Political Research Associates is an independent progressive think tank in the Boston area that analyzes the US Right for social justice change makers. PRA is a critical resource for information and insights about the Right that enables advocates to better strategize about how to counter their organized opponents.

We seek a seasoned editorial and research leader to manage our research program and publications, including PRA’s flagship quarterly, The Public Eye, special reports, and our Eyes Right blog. Assisted by a full-time Program Coordinator, the Research and Editorial Director (RED) manages the work of staff researchers, research fellows, and freelance contributors who produce long-form articles, 2 to 4 special reports a year, and regular blog posts. The RED reports to and works closely with the Executive Director, and serves as a member of PRA’s management team, alongside the communications and finance directors.

PRA may be best known for our work to counteract the Christian Right and theocratic movements, both domestically and abroad. Our core research program addresses a broad spectrum of the U.S. Right—from neonazis to neoliberals—and is organized around the themes of racial/immigrant, gender (including reproductive and LGBTQ), and economic justice, as well as civil liberties. PRA is known and respected for its research rigor, level-headed analysis, and deep commitment to social justice across multiple issues and constituencies.

The Research and Editorial Director should have experience in research, editing, and journalism; a comfort working with scholars, writers, and activists; analytical sophistication; and a solid understanding of the U.S. Right. Experience working in social justice nonprofits is advantageous. 

Primary areas of responsibility include but are not limited to:

Research Program

• Manage PRA’s research program, including supervising program staff and freelance investigators, facilitating regular team meetings, and guiding investigations and publications through all stages of work;
• Supervise and support the skill and intellectual development of research team members, including fellows; and
• If desired, assume lead research and writing role for one or more core areas of our research program.

Editorial Work

• Generate high-quality research products for publication in various PRA vehicles, including our peer-reviewed quarterly, The Public Eye, special reports, and www.politicalresearch.org;
• Assign/commission and edit feature articles (~2/mo.), blogs (2-3 week), and special reports (2-4/yr.) for online and print, working directly with authors (staff, fellows, and freelancers), as well as an editorial team including a Program Coordinator and Communications Director;
• Supervise fact-checking, copyediting, and layout and proofing of print magazine, and create a plan to refine its business/subscriber model; and
• Convene PRA’s editorial board, including: setting editorial direction, generating story and writer ideas, evaluating published works, and recruiting members.

Public and Constituency Relations

• Serve as one of PRA’s media spokespeople; and
• Liaise with organizational partners.

Other

• Participate as needed in fundraising efforts, including generating copy for foundation proposals/reports.

Qualifications:

PRA is a racial justice and equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. People of color, LGBTQ persons, and women are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Political Research Associates is committed to hiring someone with the right mix of experience (both traditional and nontraditional), political commitment, and potential to grow with us. We strongly encourage people from communities most negatively affected by right-wing ideologies & campaigns to apply, particularly: people of color; immigrants; women and feminine-identified people; lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and Two-Spirit people; genderqueer, trans, and gender non-conforming people. Qualifications for this position include:

• Substantial applied experience in research, editing, journalism/publishing;
• Excellent research, writing, editing, and verbal communications skills;
• Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of PRA;
• Significant administration and staff management/supervision/development experience, including with freelance/contract writers and investigators;
• Solid understanding of the U.S. Political Right;
• Fluency in qualitative research methodologies and investigative journalism techniques;
• Program development experience;
• Familiarity with the social justice organizing/advocacy landscapes in relation to PRA’s fields of work;
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment with a demonstrated institutional commitment to diversity and justice with respect to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national/ethnic origin, religion, physical ability, age, etc.;
• Graduate degree in social science (Sociology, Politics, Women’s Studies, etc.) a plus;
• Fluency in Spanish and other non-English languages relevant to PRA’s constituencies and research priorities also a plus;
• A sense of humor.

This is a full-time, senior staff position based at PRA’s Somerville, Massachusetts office and a dream job for the right person.

Salary on social justice nonprofit scale, commensurate with skills and experience. Generous compensation package includes full medical & dental, retirement, fabulous colleagues, and a collaborative working environment.

To apply please send a cover letter, CV, and two writing samples (Word doc or PDF) to Shayna Parker at contact@politicalresearch.org. Position open until filled.