Election Research Intern - Part time

PBS39; Bethlehem (Northampton County); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

PBS39 in Bethlehem seeks a detail-oriented researcher to examine voting records, sponsored legislation, and public positions of state House candidates. This role feeds candidate profiles and voter guide content ahead of the fall election.

The position requires analyzing incumbents and challengers across six topics, tracking votes, and flagging legislation; it also supports follow-up outreach and editor-reviewed reporting. Hybrid schedule and background checks apply.

Qualifications

• A detail-oriented researcher.
• Knowledge about political campaigns and research.

Responsibilities

• Identify key bills tied to the six topics and track how incumbents voted.
• Flag any legislation the incumbent introduced or co-sponsored addressing these topics.
• For challengers with local-government experience, research any legislation or measures they introduced touching the six topics.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Research

Public policy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism/public policy

Job description

• Research the voting records, sponsored legislation, and public positions of the 20 candidates running in the Lehigh Valley's 10 competitive state House races, across six topics: ICE/Immigration, Data Centers, Energy, Housing, Education Funding, and Marijuana. Findings feed candidate profiles and voter guide content ahead of the fall election.

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

• Research the voting records, sponsored legislation, and public positions of the 20 candidates running in the Lehigh Valley's 10 competitive state House races, across six topics: ICE/Immigration, Data Centers, Energy, Housing, Education Funding, and Marijuana. Findings feed candidate profiles and voter guide content ahead of the fall election.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Tasks)

Incumbents

• Identify key bills tied to each of the six topics (editor-assigned, hands-on for this part)
• Track how each incumbent voted on those bills
• Flag any legislation the incumbent introduced or co-sponsored addressing these topics

Challengers

• For candidates with prior local-government experience (Jeff Warren, 137th; Ce-Ce Gerlach and possibly Robert Smith, 22nd), research any legislation or measures they introduced at that level touching the six topics
• Review campaign websites, social media, and public statements for stated positions on each topic
• Note where no public record exists on a given topic

Gaps and follow-up

• Flag candidates/topics with no paper trail
• Assist with follow-up outreach or interview questions when direct records aren't available (editor will determine format, phone/in-person preferred over email)

Output

• Structured research files per candidate/topic (format to be provided), summarizing sourced findings for editor review and further reporting.
• All other duties as assigned.

This position will have flexibility to work on a hybrid schedule based on needs of the business and role.

Requirements

KEY COMPETENCY COMPONENTS (Behaviors Exhibited):

• SKILLS: (Ability to use knowledge effectively and competently in execution)
• A detail-oriented researcher.
• KNOWLEDGE: (Facts acquired by a person through experience or education)
• Knowledge about political campaigns and research.
• Knowledge experience with Public Media or similar organizations.
• EXPERIENCE: (Work experience, degree attainment, professional certifications)
• Working toward Bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science, communications or government/public policy.
• TRAITS: (Distinguishing qualities of a person)
• A creative team-player that can build and execute an event strategy that meets our organizational goals.
• CHARACTERISTICS: (The special trait that makes a person unique)
• A passionate ambassador, able to inspire and engage the broader community with the organization’s mission.

Other Work Requirements

• May be asked to work longer hours and occasional weekends with short notice.
• As you will/may be driving a company vehicle or your own vehicle for company business, a valid driver’s license and a good driving record as determined by a driver’s license background check is required for this position.
• All team members must successfully pass a background check (7 years), FBI fingerprint clearance and PA child clearance.