Senior Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Researcher

Company: Vote Rev

Location: US - Remote

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary

Category: Research & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and optimization of scalable, relational GOTV (Get Out The Vote) tactics, focusing on user-centered design and behavioral science principles.

• Develop and execute pilot test plans to assess the effectiveness of new and refined voter engagement strategies, ensuring data-driven decision-making.

• Translate complex research findings into actionable product roadmaps and tangible deliverables that enhance voter mobilization and partner implementation.

• Serve as an internal expert on best practices in user experience research, human-centered design, and prototyping to drive innovation within the organization.

• Collaborate closely with field teams, canvassers, and partners to gather critical feedback and ensure tactics are impactful and scalable for historically disenfranchised communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a unique intersection of political organizing, behavioral science, and innovation. The "operations" aspect lies in the systematic design, testing, and scaling of voter engagement tactics, akin to product development and process optimization in a non-profit/PAC context. The focus on "scalable, relational GOTV tactics" implies a need for rigorous process development and iteration, which aligns with operations principles. The temporary nature (August 3 - November 20) suggests a project-focused role with a clear, high-stakes objective: influencing the upcoming election cycle and informing future strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive pilot testing plans for tactic refinements, utilizing qualitative research methods such as user interviews and surveys.

• Oversee the execution of pilot tests by paid canvassers, collaborating with Field Managers to monitor operations and establish robust feedback loops.

• Track and analyze key metrics from pilot programs to measure effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and ensure solutions address real user problems.

• Support the optimization of existing relational mobilization tactics and develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) for innovative new engagement strategies.

• Translate research outcomes into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for product roadmaps and future tactic development.

• Act as the organization's subject matter expert on user experience research, human-centered design, and prototyping, disseminating best practices and staying abreast of industry advancements.

• Prepare and present research deliverables, including memos, reports, and presentations, to articulate pilot learnings and proposed strategic adjustments to tactic designs.

• Contribute to the strategic product roadmap for voter engagement tactics, prioritizing refinements that maximize net votes generated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on process iteration and optimization within the context of voter engagement. The emphasis on "translating results into tangible and actionable next steps" and "contributing to a product roadmap" highlights an operations-centric approach to developing and refining engagement strategies. The requirement to "right-size the deliverables" suggests an understanding of stakeholder communication and efficient reporting, crucial in operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Centered Design, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Communications, or a related field would be beneficial.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in human-centered design, user research, behavioral science, or design strategy.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methods, including user interviews, surveys, and ethnographic studies.

• Proven ability to manage complex projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and successful execution of research initiatives.

• Proficiency with contemporary research, design, and prototyping tools and methodologies (e.g., Figma, Miro, user research platforms).

• High degree of empathy, enabling a deep understanding of the experiences of volunteers, canvassers, and voters.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex research findings clearly and succinctly to diverse, non-expert audiences.

• Strong understanding of human-centered design principles and their application in developing user-centric solutions.

• Experience in synthesizing research data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in quantitative research and statistical analysis, including A/B testing and data interpretation.

• Familiarity with political campaigns, voter turnout organizations, or civic engagement initiatives.

• Experience building and managing partnerships, including external relations, strategic partnerships, or consulting roles.

• Understanding of relational organizing principles and their application in voter mobilization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of research rigor and practical application, aligning with operations roles that require both analytical depth and the ability to drive implementation. The "helpful but not required" skills like quantitative analysis and political campaign experience are valuable for candidates looking to demonstrate a broader understanding of the GTM (Go-To-Market) and operational aspects of campaign strategy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of at least 2-3 complex projects demonstrating a full research lifecycle: problem definition, research design, execution, analysis, and actionable recommendations.

• Examples of user interviews, survey design, and analysis, highlighting how insights were derived and applied.

• Case studies detailing the design and iteration of a product, service, or tactic, with a focus on user feedback influencing the final design.

• Documentation of how research findings were translated into tangible design improvements or new product/tactic roadmaps.

• Evidence of ability to manage projects from inception to completion, including timelines, challenges, and outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Examples of research plans, including methodology, participant recruitment strategies, and data collection protocols.

• Documentation of how user feedback was integrated into iterative design processes for product or tactic refinement.

• Evidence of tracking key metrics and using data to inform strategic decisions and optimize processes.

