AP Elections Data Analyst

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

Why This Role Matters The Associated Press seeks a data analyst who is passionate about using data and statistics to understand what’s taking place in the American electorate – in particular, how many people are voting in U.S. elections. As one of our subject matter experts regarding election turnout, you ll join a team of researchers, data scientists, developers, journalists and others to deliver insight about turnout to AP’s Elections Services customers and our news audience.

This position on our Elections Analytics team is a nine-month temporary position based in Washington, D.C., although exceptional candidates in other locations will be considered. It is covered by AP’s agreement with the News Media Guild.

• Reporting to the expected vote news editor and working with other turnout experts, you will be part of the team that declares winners in U.S. elections as part of AP’s coverage of elections and our unique role in the American democracy.
• Focus primarily on creating and adjusting estimates of the expected vote as AP tabulates election results in federal and state elections, including in primary, general, and special elections.
• Use historical and real-time data to estimate turnout across the entire lifecycle of an election – from an initial estimate used during test events through to poll close, and onward to certification of the final vote totals.
• Your work will inform that of data analysts, reporters, developers and other stakeholders across the wider AP newsroom as it works to explain what’s behind the numbers and show the how and the why of winning and losing.
• Make time-sensitive adjustment to your estimates in real time on the day of an election, in the hours before polls close and through to the end of tabulation, refining models as ballots are cast and reported.
• In between elections, you will look back at past events for insights into the factors that influence voter turnout — including demographic trends, voting laws, historical turnout patterns and other relevant dynamics.
• Contribute subject matter expertise to inform internal application design and user needs.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in data analysis, ideally in a politics or political science related field. A master’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
• The ability to work in the U.S. or the ability to gain permission to do so.
• The ability and willingness to work at night and on weekends, as AP is a 24/7 operation and polls almost always close after the end of the business day.
• Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English, and professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and ideally proficiency in one or more statistical programming languages (preferably R).
• Experience working with data on deadline and synthesizing data from a diverse set of sources in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Proven interest and understanding of the U.S. electoral system:
  Experience working with voter files, election results, GIS data, census data and public opinion research is a plus. But we’re just as interested in how you solve problems as in the data used to do so.
• You understand that there’s always more to know, and you expect to learn from your teammates in addition to sharing what you know. You’re looking for a collegial environment that involves consistent communication and pair coding, and you enjoy sharing ideas with people from diverse backgrounds, areas of expertise and experience.

• A mission-driven, inclusive environment focused on both individual and collective success.
• Opportunities for professional development to help you reach your career goals.
• Access to tools, mentorship, and resources tailored to…