Research Director

Start Date: Immediate Graham Platner for U.S. Senate is looking for an experienced Research Director to lead our research efforts. As Research Director, you will develop and execute a comprehensive research and vetting strategy to ensure the campaign has the strategic intelligence needed to take on billionaire-backed politicians. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting opposition and self‑research for a federal campaign, be highly organized, and bring a sharp, analytical, and rapid‑response approach to political strategy.

Responsibilities: Develop and implement a detailed opposition research, self‑research, and vetting plan. Coordinate with campaign leadership (Communications, Digital, and Policy) to align research findings with the campaign’s daily messaging and long‑term strategy. Anticipate opponent lines of attack and build comprehensive defense strategies and rapid‑response toolkits. Research Execution & Fact-Checking Conduct exhaustive opposition research on public records, voting records, financial disclosures, corporate ties, and media statements. Manage the campaign’s vetting process for surrogates, major donors, events, and policy proposals to mitigate risk. Fact‑check campaign materials, including press releases, TV ads, mail pieces, and digital content, ensuring absolute accuracy under pressure. Maintain an organized, secure, and easily searchable research database (books, briefings, and backup clips).

Qualifications: Proven experience conducting opposition and/or self‑research for a federal or high‑profile statewide campaign. Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and capable of managing tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Proficiency with research tools (e.g., Lexis Nexis, Westlaw, FEC databases, public records requests/FOIA, and media monitoring software). Willingness to work a campaign schedule, including irregular hours and rapid‑response situations.

Compensation & Benefits: Salary range of $7,000–$11,000/month, depending on experience. Health benefits available. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and is part of the campaign’s bargaining unit. Graham for Maine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.