[Hiring] News Team Staff Researcher @Ballotpedia

Role Description

Ballotpedia is seeking a full-time, 100% remote Staff Researcher to join our News Team. The News Team is responsible for identifying and capturing mission-related news events to provide audiences with clear, accurate, and impartial political information.

• Track and update readers on hard-to-find items, including state legislative candidate declarations and political party ballot status.
• Conduct and organize extensive research using various media, political websites, and official government sources.
• Distill complex topics into neutral and concise information for a variety of audiences.
• Produce work under regular deadlines and reprioritize tasks as needed.
• Demonstrate a driving desire for accuracy, completeness, innovation, and neutrality.
• Welcome constructive feedback as an opportunity for growth.
• Research obscure information online and conduct outreach to government officials as needed.
• Collaborate within the News Team and across Ballotpedia’s other departments.

Qualifications

• A demonstrated passion for Ballotpedia’s mission.
• Knowledge of the United States' political system and elections.
• Experience working with databases and spreadsheets.
• Experience in writing and/or editing (professional experience preferred).
• Superb organizational skills and a focus on detail.
• Self-awareness and a drive toward constant improvement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A desire to work collaboratively with Ballotpedia staff from multiple departments.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to multitask, set priorities, and follow through.
• A drive for innovation and flexibility, with proactive problem-solving abilities.
• A willingness to work periodic evenings and weekends.
• Interest in or experience using AI tools to increase productivity.

Requirements

• Monitor a specific list of sources for breaking news updates.
• Update relevant articles based on identified stories.
• Work extensively within Ballotpedia’s database to track and update information.
• Ensure data accuracy on-site and in the database.
• Conduct regular reviews of lists of officeholders and candidates.
• Follow processes, systems, and procedures as assigned by editors and supervisors.
• Generate content about complex topics in a neutral, clear, and concise manner.
• Conduct systematic research to collect data related to officeholders, candidates, and elections.
• Proofread content effectively, efficiently, and consistently.
• Interact with co-workers, customers, and the media professionally.
• Research jurisdictions not currently receiving detailed coverage for potential inclusion.
• Complete designated tracking spreadsheets to capture updates over time.

Benefits

• Flexible work environment with unlimited vacation and flexible scheduling.
• Annual benefits stipend of $8,000, paid in equal increments once benefits eligible.
• Stipend can be used for health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement accounts; and more.

Company Description

Ballotpedia is a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing Americans with accurate, relevant, and unbiased information about politics, elections, and public policy. Our mission is to ensure that the only unknown on your ballot is who gets your vote.

• We value innovation, humility, intellectual curiosity, drive, and a collaborative spirit.
• Committed to continuously improving our offerings to better serve our audiences, readers, and candidates.