Election Research Intern - Part time

Description JOB SUMMARY: · Research the voting records, sponsored legislation, and public positions of the 20 candidates running in the Lehigh Valley's 10 competitive state House races, across six topics: ICE/Immigration, Data Centers, Energy, Housing, Education Funding, and Marijuana. Findings feed candidate profiles and voter guide content ahead of the fall election. RESPONSIBILITIES (Tasks): Incumbents · Identify key bills tied to each of the six topics (editor-assigned, hands-on for this part) · Track how each incumbent voted on those bills · Flag any legislation the incumbent introduced or co-sponsored addressing these topics Challengers · For candidates with prior local-government experience (Jeff Warren, 137th; Ce-Ce Gerlach and possibly Robert Smith, 22nd), research any legislation or measures they introduced at that level touching the six topics · Review campaign websites, social media, and public statements for stated positions on each topic · Note where no public record exists on a given topic Gaps and follow-up · Flag candidates/topics with no paper trail · Assist with follow-up outreach or interview questions when direct records aren't available (editor will determine format, phone/in-person preferred over email) Output · Structured research files per candidate/topic (format to be provided), summarizing sourced findings for editor review and further reporting. · All other duties as assigned. Requirements KEY COMPETENCY COMPONENTS (Behaviors Exhibited): · SKILLS: (Ability to use knowledge effectively and competently in execution) o A detail-oriented researcher. · KNOWLEDGE: (Facts acquired by a person through experience or education) o Knowledge about political campaigns and research. o Knowledge experience with Public Media or similar organizations. · EXPERIENCE: (Work experience, degree attainment, professional certifications) o Working toward Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. · TRAITS: (Distinguishing qualities of a person) o A creative team-player that can build and execute an event strategy that meets our organizational goals. · CHARACTERISTICS: (The special trait that makes a person unique) o A passionate ambassador, able to inspire and engage the broader community with the organization’s mission. OTHER WORK REQUIREMENTS: · May be asked to work longer hours and occasional weekends with short notice. · As you will/may be driving a company vehicle or your own vehicle for company business, a valid driver’s license and a good driving record as determined by a driver’s license background check is required for this position. · All team members must successfully pass a background check (7 years), FBI fingerprint clearance and PA child clearance.