Director of Research and Insights

Stand Together • Arlington, VA

9d

About The Position

At yes. every kid. our purpose ⁠⁠i⁠⁠s ⁠⁠t⁠⁠o ⁠t⁠ransform educa⁠t⁠⁠i⁠on⁠ t⁠o be as d⁠i⁠verse as ⁠t⁠he k⁠i⁠ds ⁠i⁠⁠t⁠’s des⁠i⁠gned⁠ t⁠o serve. Instead of allowing politicians and special interests to rule education, we can unleash the extraordinary potential of every kid by treating them with dignity and empowering them to make decisions that are best for them. Join us as we give a voice to every parent, student, and teacher who shares that goal.
yes. every kid. is part of the Stand Together philanthropic community.
yes. every kid. is seeking a strategic, analytically driven professional to lead and expand our Market Research & Insights capability. This role will oversee polling, focus groups, qualitative research, and data-driven messaging to support policy campaigns, legislative strategy, and stakeholder engagement. The Director of Research and Insights will translate complex public opinion data into clear, actionable insights that shape advocacy, communications, and policy design across state and federal efforts.

Requirements

• 7+ years in polling, research, public affairs, political research, analytics, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience managing statewide or national research projects
• Strong understanding of political, regulatory, and advocacy environments
• Proven ability to translate data into strategy
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Experience working with senior leaders and external stakeholders
• Commitment to the vision of yes. every kid.
• Integrity, humility, and an entrepreneurial attitude.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in education, tax, healthcare, or public policy research
• Prior work at a polling firm, campaign, think tank, or advocacy organization
• Familiarity with voter file data, survey platforms, and analytics tools
• Experience managing budgets and vendor contracts

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of polling, focus groups, IDIs, and mixed-method research projects
• Develop long-term research priorities aligned with organizational strategy
• Manage external research vendors, pollsters, consultants, and staff
• Ensure methodological rigor, compliance, and quality control
• Produce polling memos, briefing decks, and executive summaries
• Develop message-testing frameworks
• Translate research into actionable guidance for: legislative strategy, regulatory engagement, & communications and messaging
• Partner closely with public affairs, communications, and policy teams
• Support rapid-response research for emerging issues
• Maintain an internal insights library and knowledge base
• Strengthen YESF’s reputation as a trusted insights partner
• Present findings to lawmakers, donors, coalition partners, and media
• Support fundraising and grant reporting with data-driven evidence
• Represent YESF in research-related coalitions and convenings

Benefits

• Competitive benefits: Enjoy a 6% 401(k) match with immediate vesting, flexible time off, comprehensive health and dental plans, plus wellness and mental health support through Peloton and Talkspace.
• A meaningful career: Join a passionate community of over 1,300 employees dedicated to improving lives and driving innovative solutions to complex social challenges.
• Commitment to growth: Thrive in a non-hierarchical environment that empowers employees to discover, develop and apply their unique talents.
• Competitive compensation: Our approach rewards the value you create through competitive salaries and bonus opportunities, allowing you to share in the success you help drive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed