The Research Analyst at Stand Together plays a pivotal role in driving the organization's mission to break the barriers that hold people back from reaching their full potential. Operating at the intersection of public policy, political strategy, and philanthropic investment, this role is responsible for providing the deep analytical insights that guide high-level decision-making. Whether you are analyzing budget policies, entitlement reforms, or evaluating political landscapes, your research directly influences where and how Stand Together deploys its resources to drive systemic social change.

In this position, you will not simply compile data; you will synthesize complex information into actionable strategies for advocacy, policy reform, and political action. The role demands an intellectual curiosity that spans across diverse issue areas, from economic freedom and educational reform to criminal justice. By producing high-quality policy briefs and landscape assessments, you will empower senior leadership, key partners like the Cato Institute, and grassroots networks to advocate effectively for free-market solutions and social progress.

Success as a Research Analyst requires a rare combination of rigorous analytical skills and a deep alignment with the organization's core principles. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams of policy experts, political strategists, and communications professionals to translate academic-level research into compelling narratives. For those who want their research to have a direct, tangible impact on the nation's most pressing policy debates, this role offers an unparalleled platform for strategic influence.

To succeed in the Stand Together selection process, you must prepare for a blend of mission-alignment, behavioral, and domain-specific questions. Interviewers place an exceptionally high premium on your understanding of their philanthropic philosophy and your ability to articulate how research can be leveraged to drive social change. The following questions are representative of what you can expect, based on real candidate experiences.

Mission Alignment & Philanthropic Philosophy

• Why do you want to work for Stand Together, and which of our core focus areas or causes interest you the most?
• If you could champion one specific cause or reform to improve society, what would it be and why?
• How do you define the relationship between individual liberty, economic freedom, and well-being?

Preparing for an interview at Stand Together requires a unique approach. Because the organization is deeply mission-driven, standard technical preparation is only half the battle. You must be ready to demonstrate how your analytical skills serve a larger vision of societal transformation.

Mission Alignment & Value Fit – This is often the most critical evaluation area. Interviewers will assess whether you share the organization's commitment to classical liberal principles, free markets, and individual empowerment. You must be able to articulate why you want to work within this specific philanthropic community and show familiarity with their core frameworks.

Analytical & Research Rigor – You must demonstrate a high capacity for synthesizing complex policy and political data. Interviewers look for structured thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to translate raw data into clear, persuasive policy recommendations. Be prepared to discuss your methodology and how you validate your findings.

Strategic Problem-Solving – Beyond finding data, you must show that you can think strategically about social change. This means understanding how policy, grassroots advocacy, and political action intersect to create systemic change. You should be ready to discuss how research can be positioned to influence key decision-makers.

Communication & Influence – As a Research Analyst, your work must be accessible to a wide range of audiences, from academic researchers at the Cato Institute to grassroots organizers and political donors. You will be evaluated on your ability to write clearly, speak persuasively, and present complex ideas simply without losing their analytical integrity.

The interview process for the Research Analyst position at Stand Together is structured to evaluate both your intellectual alignment with the organization's mission and your practical research capabilities. Candidates generally experience a fast-paced process, but one that requires intense preparation on the organization's philosophy and public-facing content.

The journey begins with an initial conversation with an in-house recruiter. This conversation is heavily focused on your background, your interest in Stand Together, and your alignment with their core philanthropic causes. If you pass this screen, you will move on to an interview with the hiring Director, where the discussion will dive deeper into your research experience, strategic thinking, and policy interests.

The final stage consists of back-to-back interviews with Vice Presidents and Directors. These rounds are highly collaborative and rigorous, focusing on your ability to solve complex problems, handle strategic ambiguity, and communicate effectively with senior leadership.

The visual timeline above outlines the typical progression from the initial touchpoint to the final offer. While the process is designed to move quickly, the depth of the conversations at each stage remains high. You should use this timeline to pace your preparation, ensuring you have thoroughly researched the organization's philosophy before your first call.

To stand out in the Stand Together interview process, you must understand the specific competencies that the hiring team evaluates. They are looking for analysts who can act as strategic partners, not just data processors.

Mission & Philanthropic Alignment

This evaluation area measures your understanding of and commitment to the foundational principles of Stand Together. The interviewers want to see that you are not just looking for any research job, but that you are specifically drawn to their unique model of social change.

Be ready to go over:

• Classical Liberal Principles – Understanding the roles of individual liberty, free markets, and mutual benefit in driving social progress.
• The Stand Together Framework – Familiarity with how the organization partners with social entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community groups.
• Key Societal Causes – Being able to discuss specific issue areas such as education reform, economic opportunity, criminal justice, or budget and entitlement policy.
• Advanced concepts (less common) – Bottom-up social change models, the history of philanthropic influence on public policy, and market-based solutions to poverty.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Which of our current initiatives do you believe has the highest potential for long-term societal impact, and why?"
• "How would you explain the concept of 'bottom-up' social change to someone who believes that government policy is the only way to solve systemic poverty?"

Policy & Political Research Methodology

This area tests your technical ability to design, execute, and deliver high-quality research. Whether you are applying for a Senior Political Research Analyst role or a policy-focused position, you must demonstrate exceptional methodological discipline.

Be ready to go over:

• Data Synthesis – How you gather, clean, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from diverse sources.
• Policy Analysis – Your approach to analyzing legislative bills, regulatory frameworks, and government budgets (such as entitlement programs).
• Landscape Assessments – Identifying key stakeholders, political dynamics, and leverage points within a specific policy debate.
• Advanced concepts (less common) – Econometric modeling, legislative tracking software, and political network mapping.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How would you structure a research project to identify the primary barriers to educational freedom in a specific state?"
• "Describe how you would analyze the economic and social impacts of a proposed federal budget cut to a major entitlement program."

Strategic Advocacy & Communication

A great research piece is only valuable if it can be understood and acted upon. This evaluation area looks at your ability to translate complex data into persuasive, clear narratives that can influence policy-makers, donors, and the public.

Be ready to go over:

• Writing for Impact – Crafting concise policy briefs, executive summaries, and research papers for non-technical audiences.
• Stakeholder Management – Tailoring your communication style to different audiences, from grassroots advocates to high-net-worth donors.
• Strategic Positioning – Framing research findings in a way that maximizes their persuasive power and strategic utility.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How would you write a two-page executive brief for a busy VP on a highly complex regulatory change?"
• "If your research reveals that a favored policy initiative of a key partner is unlikely to succeed, how do you deliver that feedback?"