Election 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.

The Associated Press seeks three data analysts who are 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.

Responsibilities: Reporting to the expected vote news editor, 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. In this role, you will focus primarily on creating and adjusting estimates of the expected vote as AP tabulates election results in federal and state elections.

We’re looking for someone who can use data, past and present, 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. You’ll place a special emphasis on adjusting your estimates in real time on the day of an election, in the hours before polls close and through to the end of the election night tabulation. In between elections, you’re someone who 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.

Required Qualifications:

· 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.

· All applicants must be able to work in the U.S. or be able 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. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications: We’re looking for someone with strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and ideally proficiency in one or more statistical programming languages, preferably R. You’ve got experience working with data on deadline and are comfortable synthesizing data from a diverse set of sources in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. We want someone who has a 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 plus. But we’re just as interested in how you solve problems as in the data used to do so.

You’ll be part of an expanding Elections Analytics team, and 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.

In this role, you’ll contribute subject matter expertise to inform internal application design and user needs. 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.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

This position is covered by The Associated Press’ contract with the News Media Guild, which provides for an annual salary for Class A staff of between $53,477 and $85,214 based on location and years of professional experience. Additional compensation is negotiable based on a job candidate’s skills, qualifications and market location. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan and employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy. 

Application deadline is August 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. 

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.