• Case studies that illustrate the process of translating research into scalable strategies or operational improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Researcher role focused on operations, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating the ability to systematically design, test, and refine processes. The emphasis here is on showcasing the process of research and design, not just the outcomes, aligning with operations' focus on methodology and efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $135,992 annualized. Note: This salary is stated as being "less payroll deductions and withholdings." A portion of this ($42,497) will be paid for the program duration (August 3 - November 20) according to Vote Rev's payroll practices.

Benefits:

• Generous medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Medical plan option with a $1,000 deductible at no cost to the employee.

• Paid time off for all federal holidays.

• PTO accrued at a rate of 1.5 days per month.

• 5 days of sick leave.

Working Hours: Full-time, with an implied standard of 40 hours per week. Travel up to 30% of the time may be required to program implementation sites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary structure is unique due to the temporary nature of the role. The annualized figure provides a benchmark, but the actual payout is prorated for the program duration. This is important for candidates to understand for financial planning. The benefits package is competitive, particularly the employer-sponsored medical plan.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Political Campaigns / Voter Engagement / Non-Profit Technology & Innovation. Vote Rev and its sister organization, Vote Rev Action Fund (VRAF), operate at the cutting edge of voter mobilization, blending political strategy with innovative research and technology.

Company Size: Shared staffing structure across Vote Rev and Vote Rev Action Fund, described as a "small, high-trust team." This implies an agile, startup-like environment where individual contributions have significant impact.

Founded: Vote Rev and VRAF are based in Los Angeles, CA, indicating a strong foundation in a key political landscape. The organization's model of designing, testing, and mainstreaming tactics suggests a data-driven and experimental approach.

Team Structure:

• This role reports to the Director of Program, indicating a direct line of influence on program strategy and execution.

• Collaboration is expected with Field Managers and paid canvass firms, highlighting a cross-functional operational structure.

• The "shared staffing structure" suggests potential collaboration with individuals across different functional areas within Vote Rev and VRAF. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Innovation: Emphasis on "field-tested voter engagement innovations" and "randomized controlled trials" to refine tactics.

• Iterative Design & Testing: A core process involves designing prototypes, refining early-stage ideas, and stress-testing them in the field.

• Scalability Focus: A key objective is to develop tactics that are "easier for our partners to implement at massive scale."

• User-Centricity: Research is focused on understanding the experiences of volunteers, canvassers, and voters to inform design.

Company Website: www.voterev.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by a mission-driven approach, a commitment to innovation, and a fast-paced, experimental environment. The emphasis on "cultivating people," being "problem-oriented, solution-agnostic," and "cross-pollinating" ideas points to a collaborative and adaptive team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is responsible for leading significant research initiatives and providing expert guidance, indicating a leadership position within the research function.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Program, suggesting close alignment with strategic program development and high-level decision-making.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Researcher's work has a direct and substantial impact on Vote Rev's mission to "design and quickly mainstream field-tested voter engagement innovations to help Democrats win" and "amplify the power of historically disenfranchised communities." The research and optimization conducted will directly inform the effectiveness and scalability of voter turnout tactics, potentially influencing election outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deep Specialization: Opportunity to become a leading expert in the intersection of design research, behavioral science, and political organizing, a unique and high-demand niche.

• Strategic Influence: Direct contribution to product roadmaps and the evolution of voter engagement tactics that will be used by numerous campaigns and organizations.

• Impactful Project: Work on initiatives with the potential to generate "an election-changing number of votes" and shape the future of civic engagement strategies for years to come (2026, 2028, and beyond).

• High-Trust Environment: Potential for increased autonomy and responsibility within a small, fast-paced team that values direct feedback and learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a temporary role, the "Senior" designation and the scope of responsibilities suggest significant professional development. The opportunity to influence high-impact, experimental work in a critical election year, with long-term implications for the civic engagement landscape, provides substantial career growth potential, particularly for those interested in the political tech and advocacy sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role operates in a remote-first environment, offering flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere within the United States.

Office Location(s): Vote Rev and VRAF are based in Los Angeles, CA, but employees are nationwide. The role is designated as "US - Remote."

Workspace Context:

• Autonomy & Flexibility: The remote nature allows for self-directed work, with the expectation of high productivity and independent management of tasks.

• Collaborative Tools: Reliance on digital collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack, project management software) for communication and teamwork.

