Polling Analyst

Tavern Research•Chicago, IL

7d•$88,300 - $108,900•Hybrid

About The Position

You’ll be joining our fast-growing team as a Polling Analyst at the center of our public opinion research operations. In this role, you’ll design and field political polls, analyze crosstabs, track opinion trends across electoral cycles, and deliver findings that provide critical insights to campaigns and organizations. You’ll also translate polling data into messaging guidance and strategic recommendations that shape how our clients communicate and engage their audiences. This position is ideal for someone who thinks in likely voter models and demographic splits, and is eager to apply rigorous polling methodology to real-world political challenges. You’ll work directly with our customer delivery team to turn survey and polling data into actionable insights that help our clients win. We value in-person work and expect employees based in Chicago to work regularly from our South Loop office. We also welcome candidates based in Washington, DC.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in survey research, polling, or applied research methodology — including questionnaire design, fieldwork, and data analysis
Solid understanding of and strong interest in electoral politics and how public opinion research informs political strategy
Experience writing in R or Python
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously under tight deadlines in a fast-paced political environment
Experience using and optimizing your workflow with generative AI

Nice To Haves

You're curious, adaptable and are excited by AI’s real-world impact and taking on hard problems.
You thrive in high-stakes environments, learning on the fly, and delivering under pressure.
Skills matter more than credentials (we don’t care if you dropped out of school), and political experience is a plus but not required.
If our mission at Tavern Research resonates with you, we encourage you to apply — even if you don’t check every box!
You don’t need a degree to work here. You just need to be exceptional at the things we’re asking from you.

Responsibilities

Manage survey fieldwork and data collection processes, maintaining data quality, sample integrity, and timely delivery of research projects
Clean, process, and analyze survey data, applying weighting, coding, and statistical methods to produce reliable research deliverables and key insights
Develop and refine survey questionnaires and research instruments, including question wording, ordering, response scale design, and validity checks to ensure actionable results
Design and field surveys and polls using our proprietary research tools, applying best practices in sampling methodology, instrument design, and fieldwork management
Use generative AI to improve your efficiency and develop advanced workflows
Assist in creating memos and presentations to effectively communicate research findings
Use research findings to inform and shape client communication strategies, including messaging guidance and audience targeting recommendations