Research Intern

OpenSecrets; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 19,889 - 28,326; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focused on political transparency is seeking research interns to assist in identifying and cataloging the financial interests influencing Washington. Interns will update databases, monitor lobbying activities, and work on research projects. This position provides training in Microsoft Access, and candidates should be quick learners with a background in data handling and political knowledge. The role offers D.C.'s minimum wage of $17.50 per hour for non-credit internships, and the office is fully remote.

Qualifications

• Must be a quick learner and able to think on feet.
• Knowledge of data handling and political context is helpful.
• Training on Microsoft Access will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Identify and catalog interests and agendas in Washington.
• Update the Revolving Door database with government and private sector transitions.
• Assist in research requests from reporters and academics.

Skills

Quick learner

Ability to think on feet

Data handling

Political knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Access

Job description

Research interns work alongside OpenSecrets' full-time staff to perform the organization's most important task: identifying and cataloging the interests and agendas behind the money that changes hands in Washington. Past interns have helped expand OpenSecrets' Revolving Door database of government officials‑turned‑lobbyists, monitored the lobbying activity around specific legislation before Congress and helped OpenSecrets to uncover millions of dollars of "shadow money." Other research projects relate to updating the database that tracks the millions of dollars in individual contributions, as well as assisting in research requests from reporters and academics.

Revolving Door: OpenSecrets maintains a database of 10,000 individuals — and counting — who have either transitioned from government to the private sector or done the opposite. Revolving Door is meant to help the public learn who’s who in the Washington influence industry, and to uncover how these individuals' government connections afford them privileged access to those in power. Research interns track the comings and goings of government officials and private sector professionals and update the Revolving Door section accordingly.

Politically Active Nonprofits: In 2012, OpenSecrets became the first organization in the country to reveal millions of dollars of political money previously unknown to the public. This money reaches groups like Americans for Prosperity and VoteVets.org — groups that subsequently spend millions of dollars on independent expenditures and electioneering communications in congressional and presidential races. Our interns are involved in combing through IRS forms for political grants, and have also contributed to OpenSecrets' reporting on this topic.

Qualified research interns will be quick learners who can think on their feet. Knowledge of Microsoft Access is helpful but not necessary, as training is provided (all research interns will have a good sense of this program once they've spent a few months with us!). Previous work with data and any political knowledge will also be an asset.

Interns who are not able to get school credit for their work with us will earn D.C.'s minimum wage of $17.50 per hour.

To apply, send a cover letter, résumé and three references to [e-mail]. Please include your availability (number of hours per week) if less than full‑time. Our office is fully remote.

Deadlines:
Fall: July 22
Spring: November 17
Summer: March 15