Research Associate - Defending EducationTalent Market

About Defending EducationDefending Education is a national grassroots organization working to reclaim our schools from activists imposing harmful agendas. Through network and coalition building, investigative reporting, litigation, and engagement on local, state, and national policies, we are fighting indoctrination in the classroom — and promoting the restoration of a healthy, non-political education for our kids.DE receives tips from around the country, investigating leads and filing Freedom of Information Act requests to connect the dots; files complaints with the Department of Education; and, when necessary, files lawsuits to hold schools accountable for violating students’ civil rights.About the RoleDefending Education is seeking a Research Associate who will be responsible for assisting with research, writing dispatches and larger reports, and using AI to compile and synthesize information. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, highly organized, and excited about leveraging artificial intelligence to improve research processes. They should be comfortable using AI tools to gather and synthesize information while exercising strong judgment to verify facts, evaluate sources, and produce accurate, high-quality work products. The successful candidate will be a quick learner with excellent written communication skills and a passion for turning complex information into actionable insights. The Research Associate will report directly to the Director of Research. This is a full-time role that can be based anywhere in the US. The estimated salary range for this role is $55,000 - $70,000, depending on skills and experience.ResponsibilitiesAssist the Director of Research with compiling information for research projectsFile FOIA requests with different agencies to gather informationMaintain the DE FOIA libraryConduct research on policy issues, industries, organizations, legislation, market trends, and other topics as assignedUtilize AI tools and emerging technologies to accelerate research and improve information gatheringDevelop and refine prompts to generate research summaries and identify relevant sourcesVerify, fact-check, and validate AI-generated content using reputable primary sourcesUse the gathered information and data to write dispatches and research projects for DEQualificationsExperience: 1-2 years of experience working in a professional setting (internships will be counted as experience)Strong written communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex topics clearly and conciselyExperience using generative AI tools for research, drafting, and information gatheringExcellent time management skills and the ability to juggle competing priorities at the same time Strong attention to detailNaturally curious and self-motivated, with the ability to independently identify research needs, pursue answers, and deliver actionable insightsA basic understanding of education topics and issuesA passion and commitment to advancing DE’s missionHow to ApplyQualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:Cover letter including:An introductory paragraph(s) describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to Defending Education’s mission and how you came to those beliefs.Salary requirements ResumeApplications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.Questions can be directed to Katie Krout, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: katie.krout@talentmarket.org There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please. Talent Market is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.