Election Research Intern - Part time in BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania at Lehigh Valley Public Media

JOB SUMMARY:

·Research the voting records, sponsored legislation, and public positions of the 20 candidates running in the Lehigh Valley's 10 competitive state House races, across six topics: ICE/Immigration, Data Centers, Energy, Housing, Education Funding, and Marijuana. Findings feed candidate profiles and voter guide content ahead of the fall election.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Tasks):

Incumbents

· Identify key bills tied to each of the six topics (editor-assigned, hands-on for this part)

· Track how each incumbent voted on those bills

· Flag any legislation the incumbent introduced or co-sponsored addressing these topics

Challengers

· For candidates with prior local-government experience (Jeff Warren, 137th; Ce-Ce Gerlach and possibly Robert Smith, 22nd), research any legislation or measures they introduced at that level touching the six topics

· Review campaign websites, social media, and public statements for stated positions on each topic

· Note where no public record exists on a given topic

Gaps and follow-up

· Flag candidates/topics with no paper trail

· Assist with follow-up outreach or interview questions when direct records aren't available (editor will determine format, phone/in-person preferred over email)

Output

· Structured research files per candidate/topic (format to be provided), summarizing sourced findings for editor review and further reporting.

· All other duties as assigned.

This position will have flexibility to work on a hybrid schedule based on needs of the business and role.

KEY COMPETENCY COMPONENTS (Behaviors Exhibited):

· SKILLS: (Ability to use knowledge effectively and competently in execution)

o A detail-oriented researcher.

· KNOWLEDGE: (Facts acquired by a person through experience or education)

o Knowledge about political campaigns and research.

o Knowledge experience with Public Media or similar organizations.

· EXPERIENCE: (Work experience, degree attainment, professional certifications)

o Working toward Bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science, communications or government/public policy.

· TRAITS: (Distinguishing qualities of a person)

o A creative team-player that can build and execute an event strategy that meets our organizational goals.

· CHARACTERISTICS: (The special trait that makes a person unique)

o A passionate ambassador, able to inspire and engage the broader community with the organization’s mission.

OTHER WORK REQUIREMENTS:

· May be asked to work longer hours and occasional weekends with short notice.

· As you will/may be driving a company vehicle or your own vehicle for company business, a valid driver’s license and a good driving record as determined by a driver’s license background check is required for this position.

· All team members must successfully pass a background check (7 years), FBI fingerprint clearance and PA child clearance.