Senior Researcher

PowerSwitch Action; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Labor United (CLU) seeks a Senior Researcher to work with organizers on multiple campaigns, developing a comprehensive research agenda that informs strategy and action. The role involves writing and editing campaign documents while supporting CLU’s fundraising and leadership development efforts.

Responsibilities include creating research timelines, coordinating with coalitions, managing resources, and overseeing multi-method research, including policy analysis and data collection, to

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and adapt to flexible hours.
• Proven ability to work well with diverse groups and populations.
• We seek candidates with strong research and writing capabilities for broad audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop research agendas and timelines for CLU campaigns.
• Collaborate with organizers, coalitions, and local allies.
• Identify and manage resources for research projects and support CLU mission.
• Oversee research across public policy, social science, and analysis.
• Produce written and visual materials for diverse audiences.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Independent work

Diversity collaboration

Written reports

Education

Advanced degree in relevant field

Job description

Position: Full time. Minimum two-year commitment. Three-month probationary period.

Compensation : Salary range $95,000 - $105,000 contingent on level of education and years of experience; full health benefits, union contract, retirement plan, and annual COLA increase. Reports To: CLU’s Executive Director

Closing Date: This position is open until filled. Applications accepted immediately.

Organization Mission:

Community Labor United (CLU) convenes coalitions of community-based and labor organizations to drive strategic campaigns that protect and promote the interests of multi-racial working-class communities in Greater Boston and across Massachusetts. Through collaborative research, leadership development, and organizing, CLU works to unite our organizations and communities around a collective plan of action to advance our common vision and agenda for a just and sustainable future.

Role of a Senior Researcher:

At CLU, the Senior Researcher works directly with Organizers on one or more campaigns to identify strategic campaign research needs. The Senior Researcher develops and implements a comprehensive research agenda that informs and supports the advancement of campaign agenda, strategy, and action

timeline. The Senior Researcher plays a lead role in writing and editing campaign documents, including reports, briefs, presentations, fact sheets, fliers, testimony, and more. In addition to this campaign-based work, the Senior Researcher supports CLU’s fundraising and leadership development work, including contributing to grant writing and popular education curriculum development.

Responsibilities:

• Develop research agendas and timelines for CLU’s campaigns
• Collaborate and consult with the organizers, coalitions, and local allies engaged in CLU’s work
• Identify and manage resources to implement specific research projects and support CLU’s mission
• Oversee research in multiple areas, such as public policy, social science, corporate and financial analysis, etc.
• Oversee research using multiple methods, such as literature reviews; practitioner interviews; secondary and primary data collection; community-based approaches; quantitative and qualitative analysis, etc.
• Create written and visual materials for different contexts and different audiences, including community and union leaders, policymakers, funders, the press, and the broader public
• Assist with CLU Strategy meetings, organizer development, and cross-training workshops and events
• Assist with supervision of interns or consultants when appropriate
• Assist with fundraising and development to build the research capacity of CLU
• Assist with CLU events, including fundraisers

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in research applied to/related to worker, community, and public policy matters
• At least 5 years of experience in writing, from study findings, reports and other publications for a broad audience
• Dedication and commitment to social justice and CLU’s organizational mission and goals
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proven ability to work independently, meet set deadlines, and work flexible hours
• Proven ability to work well with diverse groups and populations
• Preferred areas of expertise: Climate resilience, environmental justice, public transportation, childcare, corporate research, public policy
• Preferred: Advanced degree in relevant field or substantial alternate research and writing experience
• Desired: Bilingual in English and Spanish

Women, People of Color and LGBTQ+ strongly urged to apply. Reports to the Executive Director.