Research Fellow

Alliance Defending Freedom•Scottsdale, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is seeking a dedicated Research Fellow to join its Research & Innovation team. This role is crucial for anticipating legal and cultural threats, producing significant scholarship, and translating ideas into actionable litigation, legislation, and cultural influence. The Research Fellow will report to and support a Senior Fellow in executing a specific research portfolio within the team’s strategic focus areas. These areas include, but are not limited to, artificial intelligence and freedom of speech and religion; global censorship and concentrated power; the intersection of biosciences and assisted reproductive technology with the right to life; online child safety and free speech; education freedom and parental rights; and religious liberty and public institutions. The Fellow may also be assigned to support other team members as needed. This position operates under the direction of the Senior Counsel and Vice President for Research & Policy Innovation, and the Special Counsel to the President.

Requirements

A J.D. or advanced graduate degree (M.A., M.S., or equivalent) in policy, theology, history, philosophy, political science, or a closely related field is strongly preferred; candidates with a strong undergraduate record and demonstrated research excellence may be considered.
A minimum of three years of experience.
Alignment with ADF’s mission and the ability to engage the conservative movement and the Church with credibility and authenticity.

Responsibilities

Conduct legal, policy, and interdisciplinary research using AI-assisted and traditional methods to support the assigned Senior Fellow’s focus area.
Monitor legislative, regulatory, judicial, and cultural developments relevant to the team’s strategic focus areas and prepare timely summaries and briefing materials.
Identify and synthesize emerging threats and opportunities for the Senior Fellow's evaluation and strategic development.
Assist in researching and drafting model legislation, regulatory comments, suggestions for amicus briefs, policy papers, and white papers.
Draft, edit, and prepare written work products, including research memoranda, background papers, annotated bibliographies, and first drafts.
Assist in preparing congressional and legislative testimony, talking points, and public commentary.
Ensure accuracy of citations, sources, and factual claims in all work products.
Assist in planning and executing colloquia, symposia, pop-up salons, and strategic gatherings, including logistics, participant coordination, background preparation, and post-event documentation.
Prepare briefing materials, speaker profiles, and research summaries for external engagements, media appearances, and speaking events.
Support alliance-building activities by conducting background research on potential partners, institutions, and policy leaders.
Contribute to ADF’s broader programmatic events, such as conferences, panel discussions, and public lectures.
Collaborate with other Research Fellows and team members to share research findings and support cross-team initiatives.
Assist in maintaining ADF’s knowledge management systems and research infrastructure.