Associate - Opposition Research & Business Development

Associate - Opposition Research & Business Development (Exempt) Job Description

Begin your journey toward business ownership at Nesbitt & Parrinello, where you'll combine research excellence with business development skills to support the most critical Democratic campaigns and progressive organizations. As an Associate, you'll develop expertise in opposition research while building the relationship development and origination skills essential for future partnership.

Partner Track opportunities are remote and employees are required to live and work in the United States. This is a full-time, exempt opportunity. Partner Track opportunities are evaluated continuously. Compelling candidates will be evaluated based on business development potential. All full-time employees will receive a competitive benefits package to include, but not limited to: paid time off, insurance benefits, remote work/office stipend and wellness benefits.

What You'll Do:

Associates perform high-quality research while learning the business development fundamentals that drive firm growth. Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting thorough opposition research including vetting, research book writing, and fact-checking
• Producing polished research deliverables for Democratic campaigns and progressive organizations
• Learning client relationship management and business development best practices
• Supporting senior staff on client engagements and research projects
• Participating in business development activities including proposal development and client presentations
• Building foundational skills in research management and team collaboration
• Contributing to knowledge sharing and methodology development

What We're Looking For:

Ideal candidates have most of the following:

• Deep commitment to progressive politics and interest in political consulting as a business
• Strong research and writing skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Interest in business ownership, origination, and long-term client relationship development
• Excellent communication skills with ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams
• Ability to balance research excellence with learning business development fundamentals
• Initiative and entrepreneurial mindset with desire to grow within the firm
• Experience with opposition research, journalism, campaign work, or related fields is a plus
• Comfort with boolean search tools, professional research databases, and CRM systems
• Ability to work flexible hours including nights and weekends during campaign periods

Requirements:

• Access to a secure and private work environment
• Reliable internet connection
• Ability to work remotely in the United States

1. What would your business origination expectations be of yourself in your first year? Guidance:
Consider your network, market conditions, and ramp‑up period. Most partner track team members target $35,000‑$50,000 in their first year at the Associate/Senior Associate level. We are measuring your goal‑setting realism, self‑awareness, alignment with firm expectations*

2. Assuming you have business development expectations as you outlined in the prior question, describe your initial plan to reach this goal. Guidance:
Describe your approach including: target accounts, outreach strategy, timeline, and how you’ll leverage your network. Be specific.*

3. Describe your experience leading high impact projects, particularly in the political research field. *

4. What research service lines would you focus on and how would you pursue accounts in each service area? Guidance:
We focus on several research service lines:
Candidates, Climate/Environmental IE Research, Labor IE Research, Reproductive Rights IE Research, and Candidate IE Research. You may also propose other service lines. Why This Focus? (1‑2 sentences) How Would You Pursue Accounts? (1‑2 sentences)*

5. What events would you attend for networking and business development? Guidance:
List specific conferences, networking events, or professional gatherings you plan to attend. Explain how each aligns with your target clients and service lines.*

6. List your top outside mentors for the purposes of business development. Guidance:
Provide 3‑5 names, their…