Worst Research Job I Had Kindly Avoid! - Anonymous Employee- Former Employee Movement Labs Employee Review

The work involves data analysis, research, and support for strategic initiatives that drive change and produce real-world results. The team is talented, and everyone stands firmly behind the mission. The pay and benefits are good, plus it's a hybrid setup with real flexibility.

Last-minute requests can seriously disrupt your daily flow.

I worked in the Contest Every Race initiative back when there was still a Research Team (it was unfortunately shut down and the team was let go, as the organization went in a different direction). I started as an Intern while still in University for my last semester, then moved on to being a Fellow for a summer, and then was brought on as a Contractor in the autumn. The work was VERY fulfilling, as we conducted research and sourced information on local races to be provided to local Democratic Party chairs to aid in recruiting community candidates to run for office in uncontested races. While hours fluctuated, $20/hour was a great payment amount.

Hours fluctuated greatly, especially during odd-numbered years when elections were less plentiful. I was able to stay afloat from doing 20 hours per week some months at $20/hour, but they often first offered 15 hours and I had to negotiate so that I could survive. Also goes without saying that as a Contractor, I had to pay my own quarterly taxes. In the end the biggest con was that the entire Research Team was dissolved and mostly everyone was let go. I tried to do some candidate coaching with the organization afterwards, but communication was terrible and I was never properly trained for it.