About Defending Education
Defending Education is a national grassroots organization working to reclaim our schools from activists imposing harmful agendas. Through network and coalition building, investigative reporting, litigation, and engagement on local, state, and national policies, we are fighting indoctrination in the classroom — and promoting the restoration of a healthy, non-political education for our kids.

DE receives tips from around the country, investigating leads and filing Freedom of Information Act requests to connect the dots; files complaints with the Department of Education; and, when necessary, files lawsuits to hold schools accountable for violating students’ civil rights.

About the Role
Defending Education is seeking a Research Associate who will be responsible for assisting with research, writing dispatches and larger reports, and using AI to compile and synthesize information. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, highly organized, and excited about leveraging artificial intelligence to improve research processes. They should be comfortable using AI tools to gather and synthesize information while exercising strong judgment to verify facts, evaluate sources, and produce accurate, high-quality work products. The successful candidate will be a quick learner with excellent written communication skills and a passion for turning complex information into actionable insights.

The Research Associate will report directly to the Director of Research. This is a full-time role that can be based anywhere in the US. The estimated salary range for this role is $55,000 – $70,000, depending on skills and experience.

Responsibilities

  • Assist the Director of Research with compiling information for research projects
  • File FOIA requests with different agencies to gather information
  • Maintain the DE FOIA library
  • Conduct research on policy issues, industries, organizations, legislation, market trends, and other topics as assigned
  • Utilize AI tools and emerging technologies to accelerate research and improve information gathering
  • Develop and refine prompts to generate research summaries and identify relevant sources
  • Verify, fact-check, and validate AI-generated content using reputable primary sources
  • Use the gathered information and data to write dispatches and research projects for DE

Qualifications

  • Experience: 1-2 years of experience working in a professional setting (internships will be counted as experience)
  • Strong written communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex topics clearly and concisely
  • Experience using generative AI tools for research, drafting, and information gathering
  • Excellent time management skills and the ability to juggle competing priorities at the same time
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Naturally curious and self-motivated, with the ability to independently identify research needs, pursue answers, and deliver actionable insights
  • A basic understanding of education topics and issues
  • A passion and commitment to advancing DE’s mission

How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:

    • Cover letter including:
      • An introductory paragraph(s) describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to Defending Education’s mission and how you came to those beliefs.
      • Salary requirements
    • Resume

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Katie Krout, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [email protected]        

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

Talent Market is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.