• Field Integration: Requires comfort with potential travel (up to 30%) to program implementation sites to observe operations and gather on-the-ground insights, bridging the gap between remote strategy and field execution.

• Dynamic Pace: The "startup environment" implies a fast-paced, adaptable work setting where priorities can shift based on campaign needs and research findings.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with an implied standard of 40 hours per week. The temporary nature of the role (August 3 - November 20) means a focused, intensive work period leading up to the election.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role is a key feature, supported by a strong benefits package. The necessary travel component, however, requires candidates to be comfortable with on-site engagement and fieldwork, blending remote strategy with practical operational oversight.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates will submit basic information, resume, and three short essay responses (no cover letter required).

• Phone Interviews: Initial screening to assess qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Final Interviews (Zoom): In-depth interviews to evaluate research methodologies, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities. This stage will likely involve behavioral questions and discussions about past projects.

• Reference Checks and Offers: Final stages involving verification of employment history and references, leading to an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Highlight the methodology used in your projects, not just the outcomes. Detail how you designed research, recruited participants, collected data, and analyzed findings.

• Demonstrate Impact: Clearly articulate how your research and design work led to tangible improvements, optimized processes, or influenced strategic decisions. Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement, improved usability, potential vote impact).

• Showcase Iteration: Present case studies that illustrate how you iterated on designs based on user feedback and research findings. This demonstrates adaptability and a user-centric approach.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that involved behavioral science, human-centered design, and experience in fast-paced, mission-driven environments. If you have experience in political campaigns or voter engagement, highlight it.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly explains your role and contributions in each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Essay Responses: Prepare thoughtful, concise answers to the essay questions, demonstrating your understanding of Vote Rev's mission, your approach to innovation, and your passion for their work.

• Behavioral Questions: Anticipate questions about your experience managing complex projects, handling ambiguity, collaborating with diverse teams, and translating research into action. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

• Strategic Thinking: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing and testing new GOTV tactics, considering the unique challenges of reaching historically disenfranchised voters.

• Mission Alignment: Articulate your commitment to Vote Rev's mission and values, demonstrating how your personal and professional goals align with their objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes written responses over a cover letter, making the essay questions critical. The portfolio review will likely focus on the candidate's ability to systematically design, test, and optimize processes and tactics, a core function in operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Typeform).

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Software for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision).

• Collaboration & Project Management Tools: Platforms for team communication, task management, and workflow tracking (e.g., Slack, Asana, Trello, Jira).

• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools: Software for analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and presenting findings (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, basic statistical packages, presentation software like PowerPoint or Google Slides).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Survey Analysis Tools: Tools integrated with survey platforms or standalone software for analyzing response data.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in creating clear, impactful presentations (e.g., Google Slides, PowerPoint, Keynote).

CRM & Automation: While not explicitly mentioned as a primary tool for this role, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, NGP VAN for political contexts) and automation principles could be beneficial for understanding how voter data is managed and how engagement tactics are deployed at scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on research and design tools. The ability to leverage these tools effectively for systematic testing and optimization is key, aligning with operations' need for efficient and data-driven processes. Familiarity with political campaign software like NGP VAN would be a significant plus, demonstrating an understanding of the specific operational environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Cultivate People: Invest in team members, foster growth, and create a supportive work environment. Operations professionals are expected to contribute to a positive team dynamic.

• Yoda, we are: Focus on empowering partners (campaigns, nonprofits) with effective tools and resources, rather than being the direct implementers. This implies a focus on creating "toolkits" and "playbooks" for scalable adoption.

• Problem-Oriented, Solution-Agnostic: Deeply understand the core problems in voter engagement (e.g., reaching hard-to-reach voters) and rigorously test various solutions until the most effective ones are found. This requires analytical rigor and a willingness to adapt.

• Pursue Equity: A strong commitment to dismantling systems of oppression and white supremacy, striving for inclusive processes and outcomes. Operations strategies must consider equity and access for all communities.

• Cross-Pollinate: Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across disciplines (organizing, research, design) to create innovative and improved tactics. This implies a culture of continuous learning and open communication.

Collaboration Style:

• High-Trust & Direct Feedback: The team operates with a high degree of trust, encouraging open communication and direct, constructive feedback.

