Research Associate

GLPA-LEAD Research Associate Job Description

The Great Lakes Political Academy is a unique program designed to recruit and train individuals

to lead successful campaigns in Michigan. GLPA runs a 12-week General Program, which is

designed to give fellows a well-rounded knowledge of all aspects of campaign management. In

addition to the General Program, GLPA runs an 8-week Specialization Program for each

department within a campaign for fellows who are interested in specific aspects to get a more

in-depth training. The Specialization Programs include 4 different tracks; field, communications,

finance, and data and analytics.

LEAD-Michigan is a new component to the organization to fill a major in-state gap. Michigan has

had a series of candidate trainings without any permanency or follow-up mechanism. Since

there is some overlap in the two models, (LEAD also does activist recruitment and training)

GLPA is the primary driver of the LEAD program and determines the candidate recruitment

metrics. This program has a mission of uniting progressives in a coordinated focused effort to

recruit talented leaders, implement policy change at the local level, and prepare for the future

and believes that the way to accomplish this goal is to have one focused effort to recruit, train

and support candidates and leaders. GLPA-LEAD functions as a 501(c)(4) organization.

The Research Associate will play a critical role in maintaining GLPA’s organizational databases

and reporting tools. This position will continue GLPA’s mission of finding qualified, progressive

candidates to run for office. They will ensure data accuracy, optimize data processes, and

provide insights to support strategic decision making. This is a technical role, but the ideal

candidate recognizes the human quality involved in identifying exceptional candidates.

Job Description:

- Complete comprehensive research to identify a diverse pool of potential

candidates aligned with organization values and goals.

- Conduct in-depth background checks and compile detailed candidate profiles to

assess strengths and weaknesses of a potential candidate.

- Create and distribute candidate profiles, research, and other reports to update

leadership on recruitment progress and findings.

- Manage a detailed database of elected officials and offices on the ballot in

upcoming elections.

- Maintain databases to track candidate recruitment efforts and candidate training

programs to monitor engagement.

- Implement data management protocols to ensure data integrity and security

across the organization.

Job Requirements:

● One cycle of campaign work preferred

● Experience with research preferred

● Familiar with basic skills of GSuite and Google Docs

● Comfortable working with google sheets and other data management tools

● Detail oriented and analytical

● Commitment to progressive ideals and a positive work environment

● Alumni of GLPA program is preferred but not required

This will be a junior-level hourly part-time position at $25-27/hr at 15-20 hours per week. It will

also be a work-at-home position with minimal travel. To apply, please send a resume and cover

letter to Executive Director, Alexis Duling Hart, at alexis@glpacademy.com. Applications and

interviews will take place on a rolling basis until March 15th.

GLPA-LEAD Michigan is committed to diversity among its staff, and recognizes that its continued success

requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse staff that provides the best quality

services to supporters and constituents. We strongly encourage diverse candidates to apply. GLPA-LEAD

Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,

sex, age, national origin, genetic information, protected veterans, marital or familial status, sexual

orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, criminal record information (except where

permitted under applicable law), or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law. This policy

applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion,

compensation, benefits, social and recreational activities and termination.

A Note to BIPOC Candidates:

Studies have shown that women, non-binary folks, and People of Color are less likely to apply

for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a

job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are

most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes

from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay. We would strongly

encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.