Senior Manager, Research

WHO WE ARE

ActBlue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating cutting-edge technology that fuels Democratic victories and enables progressive causes to thrive. 

Our vision is simple: building change through the power of people. Since our founding, we’ve been building innovative solutions to revolutionize grassroots fundraising – if you’ve donated to a Democratic campaign or a progressive organization online, you’ve probably used our platform! We believe in putting power in the hands of small-dollar donors by helping thousands of groups — from local candidates to national movements — mobilize their communities and create a lasting impact. Every member of our team is deeply committed to advancing our shared mission and core values. Together, we are shaping the future of democracy. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Senior Manager of Research plays a key role in advancing ActBlue’s mission by leading critical research initiatives and ensuring our teams stay informed, prepared and protected. This role oversees due diligence on new entities, tracks legislative and digital fundraising developments, and delivers rapid-response research to support organizational needs.

Key responsibilities include managing day-to-day research operations, coordinating cross-departmental needs, and driving an efficient approvals process with senior management. You'll also maintain and enhance internal research resources, monitor key legal and regulatory policy developments at all levels of government, and conduct research in support of various risk management initiatives. 

Additionally, this position will work closely with teams across the organization to proactively identify vulnerabilities, develop research-driven defense strategies and ensure ActBlue is equipped to respond to external challenges. Collaborating with the Communications Director, this position will help shape the department’s strategy to align with ActBlue’s ambitious goals and plans. This is an exciting opportunity to lead impactful work and make a difference in the progressive movement!

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Serve as main point of contact for internal needs in completing original research projects, creating and maintaining an internal database of that research, and ensuring that research is readily available to support other teams;
• Lead department vetting operations, including collaborating with the Customer Service, Outreach, Legal, and Compliance Departments to assess operational needs and proactively identify potential areas of risk;
• Maintain a tracking system to monitor and alert relevant stakeholders of all key issues relevant to the work at ActBlue including current events, legislative actions involving digital and small-dollar donor fundraising, campaigns, and nonprofits;
• Lead rapid response research operations in coordination with the Communications team and other internal stakeholders to prepare for and respond to external scrutiny;
• Prepare research to support pre-emptive strategies around issues affecting ActBlue and its users; 
• Lead with the Director to identify department priorities and collaborate with key stakeholders to align research efforts with organizational needs;
• Hire and manage research staff in conjunction with the Director;
• Help set and invest team in their goals, helping them to create, track, and improve upon work plans;
• Project manage cross-department projects and work groups as needed.
• May support supplementary projects as assigned, ensuring timely and efficient completion in line with organizational objectives and standards.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 7-10 years or equivalent of professional experience working with teams and delivering projects.
• Experience leading the execution of large-scale research projects involving multiple stakeholders, complex requirements, and high ambiguity.
• Proven experience in risk management and crisis response;
• Knowledge of Nexis, campaign finance databases, other vetting tools, voracious appetite for current events;
• Excellent research skills and attention to detail, precision, organization; 
• Strong writing and grammar skills; 
• Ability to write, edit, and fact-check with precision and calm during high-volume, fast-paced periods; 
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with campaigns across the country;  
• Comfort with making strong recommendations and defending positions to senior-level decision makers;
• Experience using federal and state government databases and multiple other data sources;
• An inclusive, generous working style: You like to mentor, collaborate, and elevate your team by supporting your peers
• Excitement for the learning and growth of yourself and your teammates
• A passion for ActBlue’s mission and a strong commitment to supporting Democratic wins and the progressive movement through innovative growth strategies.

WORK & BENEFITS SNAPSHOT

This posting is for a full-time, remote, salaried position. Travel may be required on a limited basis to attend all-staff and departmental retreats (1-2 times per year). Additional travel may be required for select positions. 

Registered States*: 

Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Washington D.C.

*While ActBlue is currently registered to support remote work in the states listed above, we possess the ability to register in additional states as needed. If you are located in a state not listed, we may still be able to proceed with your application, but please note that the offer process may take longer to accommodate registration requirements.

Work Schedule: 

This role requires availability during established, regular business hours (Mon-Fri).

Work Environment: 

Employees can expect to work with distributed teams across all U.S. time zones. Our roles require extended technology usage, and proficiency with virtual communication tools such as Zoom and Slack. Regular attendance in virtual meetings is inherent to every position.

Salary Range Details:

Salary Range: $113,300 - $142,150 - $171,000 

ActBlue is committed to consistent compensation practices across our organization. Final salary offers will take into account factors such as candidate experience, interview performance and current team salary parity. 

Benefits: 

• Flexible work schedules and an unlimited time-off policy
• Fully paid and trans-inclusive health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families; plus fully-paid health reimbursement arrangement to use for out of pocket expenses and fully-paid short- and long-term disability 
• Fully paid basic and AD&D life insurance and a voluntary supplemental life insurance option
• Dependent and health care flexible spending account options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits for employees 
• Automatic 2% Employer-paid 401K contribution, plus up to an additional 6% match on employee contributions
• A minimum of three months paid medical, family and parental leave (for all new parents, adoptions included)
• Commuter or home-office benefits, including a $1,000 home-office setup allowance for all new full-time remote employees
• Additional perks including quarterly snack deliveries and digital subscriptions to the Boston Globe & New York Times

ActBlue is unable to sponsor work visas at this time.

UNION INFORMATION

Certain employees who report to this position may be covered by a collective bargaining agreement. 

BACKGROUND CHECKS

As part of our hiring process, ActBlue will conduct a background check at the time of offer. This will be completed in compliance with applicable laws and will not be initiated without your consent.

INCLUSION STATEMENT FROM ACTBLUE

ActBlue is committed to equal employment opportunities and fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace. We celebrate unique perspectives, honor the dignity of all individuals, and recognize that diverse backgrounds and identities strengthen our mission.

If you’re passionate about our work and see yourself in this role, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every requirement.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment. To request an accommodation, email recruitment@actblue.com. 

ActBlue will never ask candidates to buy equipment, nor will we email from anything other than an actblue.com or actbluetech.com email address.

*ActBlue will never ask candidates to buy equipment, nor will we email from anything other than an actblue.com or actbluetech.com email address.