Field Researcher

ABOUT OHIO

State Parties are responsible for building infrastructure necessary for successful candidate campaigns up and down the ballot. Over the last few years, Ohio Democrats built a year-round organizing model driven by local community activists and volunteers. Ohio Dems are testing new technology and programs to build a modern, data-driven and nimble force to elect Democrats statewide now and in the future.

In 2026, every statewide office will be on the ballot – including the governor’s race and a special election to elect a U.S. Senator to the seat currently occupied by appointed Senator Jon Husted. With 3 DCCC Frontline Races to protect and 3 additional seats targeted by the DCCC, the path to a Democratic majority in the U.S. House and Senate will once again run through Ohio in 2026.

The Ohio Democratic Party is seeking a Field Researcher for the 2026 gubernatorial race. The Field Researcher will be a key member of the research team responsible for monitoring and reporting on candidate events, statements, media appearances, and activities both in-person and virtually as well as coordinating and organizing volunteers to attend events. The Field Researcher will work closely with both the Research and Communications teams, including senior leadership.

This position will be based in Columbus, Ohio, but the Field Researcher will be expected to travel as necessary.

• Identify and monitor real-time interviews, news coverage, and opponent events
• Maintain and regularly update an event calendar of opponent events and appearances
• Attend and record events attended by opponents
• Coordinate and organize volunteers to attend events that we know or suspect our opponent will be attending, in addition to attending events themselves
• Recruit, train, and manage all volunteer tracking and provide regular and proactive updates to senior staff
• Transcribe audio and video and write and distribute timely reports describing events, interviews, and media appearances
• Provide additional research support to the department as needed

• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle to get to and from events
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and travel to events upon short notice, including nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to monitor a 24-hour news cycle
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and critical thinking ability
• An interest in starting a career in electoral politics or political research
• Previous campaign volunteer or internship experience preferred, but not required

Reports to:

Communications Director

This is an entry-level position.

To apply , please fill out this form: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./c54

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Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and full benefits including PTO as needed, health, dental, and voluntary vision insurance. The hourly expectation will fluctuate depending on the campaign cycle, but will be a minimum of 40 hours per week. Applicants must live in or be willing to relocate to Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio Democrats recognize our success requires a diverse mix of talented people. We are focused on building a staff that is diverse in race, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Candidates of color, women, LGBTQI, and more are encouraged to apply.