Research Assistant/Analyst, Strategic Initiatives

Position Summary:

Are you a mission-driven researcher with a passion for defending democratic institutions and tracking the forces working to undermine them? If so, Democracy Forward Foundation ("Democracy Forward") is looking for a Research Assistant to join its Strategic Initiatives team.

Democracy Forward seeks a highly collaborative researcher to join its team of litigators and policy professionals to help track and assess the activities of the right-wing legal movement and coordinated efforts to undermine liberal democracy in the United States. The Research Assistant will help drive Democracy Forward’s research and data collection on right wing legal organizations, attempts to undermine or eliminate DEIA policies and practices, and efforts to advance anti-democratic law and policy. The role will identify and track these trends, help maintain and develop Democracy Forward’s data systems, work across the organization to develop timely and insightful analysis, and support Democracy Forward’s collaboration with key stakeholders and partners outside the organization to turn data into action.

This position is full-time. Democracy Forward’s office is located in Washington, DC. While this position offers flexibility to work remotely, it requires regular in-office presence eight (8) times per month (averaging 2 times per week). Remote candidates within the United States will also be considered. If a candidate is outside of the DC area, travel to DC is expected 1–2 times per quarter.

The application deadline for this role is July 23, 2026 at 11:59pm ET.

Key Responsibilities:

Below are the key areas of responsibility for this role. The specifics of each responsibility may vary based on the needs of the organization and department.

• Support efforts to track, analyze, and report on the organization and litigation strategies of the right-wing legal movement and its efforts to undermine democratic institutions and the rule of law.
• Work with policy and research staff to maintain timely, accurate, and robust information about these and other legal and policy trends across a range of progressive issues
• Collaborate with all teams across the organization to develop useful analyses and synthesis of data on emerging threats to liberal democracy, including litigation trends, personnel networks, and coordinated policy campaigns
• Stay abreast of current events and the legal and policy landscape related to anti-democratic activities in the United States, including the activities of right-wing legal organizations, dark money funders, and state-level actors
• Prepare briefings for internal staff as well as external stakeholders, such as partner organization
• Support efforts to collaborate and develop partnerships that enhance and strengthen Democracy Forward’s impact, including those seeking to understand and counter threats in the legal and policy landscape

Qualifications:

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If you believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team, we encourage you to apply.

• For Research Assistant: 0-2 years of experience working in research, policy, or legal environments and/or organizations that work at the intersection of government, law, and policy
• For Research Analyst: 3+ years of experience working in research, policy, or legal environments and/or organizations that work at the intersection of government, law, and policy
• Demonstrated experience with legal, policy, and media databases and tools, including Westlaw, Docket Alarm, PACER, AirTable, Muck Rack, and Google News. Experience managing data projects and research functions
• Experience working on teams in a collaborative structure
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational and communication skills
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple, competing deadlines and priorities
• Commitment to democracy and social progress
• Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills including demonstrated self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• This role may require occasional travel for team retreats, conferences, or organizational meetings.
• This role may involve sitting for extended periods and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

The salary for the Research Assistant position is $72,100 plus excellent benefits. The salary range for the Research Analyst position is $75,000 - $90,000 plus excellent benefits. Compensation is commensurate with experience.