Senior Associate - Opposition Research & Business Development (Full-Time)

Nesbitt Research Group, LLC; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Insurance benefits

Remote work stipend

Wellness benefits

Job summary

A political consulting firm is looking for a Senior Associate to lead research projects and develop business relationships for Democratic campaigns. This full-time role requires 2-4 years in opposition research, emphasizing business development and client management skills. A competitive benefits package and performance bonuses are offered. Ideally, the candidate will have strong communication abilities and an entrepreneurial mindset to drive client relationships and firm growth, all conducted within a remote work environment.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in opposition research, campaigns, or related fields.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and produce high-quality deliverables.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with drive to develop business and grow client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead major research projects including vetting and rapid response.
• Manage client relationships as primary point of contact.
• Participate in business development activities and proposal development.

Skills

Research leadership

Business development

Client relationship management

Strong communication

Project management

Mentorship

Tools

Boolean search tools

Professional research databases

CRM platforms

Job description

Senior Associate - Opposition Research & Business Development (Exempt)

Job Description

Advance your path toward business ownership at Nesbitt & Parrinello, where you'll lead research projects while actively developing business relationships for the most critical Democratic campaigns and progressive organizations. As a Senior Associate, you'll demonstrate research leadership while building the origination skills essential for partnership and business ownership.

Partner Track opportunities are remote and employees are required to live and work in the United States. This is a full‑time, exempt opportunity. Partner Track opportunities are evaluated continuously throughout the year. Compelling candidates will be evaluated based on business development potential. All full‑time employees will receive a competitive benefits package to include, but not limited to: paid time off, insurance benefits, remote work/office stipend and wellness benefits.

Compensation Range: $60,000 - $65,000 annually + Performance Bonus

Performance‑Based Compensation: Partner Track team members earn up to 15% of originated revenue through performance‑based bonuses that recognize the critical role of business development in growing the firm.

What You’ll Do: Senior Associates lead research projects while honing business development capabilities. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading major research projects including vetting, research books, and rapid response
• Managing client relationships and serving as primary point of contact on select accounts
• Actively participating in business development activities and proposal development
• Mentoring associates and contributing to team development
• Supporting Directors and Vice Presidents on client origination efforts
• Producing high‑quality research deliverables that demonstrate firm capabilities to prospective clients
• Building professional networks within Democratic campaigns and progressive organizations
• Contributing to firm growth through relationship development and business origination

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven commitment to progressive politics with strong interest in political consulting business ownership
• 2–4 years of experience in opposition research, campaigns, or related fields
• Demonstrated interest in business origination, client relationship development, and long‑term partnership
• Excellent research and writing skills with proven ability to lead complex projects
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with drive to develop business and grow client relationships
• Experience managing projects and mentoring junior staff
• Proficiency with boolean search tools, professional research databases, and CRM platforms
• Ability to balance research excellence with business development responsibilities
• Comfort working flexible hours including nights and weekends during campaign periods

Requirements:

• Access to a secure and private work environment
• Reliable internet connection
• Ability to work remotely in the United States

For more information about careers at Nesbitt & Parrinello, visit our careers page at https://www.nesbittresearch.com/opposition-research-jobs.

1. What would your business origination expectations be of yourself in your first year?

Guidance: Consider your network, market conditions, and ramp‑up period. Most partner track team members target $35,000–$50,000 in their first year at the Associate/Senior Associate level. We are measuring your goal‑setting realism, self‑awareness, alignment with firm expectations.

2. Assuming you have business development expectations as you outlined in the prior question, describe your initial plan to reach this goal.

Guidance: Describe your approach including: target accounts, outreach strategy, timeline, and how you’ll leverage your network. Be specific.

3. Describe your experience leading high impact projects, particularly in the political research field.

4. What research service lines would you focus on and how would you pursue accounts in each service area?

Guidance: We focus on several research service lines: Candidates, Climate/Environmental IE Research, Labor IE Research, Reproductive Rights IE Research, and Candidate IE Research. You may also propose other service lines. Why This Focus? (1–2 sentences) How Would You Pursue Accounts? (1–2 sentences)

5. What events would you attend for networking and business development?

Guidance: List specific conferences, networking events, or professional gatherings you plan to attend. Explain how each aligns with your target clients and service lines.

6. List your top outside mentors for the purposes of business development.

Guidance: Provide 3‑5 names, their roles/organizations, and how they can support your business development goals. These should be people who can provide introductions, advice, or credibility in your target markets and service lines.

Did you use AI tools in completing this application? If so, please describe the tools you used and how you used them.

N&P is a minority‑owned and a woman‑owned small business. Allen Nesbitt started our business in 2005 and he is the first Black person to lead a Democratic opposition research firm in the United States. Allen Nesbitt and Cristina Parrinello are diverse researchers committed to encouraging and training future generations of diverse researchers.

Our mission is to build a more progressive, inclusive, and equitable world. We integrate cultural competency throughout our work and actively recruit from historically underrepresented communities.

Nesbitt & Parrinello is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].

Nesbitt & Parrinello is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].

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