Research Assistant

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid – 3 days/week in office)
Start Date: Summer 2025

Apply For The Job

Job Description

GBAO is hiring a full-time Research Assistant to join our team of political researchers and strategists.

As a Research Assistant, you’ll support leading Democratic campaigns and organizations fighting for progress—from workers’ rights to climate action to reproductive freedom. From shaping how campaigns talk to voters to helping them break through on the issues that matter most, you’ll help drive the decisions that win elections.

In this entry-level role, you’ll gain firsthand experience in political research and strategy, develop valuable skills, and be mentored by experienced professionals.

What you’ll do:

• Assist in organizing and executing polls, focus groups, and other research projects

• Monitor surveys and ensure data quality throughout the fielding process

• Proofread and format data deliverables like questionnaires, memos, presentations

• Conduct background research on political campaigns and public policy issues

• Learn to write survey questions and contribute to strategic deliverables

Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a college degree or equivalent experience

• Is passionate about politics and curious how research drives campaigns

• Has strong attention to detail

• Communicates clearly and proactively

• Is a collaborative team player

• Stays on top of their work so nothing falls through the cracks

• Knows their way around Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Has some campaign or quantitative research experience—or is eager to dive in

• You don’t need to know everything on day one—we’re looking for someone with potential, curiosity, and a drive to learn.

Location and Hours

This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC and follows a hybrid work schedule, with three days per week (Tuesday to Thursday) in the office to support collaboration, ongoing learning, and building strong team connections. Mondays and Fridays are regular workdays with the option of working remotely.

Salary & Benefits

We offer a starting salary of $45,000 – $48,000, depending on experience, plus a benefits package designed to help you thrive, including:

• Year-end bonus to celebrate your hard work and our team’s success

• 3% monthly employer contribution to your 401(k), no match required

• 100% employer-paid health insurance (premium + deductible)

• 100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance (premium)

• Free public transit to and from the office through SmartBenefits

• 2 weeks of vacation, 10 paid holidays, and the last week of December off

• Team lunches every other week

• Ongoing training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to launch your career

How To Apply

Apply Here

To apply, please upload the following materials through the link above:

• PDF versions of your resume and cover letter

• In your cover letter, briefly tell us what draws you to this role, the skills and experiences you’re bringing with you, and why you’d be a great fit

• Format for file names: “[Last Name] – Resume”, “[Last Name] – Cover Letter”

About GBAO

GBAO is a leading Democratic polling and political strategy firm based in Washington, DC. We provide polling, focus groups, message guidance, and strategic advice to Democratic candidates for Senate, Governor, and Congress, major Democratic campaign committees, labor unions, and advocacy organizations across the country. Our clients include six U.S. Senators, four governors, and 17 members of Congress, with recent wins including the elections of Senators Ruben Gallego and Raphael Warnock. We also work with leading national organizations like the AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood, NEA, and The New York Times.

GBAO is an equal opportunity employer. We’re proud of our inclusive and supportive team culture, where women, people of color, and LGBTQ people serve in both leadership and analyst roles—because we believe a diverse team brings essential perspectives to understanding public opinion. We’re committed to hiring people of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexes, genders, sexual orientations or gender identities, marital statuses, religions, and disabilities, and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.