Program Manager, Research

Job Title: Program Manager or Senior Program Manager, Research

Location: Remote

Salary Range: $85k - $100k+ annually, depending on experience

Reports to: Managing Director

Who We Are

Sunstone Strategies is a mission-driven communications and public affairs firm focused on equitable solutions to the climate crisis. We lead state and federal communications campaigns to phase out the nation's largest sources of fossil fuel pollution.

Sunstone was established in 2018, but our roots run deep—with a staff that pulls from decades of experience in issue communications, justice-oriented advocacy and climate policy. Sunstoners offer a rare mix of policy expertise, campaign strategy, digital communications and the best public relations skills in the business.

Our issue areas include the transition to 100% clean energy, pollution-free buildings, cleaner industry, zero-emission transportation, and polluter accountability.

About the Role

We're seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, experienced research professional to provide strategic intelligence and analysis across our climate campaigns. This role combines rigorous opposition research capabilities with strategic thinking to support high-impact advocacy efforts at state and federal levels.

The Research Manager will be responsible for delivering accurate, timely research that drives campaign strategy and messaging. This position requires someone who can work independently while maintaining close coordination with campaign teams, meet strict deadlines, and translate complex information into actionable insights, based on experience-informed judgment about what’s news and what will have impact, and how to accurately summarize individual data points to tell a broader story.

The successful candidate will demonstrate ability to produce high-quality, high-impact research under pressure while maintaining absolute accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Research & Analysis (50%)

• Conduct comprehensive ongoing opposition research including funding analysis, stakeholder power-mapping, tactics and expenditures tracking, news and social media tracking, campaign finance and lobbying disclosures, public records requests, archival research, etc.
• Provide real-time monitoring of legislative, regulatory, and industry developments across multiple campaigns
• Track and synthesize media coverage, social media trends, and public sentiment data
• Develop research products that directly inform campaign strategy and tactical decisions and that can be provided to external audiences, including partners and the media
• Maintain organized databases of research findings accessible to full team

Campaign Intelligence & Support (30%)

• Proactively deliver rapid-response research for media opportunities and legislative developments
• Fact-check materials and verify sources with rigorous attention to accuracy and unambiguous language
• Provide strategic briefings to campaign leadership and coalition partners
• Periodically brief reporters, together with colleagues
• Support message development with data-driven insights and evidence
• Periodically draft reports and memos based on original research
• Identify emerging threats and opportunities through proactive monitoring
• Collaborate with communications team to develop research-based content

Project Management & Coordination (20%)

• Manage multiple research projects simultaneously across different campaign areas
• Establish and maintain research timelines aligned with campaign milestones while also holding time for in-the-moment rapid response research
• Coordinate with external research contractors when additional capacity needed
• Develop standardized research protocols and quality control processes
• Maintain strict confidentiality protocols for sensitive research
• Ensure factual accuracy of research products, and other content as needed

Qualifications

Sunstone values the unique contributions each individual candidate may provide. We encourage candidates who may not fulfill the qualifications listed below to still apply!

• 5+ years of experience in political research, opposition research, investigative journalism, data analysis, or strategic intelligence roles
• Demonstrated track record of producing accurate, comprehensive research under tight deadlines
• Expert proficiency with research databases, public records systems, and digital monitoring tools
• Experience with campaign finance analysis, regulatory filings, and corporate disclosure research
• Strong analytical skills with ability to identify patterns and strategic implications
• Excellent written communication with ability to synthesize complex information clearly
• Experience with climate/energy policy or progressive advocacy campaigns
• Proven ability to work independently while maintaining team coordination
• Comfort with ambiguity and rapidly changing priorities
• Familiarity with FOIA/public records request processes
• Understanding of social media monitoring and digital analytics platforms

Would be a plus if you have:

• Experience with California political landscape and regulatory processes
• Knowledge of fossil fuel industry structure, tactics, and key players
• Background in data visualization and research presentation tools
• Experience managing research contractors or junior researchers

Core Competencies

• Accuracy & Attention to Detail: Maintains highest standards of factual accuracy and precision with zero tolerance for errors in critical research deliverables. Double-checks sources and data before distribution.
• Time Management: Consistently meets deadlines while managing multiple projects and rapid response. Proactively communicates if timelines are at risk and proposes solutions.
• Strategic Thinking: Connects research findings to broader campaign objectives. Anticipates information needs and provides proactive intelligence.
• Communication: Presents complex information clearly and concisely. Tailors research products to different audiences from grassroots activists to policymakers.
• Team Collaboration: Works effectively with diverse teams across time zones. Responds promptly to urgent requests while maintaining research quality.
• Ethical Standards: Maintains strict confidentiality and handles sensitive information appropriately. Operates with integrity in all research activities.

Why Choose Sunstone?

Sunstone is a team of seasoned high-performers, dedicated to delivering unparalleled campaign communications support to partners. Our partners turn to us for our policy campaign expertise and ability to do what it takes to further the climate movement and to develop and lead winning media strategies.

While we work on the edge of what most think is impossible, we take care of ourselves and one another. We hold a highly effective and distinctive work practice, that is diligent and one that equitably centers care.

Our Commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Climate Justice:

Sunstone Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to transparent and equitable recruitment, hiring and promotion processes that foster inclusion and belonging. The climate movement has long suffered from, and been less effective, due the absence of partnership with impacted communities and racial and social justice movements.

We believe that diversity in our team is not just a value but brings different lived experience and perspective that is essential to solving the climate crisis. We strongly encourage applicants from communities that have been underrepresented in this space to apply for this position. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please email us at jobs@sunstonestrategies.org.

This is a full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• 100% employee health, vision and dental coverage
• 4 weeks vacation/paid time off
• 10 days of sick/personal leave
• 12 paid holidays
• Automatic 5% 401k employer contribution after 3 months of continual employment that is 100% vested
• One-time, $500 home office stipend
• Monthly phone and internet reimbursement
• Annual professional development stipend
• Quarterly health and wellness stipend
• Year-end discretionary bonus