Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Manager

at Research Collaborative

🏢 About Research Collaborative

Research Collaborative is a unique public utility for the progressive movement, combining rigorous opinion research with narrative strategy to counter fascism and advance democracy. Working here means your research directly fuels pro-democracy advocacy, not corporate profits.

About This Role

As Research Manager, you'll own the end-to-end execution of multiple research projects—from drafting surveys and focus group guides to analyzing data and producing actionable memos. Your work will shape messaging for campaigns fighting for a full democracy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a check-in with your Research Assistant on a focus group transcript analysis, then a project status meeting for a survey launching next week. You'll spend the afternoon drafting a memo from survey data, followed by a call with a partner organization to discuss messaging recommendations.

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🎯 Who Research Collaborative Is Looking For

  • A seasoned project manager who can juggle 3-4 concurrent research projects, build realistic timelines, and proactively flag risks before they become issues.
  • Strong public opinion research background, with hands-on experience drafting surveys and moderating focus groups, especially on political or social issues.
  • Exceptional writer who can distill complex quantitative and qualitative findings into clear, compelling memos and briefings for non-researcher audiences.
  • Experienced in coaching junior staff, with the patience to mentor a Research Assistant and delegate effectively.

📝 Tips for Applying to Research Collaborative

1

Highlight specific examples of managing multiple research projects simultaneously, including how you handled timeline conflicts or stakeholder changes.

2

Showcase your survey drafting skills: include a sample survey question or a brief description of a survey you designed that influenced strategy.

3

Demonstrate your ability to translate data into action: provide a one-page memo you wrote that turned research findings into messaging guidance.

4

Mention any experience with progressive or pro-democracy causes, even if volunteer work—it shows alignment with the mission.

5

Tailor your resume to emphasize project management and research roles, not just academic publications.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your commitment to countering fascism and advancing democracy, and how your skills can directly support Research Collaborative's mission.", 'Concrete examples of managing research projects from start to finish, including drafting instruments and delivering findings.', 'Your ability to mentor and manage junior staff, with specific instances of coaching or delegating.', 'Your analytical rigor and judgment in question wording and data interpretation, with an example of a tough research decision you made.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Research Collaborative's published reports or case studies to understand their narrative strategy approach.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the concept of 'public utility for the progressive movement' and how it differs from traditional research firms.
  • → Review recent opinion research on democracy and fascism to speak knowledgeably about the landscape.
  • → Understand the company's core values—progressive, pro-democracy, countering fascism—and how they integrate into research.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would manage a project with a tight deadline and a new client request mid-project.
2 Describe a time you had to revise a survey question due to bias or ambiguity—what was the issue and how did you fix it?
3 How do you ensure your research findings are actionable for a non-technical audience? Give an example.
4 This role involves coaching a Research Assistant. How would you approach onboarding and skill development?
5 What experience do you have with focus groups? Describe a time you adapted a guide on the fly based on group dynamics.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the company's mission or your alignment with it.
  • Overemphasizing academic research experience without showing how you've applied it in a fast-paced, applied setting.
  • Failing to demonstrate project management skills—don't just list research tasks; show you can lead a project from concept to deliverable.

📅 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 Research Collaborative!

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