for policy and research-related written products.
• Draft and contribute to writing projects and products related to Issue Ones core issue areas, including policy memos, reports, fact sheets, briefers, talking points, articles, and other materials for policymakers, partners, media, and the public.
• Regularly review news articles, academic reports, government filings, and other materials, and synthesize complex information into clear, accessible, actionable formats for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with the fact-checking of Issue One materials.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to create effective messages, including for social media content.
  
  

Data Management and Analysis (15%)

• Create, maintain, and clean datasets and databases in support of research and policy objectives.
• Conduct qualitative and basic quantitative research to inform Issue Ones policy, advocacy, and public education efforts.
• Help maintain Issue Ones internal knowledge base, trackers, and shared research resources.
  
  

Project & Cross-Team Support (25%)

• Support planning and execution of in-person and online policy events, roundtables, and briefings.
• Contribute to the development of Issue Ones strategic priorities, long-term goals, and annual policy objectives.
• Support the onboarding and occasional project-specific supervision of interns.
• Provide administrative and project management support as needed, including occasional logistics and scheduling.

• Attend events on behalf of Issue One, including taking notes and reporting back to other Issue One staff on key takeaways.
• Build relationships with other advocates interested in our work.
  
  

Job-Related Experience

• Minimum 13 years of experience in policy research, advocacy, legislative tracking, political science, government, journalism, or a related field.
• Bachelors degree preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Experience drafting policy and/or research products.
• Experience working with coalitions, policymakers, or advocacy networks is a plus.
• Experience applying and interpreting research techniques and methods (survey methods, quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research) is a plus.
• Demonstrated interest in defending democracy, protecting free and fair elections, reforming campaign finance and government ethics, and/or pushing social media platforms to be more accountable and transparent.

Job-Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear and compelling content for internal and external audiences.
• Strong research abilities, including source evaluation and synthesis of qualitative and quantitative information.
• High level of organization, strong attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Ability to work independently, as well as with a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and comfortability with spreadsheets. Experience using statistical programming tools (such as R or Stata) is a plus, but not required.
• Commitment to Issue Ones cross-partisan mission and to strengthening American democracy.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
  
  

Location

This is a full-time, salaried, and fully benefited position requiring 40 hours per week.

This position is based in the Washington, D.C. area and requires in-office presence on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Decision Making

The Associate independently decides:

• How to organize and prioritize daily tasks.
• Routine correspondence and communication with internal and some external stakeholders.
• Standard logistical coordination for meetings and events.

The Policy Director provides approval for:

• Strategic and tactical changes to policy and research priorities and projects.
• Formal communications to key stakeholders.
• Budgetary or contractual commitments.
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Other Policy Team staff will supervise project-specific tasks carried out by the Associate.

This role carries no direct financial authority.

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance.

• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan, with Issue One paying 100% of the premium. The organization also covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff.
• Staff receive over 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures.
• Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for internet and commuting, and promotes a hybrid work environment that allows for working from home while establishing regular in-person office opportunities twice a week.
• Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. Additionally, all staff members are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization offers several opportunities for fun and fellowship.

Physical Demands

• Most work is carried out in an office-like environment, where projects are completed at a desk for extended periods and tasks are performed using a computer.
• During special events, the Associate may be required to stand for extended periods and travel occasionally.
• The Associate may need to lift, push, and/or carry items weighing more than ten (10) pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job as described.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

• Jan. 7 - 25: The position is posted, and resumes are collected
• Jan. 26 - Feb. 6: Resumes are screened and top candidates are identified for interviews.
• Feb. 9-13: First-round panel interviews take place.
• Feb. 16-20: Second-round panel interviews with finalists take place.
• Feb. 23: Preferred candidate named and the role offered (contingent on a background check and verification of all educational credentials).
• March 15: New candidate begins (flexible start date)
  
  

Special Note: While our organization will do its best to adhere to the above timeline, there may be instances in which the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organizations will do their best to keep all selected candidates informed of any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after January 25, theres no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate each individual's unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Due to the volume of applications, we will unfortunately be unable to acknowledge receipt of all of them. No phone calls, please.

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Issue One is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.