[Hiring] Deputy Director, Research & Insights @Stand Together

Role Description

yes. every kid. (YES) is seeking a strategic, analytically driven public opinion research professional to advance and expand our research capability. The Deputy Director, Research & Insights will lead the design and execution of polling, focus groups, qualitative research, and data-driven messaging to support policy campaigns, legislative strategy, and stakeholder engagement. This includes owning major research projects from design through analysis and presentation and translating complex public opinion data into clear, actionable insights that shape advocacy, communications, and policy design across state and federal efforts.

This is an ideal role for an experienced researcher who can operate independently, manage complex projects, and serve as a trusted thought partner to senior leadership and colleagues. The position will report to the Director of Education Marketplace & Insights and work closely with organizational leadership, public affairs, government affairs, communications, policy, and external partners. The position will also have a dual role at Homeroom Research, LLC, a polling and research firm, wholly owned by yes. every kid.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in polling and public opinion research, including work at a polling firm.
• Experience managing statewide and national quantitative and qualitative research.
• Technical proficiency in survey design, sampling, quotas, crosstabs, weighting, and research tools.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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 & Partner Management
• Manage projects from questionnaire development through fielding, analysis, and final deliverables.
• Manage research vendors, pollsters, consultants, and staff.
• Maintain an internal insights library and knowledge base.
• Support fundraising and grant reporting with data-driven evidence.

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.
• Join a passionate community of over 1,300 employees dedicated to improving lives and driving innovative solutions to complex social challenges.
• Thrive in a non-hierarchical environment that empowers employees to discover, develop and apply their unique talents.
• Our approach rewards the value you create through competitive salaries and bonus opportunities, allowing you to share in the success you help drive.
• The anticipated base salary range is $120,000–$140,000 per year, with potential for additional bonus or variable compensation.

Company Description

Working for an organization within the Stand Together philanthropic community is different from many other places. The culture is deeply rooted in Principle Based Management® (PBM®), a framework guided by the principles that drive human progress, such as dignity, openness, and bottom-up empowerment. PBM® empowers employees to be entrepreneurial, to innovate, and to continually drive transformation.

We believe diversity fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. That is why we’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and strive to treat all employees and applicants with honesty, dignity, and respect.