Investigative Researcher

Overview

POSITION TITLE: Investigative Researcher

REPORTS TO: Director of Research & Analysis, Center on Extremism

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

LOCATION: Anywhere ADL has an Office (Chicago preferred)

Grade/Class: Grade F, Exempt, PSA-Eligible

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism and extremism, we protect, advocate, and educate, through a mix of programs and services using the latest innovations and technology, and seek to create a world without hate. More at www.adl.org. 

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Investigative Researcher plays a critical role in detecting, deterring and disrupting the spread of extremist activity by researching, investigating and monitoring activities of extremist movements and hate groups, developing and maintaining relationships with regional partners and creating resources and analysis for public distribution and internal use.

Responsibilities

Primary:

• Conduct and meticulously document research, investigate and monitor extremist movements, groups and individuals and related activity through primary and secondary public sources. Note: due to the nature of this work, the researcher is likely to be exposed to disturbing content on a regular basis and must be prepared for that possibility.
• Develop and draft resources, blogs and reports for public distribution and analyses for internal use on extremist and hate-related subjects.
• Provide briefings and expert analysis about extremist-related activities and Center on Extremism work in general to both law enforcement, donors, media and other public audiences.
• Develop and maintain relationships with regional partners, including law enforcement agencies, community partners and others with a professional interest in tracking hate incidents/crimes and combating extremism.
• Support regional offices by providing information, guidance and assistance.
• Recommend strategies for responding to extremist activities and developments.

This job description provides a general overview of the role and its key responsibilities. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and ADL reserves the right to assign additional tasks as needed.

Qualifications

Skills:

• Excellent analytical and research skills; strong familiarity with open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and act flexibly in response to changing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative settings and with all levels of staff.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate good judgment under pressure.
• Familiarity with a range of data and technological tools.
• Expertise and interest in specific extremist-related subject area of concern to ADL.

 Work Experience:

• The ideal candidate has several years' investigative experience in journalism, law enforcement, academic research, or similar areas with a proven track record in deep research and analysis.

Education:

• B.A. degree in Journalism, Political Science, History, Criminal Justice, related field or equivalent work experience required (Graduate degree preferred).

Work Environment:

• Office environment. Position may require work outside of normal Mon-Fri 9-5:30 working hours, such as responding to crisis situations and rotational hours of work. Overnight travel required.
• ADL is a hybrid environment; this role will require 3 days in the office.  

Compensation: 

• This position has a salary range of $75,000 to $85,000. This salary range is reflective of a position based in Chicago, IL. Please note that actual salaries are commensurate with experience and reflect the budget for a given position, and since ADL has a location-based compensation structure, there may be a different range for candidates in other locations. For an overview of our total rewards package, please visit https://www.adl.org/about/careers. 

ADL aims to create a working environment where every employee can thrive professionally.  Our mission-driven work is best accomplished in an environment that supports belonging. ADL values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. ADL is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, promotions and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment shall be maintained in a manner which does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or military status, or in violation of any applicable Federal, state or local laws.      

ADL will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation to support the interview process, please contact the People & Culture department at talentacquisition@adl.org.      

ADL will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable State, Local, and Federal laws.   

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job, nor is it to be interpreted as a contract for employment.