Research Director

American Oversight is looking for a strategic and innovative Research Director to lead our research and investigative efforts and help shine a light on government misconduct and threats to democracy. We’re a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to uncover evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest.

We leverage our open records expertise to act where corruption and government power overlap. From the federal Freedom of Information Act to state transparency laws, we use carefully crafted records requests to extract information from the government. When the government fails to respond as required by law, our team has the expertise to take them to court and enforce the public’s right to hold our leaders accountable. American Oversight has obtained and published more than one million pages of emails, memos, calendars, text messages, and other records — ensuring accountability, exposing misconduct, and often driving significant corrective action at all levels of government.

The Research Director will lead American Oversight’s investigative work and will set and guide the organization’s investigative strategy. They’ll mentor and supervise our team of passionate and talented public-records researchers and work with the organization’s legal and communications teams to uncover the facts and help the public understand critical accountability issues facing the country.

Job Responsibilities

Specific tasks will shift day by day with our work, but in a typical week, you will:

Lead strategic planning of research and investigations, preparing the team and the organization to meet anticipated government accountability opportunities and challenges.

Manage and drive AO’s investigations on a day-by-day basis, making sure that AO is maximizing its impact in every priority mission area. Identify opportunities for new, high-impact investigations, distill large amounts of information into clear takeaways, and determine when to wind down investigative work with minimal impact.

Hire, manage and make final personnel decisions for members of the research team. Cooperatively build a collegial, inclusive, and supportive workplace environment.

Ensure that the research team has the tools and training needed to conduct creative, high-quality investigative work.

Serve as a member of AO’s senior management team, collaborating with department heads across the organization to advance AO’s mission.

Oversee all internal and external work products coming from the research team.

Foster a culture and processes for the research team that prioritizes factual accuracy and real-world impact.

Serve as the primary ambassador for AO’s comprehensive research. Speak comfortably and with strong judgment to both internal and external audiences about every aspect of AO’s research work and the organization’s larger mission.

Participate in regular planning meetings (typically scheduled during East Coast business hours) to identify new opportunities to amplify and publicize the information we’ve uncovered and inform the public on key issues.

Engage in rapid response to current events, developments, and document releases in AO’s records requests and litigation.

Qualifications

At least seven years’ previous research or investigatory experience.

Experience designing and leading creative, high-impact research and investigations that achieve positive, real-world change.

Understands AO’s mission and how the research team works to advance it.

Proficiency with the Freedom of Information Act and public records requests as well as commonly used research tools.

Communicates and expresses ideas effectively. Has impeccable writing and editing skills that convey our work in a persuasive and effective manner that is easily understood by the public.

Understands and is fluent in relevant news developments, the political landscape and how public records can inform news coverage and government action.

Proven ability to manage staff and drive a team’s performance by setting clear goals and expectations, tracking progress against goals, ensuring constructive feedback, and investing in the development and growth of staff members.

Prioritization and project management expertise. Can accurately assess the time and resources needed to accomplish tasks as well as organizational priorities.

Demonstrated commitment to building positive and collaborative relationships.

High degree of professional ethics and integrity.

Cares deeply about how government actions impact the lives of ordinary people.

Additional Information

American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications listed. We are dedicated to finding the best candidate for the job.

Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with diverse lived experiences. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please contact us to discuss your application.

The starting salary range for this position is $130,000 – $150,000, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package.

American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

American Oversight is a remote-first organization, and our employees can work from anywhere in the country. Our office in downtown Washington, DC, is an optional workspace.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are encouraged by October 18, 2022 to ensure consideration of your application. Following October 18, 2022, we will be interviewing candidates and will continue to review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.