Job Description
Public Citizen is a national, non-partisan, public interest group with over 500,000 members and activists. We focus on corporation power and are helping lead the charge against Trump’s authoritarianism. This position reports to Public Citizen’s co-presidents.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION The research director for the Trump Accountability project will play a key role in our efforts to monitor and expose the abuses of the Trump administration, with a special focus on the conflicts of interests and corporate ties of President Trump and key figures in the Trump administration. The research director will need to propose and carry out a strategic agenda that shines a light on the Trump regime’s corruption and counters his populist pretensions.
RESPONSIBILITIES - Developing and implementing a strategic research agenda based on a rich understanding of President Trump’s domestic and international businesses, the revolving door conflicts of his cabinet, and the corporate-friendly policies of the administration.
- Researching and writing reports, op-eds, blogs, fact sheets and other research products on a wide variety of issues.
- Developing a rapid response system for quickly and accurately disseminating information in response to breaking news;
- Maintaining Public Citizen’s conflict of interest tracker in close coordination with other researchers and the communications team;
- Identifying and executing short- and long-term research and investigative opportunities;
- Working closely with the communications office and any communications consultants hired on these topics to develop an aggressive and ambitious plan to disseminate and publicize the research products through social and traditional media;
- Work collaboratively with other researchers across the organization;
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS Background: Deep and demonstrated commitment to the project and work of Public Citizen required.
Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of and experience with diverse research techniques such as interviews, legal research, and use of government agency, NGO and academic sources;
knowledge of a range of public policy issues; familiarity with using research as a public education and advocacy tool.
Work Experience: Minimum of 10 years research, investigative and writing experience with one or more of the following -- investigative journalism, corporate analysis, think tank and advocacy, legislative or electoral campaigns.
Skills: Strategic thinking and planning; excellent research and analytic skills; strong writing. Quantitative experience, including statistical analysis, a plus.
CAPABILITIES M ust be able to thrive under pressure, juggling multiple short- and long-term projects, and able to meet frequent deadlines, including deadlines with little lead time. At the same time, work must meet the highest quality standards. We want this very same person to work well with colleagues and to have a sense of humor.
SALARY AND BENEFITS The salary range for this position is $105,789–$129,080, plus a generous benefit package. This is a two-year grant contingent position. Below is a list of some of our benefits (please note that some benefits have eligibility requirements).
- Great medical and dental coverage, including full coverage for children
- Three weeks paid vacation for new employees, five personal days, sick leave and more
- 401K plan with a 5% contribution from PC after one year of employment
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
- Sabbatical after 8 years of employment
- Student loan reimbursement program
TO APPLY : Send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to rdapplicants@citizen.org .
Please include your last name and the position for which you are applying in the subject line of your email and in the filenames of attachments.
Public Citizen is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Tags
Full time, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Work at office,