Senior Researcher

Tavern Research•Chicago, IL

7d•$145,000 - $185,000

About The Position

Tavern’s Senior Researcher is one of the organization’s primary polling voices, responsible for running sophisticated studies, owning deliverables, and translating data into credible guidance on campaigns and policy issues. The role involves sharpening messaging across a wide range of issues and candidates, pressure-testing findings, and applying seasoned political judgment throughout the research and content process. The Senior Researcher works closely with leadership, research, and product teams, and supports client briefings and press interactions when senior leadership needs backup. The position combines research design and analysis with editorial, client-facing, and operational responsibilities. Tavern values in-person work and expects Chicago-based employees to work regularly from its South Loop office. Remote candidates are also welcome, ideally based in Washington, DC.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in polling, public opinion research, or political consulting.
Strong command of survey methodology and statistical analysis.
Experience with statistical and data tools such as R, Python, or similar.
Proven ability to synthesize complex data into concise strategic guidance.
Experience presenting findings to clients, executives, or campaign leadership.
Experience with political campaigns or advocacy organizations.
Political instinct and an understanding of what will and will not resonate with clients.
Comfort in external-facing settings such as client briefings, press interactions, or conference panels, or strong willingness to grow into them.
Familiarity with voter files, turnout models, and audience segmentation.
Interest in using new technology to improve systems and outcomes.

Nice To Haves

People management experience.

Responsibilities

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.
Apply RCTs, MaxDiff, conjoint, and other advanced survey designs to address strategic questions.
Catch data problems early through a quality-first approach.
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 that translates survey research into language that moves target audiences.
Conduct cross-tab and subgroup analysis.
Translate findings into written memos, presentations, and briefings that non-experts can act on.
Deliver in-depth polling briefings to clients and campaign leadership when needed.
Represent Tavern’s research professionally and with political instinct in external settings.
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.