• Autonomy & Accountability: Team members are given autonomy to manage their work but are held accountable for results and contributions.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration is expected with field teams and partners to ensure research and design efforts are grounded in real-world needs and can be effectively implemented at scale.

• Experimental & Adaptive: A willingness to experiment, learn from failures, and adapt strategies based on evidence and evolving circumstances is fundamental to the team's approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply integrated into its operational philosophy. They emphasize a human-centered, data-driven, and equity-focused approach to problem-solving, which are critical considerations for any operations role within mission-driven organizations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Scalability: Developing novel GOTV tactics that are both impactful and easily implementable by diverse partners at scale. This requires a deep understanding of operational constraints and user needs.

• Rapid Iteration in a High-Stakes Environment: The temporary nature of this role (leading up to an election) demands rapid research, analysis, and design iteration under tight deadlines.

• Translating Research to Field Operations: Effectively bridging the gap between theoretical research findings and practical, on-the-ground execution by canvassers and field teams.

• Measuring Impact in Complex Social Systems: Quantifying the precise impact of specific engagement tactics within the broader context of voter turnout can be challenging.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Niche Expertise Development: Deepen expertise at the intersection of behavioral science, design research, and political organizing – a highly specialized and impactful field.

• Strategic Program Influence: Gain direct experience in shaping the strategic direction of voter engagement tactics for major campaigns and organizations.

• Experimental Design & Testing: Hone skills in designing and executing rigorous pilot tests and A/B experiments in real-world political settings.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Enhance abilities to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including field organizers, data analysts, and campaign managers.

• Impactful Contribution: The opportunity to contribute to work that has a direct, measurable impact on democratic participation and the amplification of marginalized voices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are directly related to the operational realities of implementing and scaling innovative strategies in a dynamic, real-world environment. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to develop highly sought-after skills in a critical sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a research plan to test the effectiveness of a new relational voter engagement tactic, considering the need for scalability and impact among hard-to-reach voters?" (Focus on methodology, participant recruitment, and data collection for operations.)

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex research findings into actionable recommendations for a product or process. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your ability to bridge research and implementation, a key operations skill.)

• "Given the goal of increasing voter turnout, how would you balance the need for innovative, experimental tactics with the practical constraints of field implementation and partner capacity?" (Demonstrate an understanding of operational realities and GTM strategy.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Vote Rev's mission to innovate voter engagement, and how do you see your design research skills contributing to our goals?" (Connect your passion to their mission and operational objectives.)

• "How do you embody the value of 'Pursue Equity' in your research and design work, particularly when working with historically disenfranchised communities?" (Showcase your understanding of inclusive operations and social impact.)

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, startup-like environment. How do you adapt to changing priorities and manage ambiguity?" (Address the operational agility required.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation around key projects. For each, clearly state the problem, your research approach (methodology), your role and key actions, the insights gained, the solutions designed/recommended, and the impact/results.

• Focus on Process: For each project, detail the process you followed. How did you design your research? How did you synthesize data? How did you collaborate with stakeholders? How did your findings inform operational changes or product roadmaps?

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For this role, this could include potential voter turnout increases, efficiency gains in implementation, or partner satisfaction.

• Demonstrate Empathy: Use anecdotes and user quotes to illustrate your understanding of the user (voter, canvasser, volunteer) and how that empathy drove your design decisions.

• Address Scalability: If applicable, explain how your research and design considerations addressed the need for scalability and ease of implementation for partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just research acumen but also an understanding of operational principles, process optimization, and strategic impact within a mission-driven context. The essay questions and portfolio presentation are key opportunities to showcase these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse by July 1, 2026.

• Craft thoughtful and concise essay responses: Prepare to answer three short essay questions that address your interest in Vote Rev's mission, your approach to innovation, and your commitment to equity. Ensure your responses reflect an understanding of the operational impact of research.

• Optimize your resume for operations keywords: Highlight experience in human-centered design, user research, project management, qualitative analysis, and any relevant political or civic engagement experience. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio for review: Curate a selection of projects that best demonstrate your process for designing, testing, and optimizing tactics. Focus on showcasing your methodology, ability to translate research into actionable strategies, and understanding of scalability. Be ready to present key case studies articulately.

• Research Vote Rev's mission and values: Familiarize yourself with their work, their approach to innovation, and their core values. Understand how their operational model of designing, testing, and mainstreaming tactics functions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.