Application Guide

How to Apply for Deputy Director of Research & Strategic Communications

at Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

🏢 About Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

The DLCC is unique as the only national party committee solely focused on winning Democratic majorities in state legislatures, making it a critical force in countering gerrymandering and advancing progressive policies at the state level. Working here means being part of a nimble, high-impact team that operates year-round to shape the political landscape from the ground up.

About This Role

This role blends strategic research with communications to elevate the DLCC's brand and support key messaging. As Deputy Director, you'll manage approvals, vetting, and fact-checking while overseeing a Research Assistant, directly influencing how the committee positions itself and its candidates in the fight for state legislative power.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing the morning news for relevant state legislative developments, then overseeing the Research Assistant's fact-checking of a draft press release. You could spend the afternoon conducting deep-dive research on an opposing candidate's record, followed by a call with the communications team to align on messaging for an upcoming ad campaign.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Is Looking For

  • A seasoned political researcher with 4+ years managing advocacy research projects and staff, ideally with state-level experience.
  • A meticulous fact-checker and editor who can ensure all communications are accurate and on-message under tight deadlines.
  • An expert in LexisNexis, campaign finance databases (e.g., FEC, state filings), and legislative tracking tools.
  • A strong people manager who can mentor a Research Assistant and coordinate with external partners like consultants and candidates.

📝 Tips for Applying to Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

1

Highlight specific examples of managing research projects that directly supported fundraising or communications strategies.

2

Showcase your experience with state-level politics—mention any work with state legislative candidates or committees.

3

Demonstrate proficiency with LexisNexis by describing a complex research project where you used it to uncover key findings.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize fact-checking and approval processes, including any systems you've implemented.

5

Mention familiarity with the DLCC's recent campaigns or target states to show you understand their strategic priorities.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your commitment to Democratic state legislative power and understanding of the DLCC's role in combating gerrymandering.", 'Specific examples of how your research has driven messaging or fundraising outcomes in past roles.', 'Experience managing a research team or assistant, with emphasis on mentorship and workflow organization.', 'Your ability to handle high-pressure fact-checking and approvals in a fast-paced political environment.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the DLCC's current target states and recent campaign wins to understand their strategic focus.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the committee's messaging themes, especially around democracy, abortion rights, and economic fairness.
  • → Look up recent press releases or communications from the DLCC to see the tone and style of their output.
  • → Understand the key committees and players in state legislatures that the DLCC works with or against.
Visit Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed a complex research project with multiple stakeholders. How did you ensure accuracy and timeliness?
2 How would you approach vetting a candidate for a key race, and what red flags would you look for?
3 What's your process for fact-checking a press release or ad script under a tight deadline?
4 How do you stay updated on state legislative dynamics and campaign finance data?
5 Tell us about a time you had to deliver difficult research findings to senior leadership. How did you handle it?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference state legislative politics or the DLCC's specific mission.
  • Overlooking the people management aspect—failing to mention how you've developed junior staff or interns.
  • Not demonstrating hands-on experience with research tools like LexisNexis or campaign finance databases.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee!

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