Field Researcher

Ohio Democratic Party; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

A political organization seeks a Field Researcher for the 2026 gubernatorial campaign in Columbus, Ohio. The role involves monitoring events, coordinating volunteers, and providing research support. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication skills, attention to detail, and flexibility to travel. Previous campaign experience is preferred. This entry-level position requires a commitment of at least 40 hours per week with competitive pay and full benefits.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.
• Flexibility to travel at short notice, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to monitor a 24-hour news cycle.

Responsibilities

• Monitor interviews, news coverage, and events.
• Maintain an event calendar of opponent activities.
• Organize and recruit volunteers for events.

Skills

Writing and communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Flexibility to adapt

Ability to meet deadlines

Job description

ABOUT OHIO

State Parties are responsible for building infrastructure necessary for successful candidate campaigns up and down the ballot. Over the last few years, Ohio Democrats built a year-round organizing model driven by local community activists and volunteers. Ohio Dems are testing new technology and programs to build a modern, data-driven and nimble force to elect Democrats statewide now and in the future.

In 2026, every statewide office will be on the ballot – including the governor’s race and a special election to elect a U.S. Senator to the seat currently occupied by appointed Senator Jon Husted. With 3 DCCC Frontline Races to protect and 3 additional seats targeted by the DCCC, the path to a Democratic majority in the U.S. House and Senate will once again run through Ohio in 2026.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Ohio Democratic Party is seeking a Field Researcher for the 2026 gubernatorial race. The Field Researcher will be a key member of the research team responsible for monitoring and reporting on candidate events, statements, media appearances, and activities both in-person and virtually as well as coordinating and organizing volunteers to attend events. The Field Researcher will work closely with both the Research and Communications teams, including senior leadership. This position will be based in Columbus, Ohio, but the Field Researcher will be expected to travel as necessary.

ROLE OVERVIEW

• Identify and monitor real-time interviews, news coverage, and opponent events
• Maintain and regularly update an event calendar of opponent events and appearances
• Attend and record events attended by opponents
• Coordinate and organize volunteers to attend events that we know or suspect our opponent will be attending, in addition to attending events themselves
• Recruit, train, and manage all volunteer tracking and provide regular and proactive updates to senior staff
• Transcribe audio and video and write and distribute timely reports describing events, interviews, and media appearances
• Provide additional research support to the department as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle to get to and from events
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and travel to events upon short notice, including nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to monitor a 24-hour news cycle
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and critical thinking ability
• An interest in starting a career in electoral politics or political research
• Previous campaign volunteer or internship experience preferred, but not required

Reports to: Communications Director

How to Apply

This is an entry-level position. To apply, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/c54SkHSj7MeYyuym8

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and full benefits including PTO as needed, health, dental, and voluntary vision insurance. The hourly expectation will fluctuate depending on the campaign cycle, but will be a minimum of 40 hours per week. Applicants must live in or be willing to relocate to Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio Democrats recognize our success requires a diverse mix of talented people. We are focused on building a staff that is diverse in race, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Candidates of color, women, LGBTQI, and more are encouraged to apply.