Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Research Specialist / Georgia State Lead (Independent Contractor)

at Princeton University, Bridging Divides Initiative

🏢 About Princeton University, Bridging Divides Initiative

The Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI) at Princeton University is a non-partisan research project uniquely focused on tracking and mitigating political violence in the US, combining rigorous research with on-the-ground partnerships. Working here means contributing directly to protecting democracy and building a pluralistic society, with access to Princeton's resources while operating remotely.

About This Role

As the Georgia State Lead, you will spearhead BDI’s election protection work in Georgia, monitoring incidents of political violence and producing actionable analysis for partners. This role blends quantitative/qualitative research with coalition-building, making it pivotal for safeguarding democratic processes in a key swing state.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start by scanning Georgia news and partner alerts for incidents of political violence, then drafting a morning SitRep. You'd then join a coalition call with election protection partners, followed by a virtual meeting with BDI's national team to align on priorities. Afternoon could involve analyzing data trends, updating a stakeholder map, or preparing a briefing for a local government official.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Princeton University, Bridging Divides Initiative Is Looking For

  • Deeply embedded in Georgia's civic landscape with 5-7+ years of experience in research, policy, or community engagement focused on US political violence or election integrity.
  • Expert in Georgia-specific political dynamics, with an existing network across election protection, racial justice, LGBTQ+, faith-based, and government sectors.
  • A skilled writer who can produce policy memos and real-time situation reports, and an interpersonal communicator who can brief diverse stakeholders.
  • Comfortable working independently as a contractor while coordinating with a national team and partners, with a bachelor's degree in political science, sociology, or related field.

📝 Tips for Applying to Princeton University, Bridging Divides Initiative

1

Tailor your resume to highlight Georgia-specific work: list any partnerships, coalitions, or projects in the state, especially related to election protection or political violence.

2

In your cover letter, name-drop specific Georgia organizations or coalitions you've worked with (e.g., Fair Fight, ACLU of Georgia, local election boards) to demonstrate your network.

3

Submit a writing sample that is a policy memo or situation report on a recent political violence incident in Georgia—this directly mirrors the job's core output.

4

Explicitly state your availability to travel within Georgia for partner meetings and events, as the role requires on-the-ground presence.

5

Mention your understanding of BDI's non-partisan stance and how you've navigated politically sensitive environments without taking sides.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your deep knowledge of Georgia's political violence landscape, citing specific incidents or trends you've tracked.", "Your existing relationships with key stakeholders in Georgia (election protection, racial justice, etc.) and how you've collaborated with them.", 'Your ability to produce timely, policy-relevant analysis under pressure, with examples of past situation reports or briefings.', "Your commitment to BDI's mission of non-partisan, action-oriented research and your experience working across partisan divides."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read BDI's published reports on political violence, especially any focused on Georgia or the South, to understand their analytical style.
  • → Review the latest updates on Georgia's election laws and recent controversies (e.g., SB 202, voter roll purges) to speak knowledgeably.
  • → Study the key coalitions BDI partners with, such as the Election Protection coalition or the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda.
  • → Familiarize yourself with BDI's 'action-oriented research' framework by exploring their website's 'Our Work' section.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you monitored and reported on a political violence incident in real-time. What was your process?
2 How would you approach building trust with a new partner organization in a politically polarized environment?
3 What are the key threats to election integrity in Georgia for the 2026 midterms, based on current trends?
4 How do you balance quantitative data (e.g., incident tracking) with qualitative insights from community partners?
5 Given the independent contractor nature, how do you manage your own workflow and ensure consistent communication with a remote team?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter—failing to mention Georgia or election protection will signal lack of genuine interest.
  • Avoid overstating your network if you don't have deep Georgia ties; instead, be honest and emphasize your ability to build relationships.
  • Don't ignore the independent contractor aspect—applicants who seem to expect full-time employee benefits or structure may be passed over.

📅 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 Princeton University, Bridging Divides Initiative!

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