Change Research conducts research to understand public opinion. We aim to democratize access to public opinion research, in order to create a world where leaders have near-constant contact with the pulse of public opinion and can make more informed decisions. As a Public Benefit Corporation, we seek to make the world more humane, scientific, and just; as a technology company, we seek to innovate and re-define what it means to measure public opinion.
We are seeking a Principal Researcher who combines deep expertise in public opinion research with a strong entrepreneurial drive. This role is ideal for an accomplished pollster or survey researcher—especially one with political campaign and candidate-based experience—who has built a strong client base, is adept at research analysis and client relationships, and is excited to leverage Change Research’s innovative, tech-powered tools to deliver fast, scalable, and impactful insights.
The right candidate will thrive in business development, contribute to growing our client portfolio, and bring an independent, go-getter spirit. You will not only deliver outstanding research but also act as a strategic partner, helping clients turn data into decisions at the speed and scale today’s environment demands.
The salary range is $105,000–$130,000 annually, commensurate with experience, and includes benefits listed below.
Lead Client Research Projects: Own end-to-end execution of complex polling projects, including design, fielding, weighting, analysis, and delivery of actionable insights.
Drive Growth & Business Development: Cultivate and expand a strong network of clients, with particular focus on campaign, candidate, advocacy, and public-sector opportunities. Proactively seek and close new business, leveraging both personal networks and outbound strategies.
Innovate with AI & Technology: Embrace and champion new approaches—particularly the use of AI and advanced analytics—to improve speed, efficiency, and scale of research delivery.
Act as a Trusted Advisor: Guide high-level conversations with clients, connecting rigorous data with strategic recommendations that address complex challenges.
Shape Change Research’s Evolution: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine methodologies, improve internal tools, and identify opportunities for new products and service offerings.
Mentor & Elevate Team Members: Support and coach Analysts and Senior Analysts, strengthening organizational capacity while modeling excellence and speed.
Experienced: 5+ years in polling, public opinion research, political campaigns, or adjacent fields. A proven track record of leading high-profile projects and delivering strategic insights.
Entrepreneurial: You bring a great set of relationships, a well-established reputation in the industry, and a growing network in the political candidate space.
Tech-Forward: Eager to experiment with AI, product development, and other innovations to scale research without sacrificing rigor.
Fast & Strategic: You balance speed and precision, able to move forward multiple high-stakes projects with tight timelines, while coaching others to do the same.
Relationship-Oriented: Skilled communicator who builds and maintains trusted client relationships, including at the executive level.
Mentor-Minded: Invested in developing colleagues’ skills and contributing to a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture.
Thrive on independence and take initiative to drive results without needing heavy oversight.
Have built trusted client relationships and can point to repeat business or long-term partnerships.
Are motivated by growth opportunities and see business development as a natural extension of your research expertise.
Enjoys experimenting with and incorporating new technologies, including AI, to enhance speed, quality, and impact.
Balance strategic vision with a “roll-up-your-sleeves” approach to execution.
Can seamlessly switch between high-level client conversations and deep methodological detail.
Are passionate about using data to shape campaigns, causes, or public narratives.
Value mentorship and team-building as part of your professional identity.
Running impactful, multi-phase projects that deliver dead-on accurate results and give clients confidence to act fast
Meeting new candidates, campaigns, and causes where our innovative methods can make the world more humane, scientific, and just—and turning those introductions into lasting partnerships
Dreaming up new ways to use AI and tech to speed up workflows, scale capacity, and push the limits of what public opinion research can do
Jumping into cross-team brainstorms to refine products, sharpen methodologies, and build something bigger together
Mentoring an enthusiastic (and delightfully nerdy) team, swapping ideas, building skills, and celebrating wins along the way
Growth in new business revenue generated and accounts expanded
Speed and accuracy in project delivery (measured against timelines, client satisfaction, and electoral results)
Adoption of AI/tech-driven approaches that reduce time-to-insight or expand capacity
Retention and satisfaction of high-profile clients
Mentorship outcomes (measured through analyst development and promotion)
Thought leadership (speaking, publishing, or visibility-building activities)
The salary range is $105,000–$130,000 annually, commensurate with experience, and includes these benefits:
Company-subsidized medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
Flexible paid time off, sick days, and company holidays
Access to pre-tax 401K retirement program
Fully remote work environment; some travel may be required
Stipend to outfit your home office
Stock options
Paid family leave
You must be authorized to work in the United States.
We value a diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other. We strongly encourage everyone to apply, regardless of race, gender, religious beliefs, abilities, political attitudes, experience, and other characteristics.
Change Research is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.