Remote News Researcher at Ballotpedia

Ballotpedia is seeking a full-time, fully remote News Staff Researcher to join its News Team. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about politics, elections, and providing the public with accurate, impartial, and accessible political information.

The News Team monitors important political developments across the United States and its territories.

Its work includes tracking state legislative candidate announcements, unexpected changes in public office, political party ballot access, and other significant electoral developments.

The team helps readers understand the political landscape by making reliable information readily available.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in American politics and the ability to conduct detailed research using news outlets, political websites, and official government resources.

They must be skilled at transforming complex information into clear, concise, and neutral content for diverse audiences.

This position requires excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills, along with the ability to meet deadlines and adjust priorities as breaking political news emerges.

The ideal candidate will value accuracy, completeness, innovation, and impartiality while welcoming constructive feedback and collaborating effectively with colleagues across departments.

Key Responsibilities

As a Staff Researcher on the News Team, you will:

• Monitor designated news outlets, political websites, and official government sources for breaking developments.
• Update relevant Ballotpedia articles to reflect newly identified political events.
• Maintain and update information within Ballotpedia’s database.
• Verify the accuracy and consistency of published content and database records.
• Regularly review lists of federal, state, and local officeholders and political candidates to ensure information remains current.
• Follow established procedures, workflows, and instructions provided by editors and supervisors.
• Write clear, concise, and impartial content on complex political topics.
• Research and compile information about candidates, elected officials, and elections, including official websites, social media accounts, and upcoming election dates.
• Proofread and edit content to maintain high standards of accuracy and quality.
• Communicate professionally and courteously with colleagues, readers, customers, and members of the media.
• Investigate political jurisdictions that do not yet receive comprehensive coverage to determine their suitability for inclusion in Ballotpedia’s content and database.
• Maintain tracking spreadsheets documenting the types and volume of updates completed over time.

Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following:

• A strong commitment to Ballotpedia’s mission of providing accurate and unbiased political information.
• Knowledge of the U.S. political system and electoral processes.
• Experience using databases and spreadsheets.
• Writing or editing experience, preferably in a professional setting.
• Excellent organizational skills and close attention to detail.
• A commitment to personal development, self-awareness, and continuous improvement.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• A collaborative approach to working with colleagues across multiple departments.
• Effective project management skills, including multitasking, prioritization, and meeting deadlines.
• The ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• An interest in or experience with using AI tools to improve productivity.

Work Environment and Benefits

This is a 100% remote position, allowing the successful candidate to work from home. All Ballotpedia employees work remotely, so applicants must have a computer and a reliable internet connection.

The organization uses Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive, as well as Slack and Asana for communication, collaboration, and project management. Familiarity with these tools is beneficial.

Ballotpedia also offers its employees a flexible working arrangement known as BP Flex, which includes unlimited vacation and flexibility in scheduling.

New employees receive training on the principles and expectations of this work environment.

Salary and Compensation

The starting annual salary for the Staff Researcher position ranges from $42,500 to $44,000, depending on experience.

In addition to base salary, Ballotpedia provides an annual benefits stipend of $8,000 to eligible employees, distributed in equal installments through their paychecks.

This stipend can help cover health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement contributions, and other benefits.

Employees who do not elect benefits will receive the stipend as taxable income added to their compensation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the application form through Ballotpedia’s official job application page and submit the following documents, preferably in PDF format:

• Résumé: A summary of relevant professional experience, skills, and qualifications.
• Cover Letter: An explanation of your interest in the position and your commitment to Ballotpedia’s mission.
• Neutral Writing Sample: A writing sample of fewer than five pages, included in the same file as the cover letter.

Applicants should ensure that their current address appears on either their résumé or cover letter.

Important U.S. Work Authorization Requirement: Ballotpedia participates in the federal E-Verify program. Successful applicants must complete the required employment eligibility verification process and be authorized to work in the United States.