Application Guide
How to Apply for Social Scientist
at The Movement Cooperative
🏢 About The Movement Cooperative
The Movement Cooperative (TMC) is a unique nonprofit cooperative that unites over 80 progressive organizations and 1,400 affiliates, democratizing access to data, tools, and strategic expertise. Unlike traditional nonprofits, TMC operates as a member-owned cooperative, ensuring that its work directly serves the needs of its members rather than top-down directives. This structure makes TMC a compelling place for social scientists who want their research to have tangible impact across a broad progressive coalition.
About This Role
As a Social Scientist at TMC, you will design and execute quantitative and experimental research (e.g., RCTs) that equips member organizations with evidence-based strategies. Your work will directly influence how progressive campaigns, advocacy groups, and community organizations operate, from voter outreach to policy messaging. The role is impactful because your findings will be implemented by dozens of organizations, amplifying the progressive movement's effectiveness.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a check-in with a member organization to discuss a research need, followed by analyzing data from a recent field experiment using Python. You might then draft a brief summarizing findings for non-technical staff, and later join a team meeting to plan a new survey study. The day could also include reviewing a partner's data request or writing a section of a research report.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Movement Cooperative Is Looking For
- A proven track record of independently designing and executing multiple quantitative, applied social science projects (e.g., field experiments, surveys) with a focus on causal inference.
- At least 1 year of experience managing the full lifecycle of experimental research, from design and IRB approval to implementation, analysis, and reporting.
- Deep expertise in Python or R for statistical analysis, plus familiarity with SQL for data manipulation; strong understanding of survey methodology and statistics.
- Exceptional communication skills to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations for both technical and non-technical stakeholders, with a commitment to equity and inclusive research practices.
📝 Tips for Applying to The Movement Cooperative
Tailor your resume to highlight applied research projects (e.g., RCTs, quasi-experiments) and their real-world impact, not just academic publications.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your research experience to the progressive movement—mention any work with advocacy, campaigns, or community organizations.
Showcase your ability to work collaboratively by describing how you've partnered with non-researchers (e.g., campaign staff, organizers) to design and implement studies.
Demonstrate your commitment to equity by discussing how you've addressed issues of representation, bias, or inclusivity in your research design or analysis.
Prepare a portfolio or GitHub link with examples of your code (R/Python) and data analysis projects, especially those involving causal inference or survey data.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Emphasize your experience with experimental research (RCTs) and how you've used it to inform real-world decisions, not just academic theory.", 'Highlight your ability to communicate findings to diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders, and your commitment to equity in research.', "Explain why you're drawn to a cooperative model—show you understand that TMC's success depends on serving its member organizations' needs.", 'Mention a specific example of how your research could help a progressive organization (e.g., increase voter turnout, improve message efficacy).']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review TMC's website and blog to understand their current projects, especially any research-related initiatives or partnerships.
- → Look up TMC's member organizations (e.g., ACLU, Working Families Party) to understand the types of campaigns and advocacy they support.
- → Familiarize yourself with the concept of 'member cooperatives' and how TMC's governance model differs from traditional nonprofits.
- → Read recent news or reports about progressive movement challenges (e.g., voter suppression, messaging fatigue) to identify where your research could add value.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without specific references to TMC's cooperative model or progressive mission.
- Overemphasizing academic publications without connecting them to applied, real-world impact or actionable insights.
- Failing to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with non-researchers—this role requires strong relationship-building skills.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to The Movement Cooperative!