Director - Opposition Research & Business Development (Exempt)

Nesbitt & Parrinello - Democratic Opposition Research Firm

Job Description

Drive business growth and research excellence at Nesbitt & Parrinello, where you'll build client relationships and lead strategic research for the most important Democratic campaigns and progressive organizations. As a Director, you'll combine research expertise with business development acumen to expand our impact and grow your own Democratic research practice within our established framework.

Partner Track opportunities are remote and employees are required to live and work in the United States. This is a full-time, exempt opportunity. Partner Track opportunities are evaluated continuously throughout the year. Compelling candidates will be evaluated based on business development potential. 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.

Compensation Range: $65,000 - $75,000 annually

Performance-Based Compensation: Directors may earn origination bonuses of up to 15% of originated revenue, recognizing the critical role of business development in growing the firm and building sustainable client relationships. Directors may earn performance-based equity credits.

What You'll Do:

Directors lead major client relationships while driving business development and research delivery. Your responsibilities will include:

- Originating new business and cultivating strategic relationships with Democratic campaigns and progressive organizations
- Managing significant client accounts and overseeing high-stakes research projects
- Leading research teams and ensuring exceptional delivery quality
- Developing business development strategies and identifying new market opportunities
- Representing the firm at industry events, conferences, and professional networks
- Contributing to firm strategy, operational planning, and organizational growth
- Mentoring associates and senior associates in research and business development
- Building your own book of business with firm support and infrastructure

What We're Looking For: 

Ideal candidates have most of the following:

- Proven commitment to progressive politics with deep understanding of Democratic campaign operations
- 3-5 years of experience in opposition research, political consulting, or related fields
- Demonstrated success in business development, client relationship management, or sales
- Strong network within Democratic campaigns, progressive organizations, or political consulting
- Excellent research skills with ability to lead complex, high-profile projects
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills with experience pitching to senior leadership
- Strategic thinking with ability to identify opportunities and develop winning proposals
- Leadership experience managing teams and mentoring junior staff
- Entrepreneurial mindset with drive to build and grow client relationships
- Comfort with ambiguity and ability to balance multiple priorities in fast-paced environment
- Technical proficiency with CRM systems, project management tools, and research technologies

Requirements:

- Access to a secure and private work environment
- Reliable internet connection
- Ability to work remotely in the United States

For more information about careers at Nesbitt & Parrinello, visit our careers page at https://www.nesbittresearch.com/opposition-research-jobs
 

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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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