*Hamilton for Kansas is rapidly hiring for a growing team. The Research Director will lead the campaign’s defensive & opposition research efforts, coordinate rapid response with the communications team and ensure the candidate is fully briefed and prepared for debates, interviews and more. The Research Director will serve as an integral part of the campaign’s communications and content efforts.*

Responsibilities

• Research. Develop and lead the campaign's opposition and self-research programs. Build a long-term research plan, maintain comprehensive documentation organized for rapid retrieval by the rest of the campaign, and keep the file current through Election Day.
• Rapid response. Produce fast-turnaround research briefings, fact sheets, and rebuttal documents for the communications and digital teams.
• Manage defensive research. Conduct and continuously update defensive research to anticipate, prepare for, and neutralize attacks.
• Vetting. Stand up vetting program to account for endorsers, surrogates, influencers, event hosts, donors, and other campaign connected figures.
• Ad and comms backup. Fact-check and approve all external campaign communications, including ad scripts, mail pieces, digital creative, poll memos, questionnaires, and candidate op-eds. Maintain the back-up documentation for all claims.
• Research-placement. Work closely with the Comms team to translate research into pitchable stories and reporter-ready materials that drive earned media.
• Opponent tracking. Track opponents' public schedules, statements, media appearances, floor votes, and filings. Coordinate with the Tracker to capture and catalog opposition events.
• Debate and Interview prep. Own preparation of research briefing books for debates, forums, and long forum interviews. Participate in prep sessions and on-site response.
• Analytics alignment. Work with polling and analytics staff to align research findings with voter targeting, persuasion messaging, and ad testing.

Experience & Qualifications

• At least one cycle of opposition research experience on a federal or statewide campaign.
• Equivalent experience at a research firm, party committee (DCCC, DSCC, DGA, DLCC, state parties), investigative journalism outlet, or relevant committee on the Hill will also be considered.
• Proven ability to conduct thorough public records research, including legislative records, financial disclosures, FEC filings, court filings, property records, and state-level filings. Familiarity with the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) a plus.
• Strong analytical writing with attention to detail.
• Fluency with research databases and public records tools (LexisNexis, PACER, FEC, Enformion, etc.) Comfort with modern AI tools with a firm grasp of their strengths and limitations .
• Experience managing a Tracker or junior researcher preferred.
• Ability to work a demanding campaign schedule, including long and irregular hours, evenings, and weekends, especially around debates, primary election day, filing deadlines, and the closing weeks.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel across Kansas.