Senior Researcher
About You
You've spent years doing serious political polling, the kind that shapes how campaigns talk to voters and how organizations make decisions that matter. You light up at the chance to tear apart a crosstab, love obsessing over questionnaire wording, and can sniff out a methodological problem long before it turns into a client problem. You believe Democrats can win more if they use data better, and you're hungry to be part of making that happen. You're not just curious about what AI and new technology can do to the craft of polling; you're genuinely excited to help build what that looks like in practice. If that sounds like the next chapter you've been waiting for, we should talk.
About the Role
You'll be one of Tavern's primary polling voices, running sophisticated studies, owning deliverables, and doing the work that's hard to scale: translating data into sharp, credible guidance on campaigns and policy issues. A big part of this role is editorial: sharpening messaging across a wide range of issues and candidates, pressure-testing findings, and bringing seasoned political judgment to content at every stage of the process. You’ll work closely with our leadership, research, and product teams, and while the role is primarily internal-facing, you’ll also serve as a trusted backstop for client briefings and press interactions when senior leadership needs backup.
We value in-person work and expect employees based in Chicago to work regularly from our South Loop office. We also welcome remote candidates, ideally based in Washington, DC.
Responsibilities
Research Design & Methodology
Design and execute polling, ad-testing, message-testing, and audience research studies
Develop questionnaires and sampling methodologies with strong methodological rigor
Manage weighting, segmentation, and statistical modeling processes
Demonstrate fluency in RCTs, MaxDiff, conjoint, and other advanced survey designs
Apply a quality-first mindset, catching problems in the data before they become problems for clients
Data Analysis & Insights
Synthesize survey results into clear, actionable strategic recommendations
Identify demographic, geographic, and behavioral trends that shape campaign strategy
Write, edit, and refine persuasive political messaging translating survey research into language that moves target audiences
Conduct cross-tab and subgroup analysis with a practiced eye
Translate findings into written memos, presentations, and briefings that non-experts can act on
Client & External Communication
Deliver in-depth polling briefings to clients and campaign leadership when needed
Engage credibly with press when the moment calls for it, because you understand what reporters are looking for
Represent Tavern's research work with professionalism and political instinct in external settings
Operational Oversight
Manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables across multiple simultaneous projects
Mentor junior researchers and analysts
Coordinate with survey vendors, data teams, and field operations
Ensure compliance with research ethics and privacy standards
Qualifications
7+ years of experience in polling, public opinion research, or political consulting
Strong command of survey methodology and statistical analysis
Experience with polling software and data tools (R, Python, or similar)
Proven ability to synthesize complex data into concise strategic guidance
Experience presenting findings to clients, executives, or campaign leadership
Background on political campaigns or in advocacy organizations
Political instinct; you know what will land clients and what won't
Comfort in external-facing settings: client briefings, press interactions, or conference panels (existing experience or strong willingness to grow into it)
Familiarity with voter files, turnout models, or audience segmentation
Love for using new technology to improve systems and outcomes
Bonus: people management experience
To be explicit: you don't need a degree to work here. You just need to be exceptional at the things we're asking from you.
Benefits
Premium health insurance
Unlimited PTO
Office closed for all federal holidays
401k match
Equity
Tavern Research is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.