Associate - Opposition Research & Business Development (Exempt)

Nesbitt & Parrinello - Democratic Opposition Research Firm

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.

All opportunities are remote and employees are required to live and work in the United States. This is a full-time, exempt opportunity. Interviews will be held in February 2026 with an anticipated start date between February 16 and March 2, 2026. 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

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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 roles/organizations, and how they can support your business development goals. These should be people who can provide introductions, advice, or credibility in your target markets and service lines.*
Did you use AI tools in completing this application? If so, please describe the tools you used and how you used them.*
Human Check*

About Nesbitt & Parrinello

N&P is a minority-owned and a woman-owned small business. Allen Nesbitt started our business in 2005 and he is the first Black person to lead a Democratic opposition research firm in the United States. Allen Nesbitt and Cristina Parrinello are diverse researchers who are committed to encouraging and training future generations of diverse researchers.

Our mission is to build a more progressive, inclusive, and equitable world. We integrate cultural competency throughout our work and actively recruit from historically underrepresented communities.

Nesbitt & Parrinello is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact hradmin@nesbittresearch.com.

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1-202-335-5766
recruiting@nesbittresearch.com
1717 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Nesbitt & Parrinello is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact recruiting@nesbittresearch.com.

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