Director of Polling
Reports to:
Chief Insights Officer
Staff reporting to this position:
Senior Analyst
Department:
Advocacy
Position classification:
Exempt, full time; Nonunion - Level 7
Compensation range:
$100,000–$110,000 per annum
Work site:
On-site (Washington, D.C., office)
Summary
American Progress has an immediate opening for a Director of Polling who will lead the organization's opinion research strategy and oversee the full life cycle of polling projects—from questionnaire design and vendor management through data analysis and written communications of findings. The Director of Polling will develop and execute an organization-wide opinion research strategy, working closely with American Progress' Advocacy, Communications, External Affairs, and policy departments to build polling plans that advance the organization's priorities. This role requires deep expertise in survey research methodology, strong political and analytical judgment, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly and persuasively to senior internal audiences.
Responsibilities:
- Work with the Chief Insights Officer to develop and execute an organization-wide opinion research strategy, including identifying research priorities and building polling plans in coordination with internal departments.
- Manage all aspects of polling projects, including designing survey instruments, managing vendor relationships, overseeing data collection, and ensuring methodological rigor.
- Analyze polling and opinion research data to identify trends, insights, and strategic implications.
- Interrogate and evaluate vendor methodology, including weighting and sampling approaches, to ensure data quality and integrity.
- Write and edit research memos, presentations, and other materials that communicate polling findings to the president and CEO, senior leadership, and other internal audiences.
- Work in close collaboration with American Progress’ Advocacy, Communications, External Affairs, and policy departments to polling products that reflect the organization’s research and political priorities.
- Support the Senior Analyst and other team members in understanding and applying opinion research findings.
- Assist with special projects as assigned.
Requirements and qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field (political science, statistics, economics) or equivalent experience.
- At least six to eight years of experience in opinion research, including direct experience with political polling at an organization, campaign, or polling firm.
- Demonstrated experience managing the full polling life cycle, including questionnaire design, vendor management, and data analysis using SQL, Python, or R.
- Strong working knowledge of survey methodology, including sampling, weighting, and crosstab analysis, with the ability to critically evaluate vendor approaches.
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling written products.
- Experience creating data visualizations and reports to effectively communicate research findings.
- Ability to work in a high-visibility and fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects and priorities on tight deadlines.
- Strong political and communications judgment.
- Commitment to advancing American Progress’ mission.
Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter.
American Progress provides a competitive compensation and benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Apply Now
This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.
Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from American Progress.
This is not a remote position.
Thank you for your interest in American Progress.
Additional information
American Progress operates two separate nonprofit organizations to maximize the progressive agenda: the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “American Progress.” The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt research and educational institute. It undertakes research, public education and a limited amount of lobbying. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization dedicated to achieving progress through action. It works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid-response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders. The organizations share office space and employees.
American Progress is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is more than a commitment at American Progress—it is the foundation of what we do. American Progress recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and all the other characteristics that make us unique.
For more information on the Center for American Progress, please go to www.americanprogress.org. For more information on the Center for American Progress Action Fund, please go to www.americanprogressaction.org.