Elections Senior Fellow, Governance

Senior Fellow Position – R Street Institute

The R Street Institute, a free-market think tank based in Washington, D.C., is seeking an energetic senior fellow to contribute to our election policy work. Reporting to the director of the Governance program, this role offers the opportunity to join a hardworking organization and make a significant impact.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on restructuring elections for better alignment between politicians and constituents.
• Draft op-eds on the importance of safe and secure voting sites.
• Engage with legislators, election officials, and stakeholders to enhance public trust in elections.
• Present insights on ballot security in various forums, including radio shows and national conferences.

Governance Program Focus: The Governance program at R Street aims to define how a limited, effective government can minimize burdens, promote human flourishing, and encourage opportunity for all. Electoral reform work includes:

• Eliminating red tape in elections.
• Ensuring universal voter participation.
• Realignment of electoral incentives for a healthier political culture.
• Policies promoting elections worthy of public trust.

Key Areas of Electoral Reform:

• Supporting ranked-choice voting.
• Expanding vote-by-mail options with secure processes.
• Advocating for nonpartisan redistricting commissions.
• Restoring voting rights for returning citizens.
• Protecting free speech and participation in electoral politics.

Other Aspects of Your Role:

• Collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts.
• Adapt policy, engagement, and communication strategy to legislative changes.
• Work with government affairs and communications teams to engage target audiences.
• Continuous policy analysis training.
• Stay updated with the latest research.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Significant experience in electoral systems, voter registration, canvassing, and auditing.
• Strong writing skills aligned with R Street’s perspective.
• Impeccable communication skills for diverse audiences.
• No specific educational background required; results-driven approach preferred.
• Passion for free markets and limited, effective government.
• Sense of humor and a desire to grow within a multifaceted organization.

Workplace:

• Flexible working arrangement – full-time position in D.C. office or fully remote.
• Some travel required for meetings, conferences, and semiannual in-person events.

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks:

• Competitive salary.
• Unlimited paid time-off policy.
• Alternating Fridays off.
• Employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) contributions with up to a 4 percent match.
• HSA employer contribution match.
• Quarterly wellness reimbursement.
• Various additional reimbursements.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: R Street is committed to a diverse workplace that values equity and inclusion. The organization actively seeks talent from all backgrounds and believes in the strength of broad coalitions.

Application Process: To apply, copy and paste your cover letter and attach your resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

About R Street Institute: R Street works to bolster American innovation, increase consumer choice, and protect individual liberty through a smaller, smarter government. The organization focuses on deep scholarship and pragmatic policy solutions. The motto is “Free Markets. Real Solutions.”

Our Vision:

• A free society where public policy starts with freedom.
• An inclusive society providing equal opportunity for all.
• A just society holding everyone accountable to the same laws.

Our Values:

• Always be better.
• Different is good.
• Serious(ly).
• One Team.

Learn more here