Deputy Director, Research & Insights

Stand Together•Arlington, VA

About The Position

yes. every kid. (YES) is seeking a strategic, analytically driven public opinion research professional to advance and expand its research capability. The Deputy Director, Research & Insights leads the design and execution of polling, focus groups, qualitative research, and data-driven messaging in support of policy campaigns, legislative strategy, and stakeholder engagement. The role owns major research projects from design through analysis and presentation, translating complex public opinion data into actionable insights that shape advocacy, communications, and policy design across state and federal efforts. This position reports to the Director of Education Marketplace & Insights and works closely with organizational leadership, public affairs, government affairs, communications, policy, and external partners. It also has a dual role at Homeroom Research, LLC, a polling and research firm wholly owned by yes. every kid.

Requirements

7+ years in polling and public opinion research, including work at a polling firm.
Experience managing statewide and national quantitative and qualitative research.
Technical proficiency in survey design, sampling, quotas, crosstabs, weighting, and research tools.
Strong political judgment and understanding of policy and advocacy environments.
Ability to translate research into strategy and communicate findings clearly to senior leaders and external audiences.
Strong project management skills, analytical rigor, and attention to detail.
Ability to travel up to 25% for conferences, focus groups, and presentations.
Enthusiasm for contributing to Stand Together's vision and principled approach to solving problems, and commitment to stewarding its culture, which champions transformation and innovation, entrepreneurialism, humility, and respect.

Nice To Haves

Research experience in education, tax, healthcare, or other public policy areas.
Experience with a campaign, think tank, or advocacy organization.
Familiarity with survey platforms and analytics tools.
Experience managing budgets and vendor contracts.

Responsibilities

Work with the Director to set research priorities aligned with organizational strategy.
Design and execute polling, focus groups, in-depth interviews (IDIs), mixed-method research, and message testing.
Analyze findings across projects to identify trends and guide legislative strategy, regulatory engagement, and communications.
Identify emerging research needs and lead rapid-response research.
Ensure methodological rigor, compliance, and quality control.
Present findings to lawmakers, donors, coalition partners, and media.
Represent YES in research coalitions and convenings, strengthening its reputation as a trusted insights partner.
Partner and coordinate across internal teams.
Manage projects from questionnaire development through fielding, analysis, and final deliverables.
Manage research vendors, pollsters, consultants, and staff.
Maintain an internal insights library and knowledge base.
Support fundraising and grant reporting with data-driven evidence.
Independently lead research projects from initial question to actionable findings and help colleagues apply findings to policy, communications, advocacy, and organizational strategy.