Talent.com
Senior Investigator, Political Extremism

Senior Investigator, Political Extremism

American OversightWashington, DC, US
job_description.job_card.30_days_ago
serp_jobs.job_preview.job_type
  • serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
  • serp_jobs.filters_job_card.quick_apply
job_description.job_card.job_description

This position is actively accepting applications.

American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that advances truth, accountability, and democracy by enforcing the public's right to government records.

We use multiple tools, backed by aggressive litigation, to fight attacks on democratic institutions, threats to civil rights and liberties, abuses of power, and erosion of government transparency.

We expose and disrupt these attacks, and the officials and networks behind them, by forcing the government to turn over records officials would rather keep secret.

Who We Are Since our founding in 2017, American Oversight has :

  • Shut down Trump's bogus "voter fraud" commission.
  • Revealed the Trump-sanctioned pressure campaign on the Ukrainian government by forcing the Trump administration to turn over records initially withheld from Congress.
  • Uncovered rampant preventable deaths of immigrants in federal custody.
  • Unmasked taxpayer-funded sham "audits" of the 2020 election.
  • Obtained the fake electors' forged certificates submitted by fake electors during the 2020 election.
  • Exposed networks of election denialists and subverters around the country.
  • Halted the impeachment of a newly elected state supreme court justice in Wisconsin.
  • Blocked state election board members in Georgia and Wisconsin from taking anti-democratic actions in secret.
  • We are committed to fighting threats of democracy at the federal, state, and local levels, using time-tested and innovative tools to expose misconduct, defend against attacks on marginalized communities, and demand accountability.

For more information, please visit our website :

  • www.americanoversight.or g  About the Role :   American Oversight is seeking a Senior Investigator, Political Extremism to join our team.  At American Oversight, we know that the abuse of government power is more than just bad policy — it’s a direct threat to national security, public safety, and the integrity of our democracy.
  • Across the country, law enforcement agencies and national security tools are being weaponized for political purposes and used to suppress dissent — often under the guise of maintaining public order.
  • At the same time, these institutions have repeatedly failed to confront — and in some cases have enabled — the growing threat of domestic extremism.  To confront these threats, we are seeking a bold, incisive, and mission-driven Senior Investigator to lead high-impact investigations into how far-right ideologies — including, but not limited to, Christian nationalism, white supremacy, and authoritarian populism — are shaping government policy, influencing public institutions, and fueling rampant abuses of power.
  • This role will also contribute to American Oversight’s broader portfolio of priority issues, supporting our mission to expose how power is wielded — and misused — in ways that threaten democracy.
  • The Senior Investigator will use public records and open-source intelligence to expose how ideological movements that are hostile to civil rights and democratic norms are capturing or distorting the functions of government.
  • The ideal candidate will have sharp investigative instincts, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to transparency, accountability, and the core principles of democracy.

    • What You Will Do :

  • Develop and lead in-depth investigations that leverage public records, open-source intelligence, and subject-matter expertise to uncover hidden agendas, expose abuses of power, and reveal the political and institutional forces shaping government action.
  • Craft strategic, litigation-ready public records requests to federal, state, and local agencies aimed at exposing decision-making, funding flows, and political influence.  Analyze complex government documents and draw upon available information to identify unreported insights and emerging trends.
  • Synthesize findings into compelling narratives, with a focus on accuracy, newsworthiness, and the broader implications for government accountability Draft public-facing content — including blog posts, reports, talking points, and briefing materials — that distills investigative findings into clear, contextualized, and actionable narratives.
  • Represent American Oversight externally by participating in meetings, briefings, or background conversations with journalists, advocates, and allies.
  • Contribute to organizational initiatives and special projects as needed, bringing an investigative lens to emerging priorities and cross-functional efforts.

    • What You Will Bring :

  • 4+ years experience in government investigations, investigative journalism, or a related field involving in-depth investigative research and analyses.  Demonstrated interest in how political extremism and far-right ideological movements influence law enforcement, policymaking, and public institutions.
  • Experience using public records laws (e.g., federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), state open records acts) or open-source intelligence tools to support or lead investigations.

    • Interest in American Oversight’s mission of government accountability and transparency; commitment to public interest advocacy.  Exceptionally strong skills in the following areas :

  • Problem Solving and Critical Thinking : Identifies and anticipates problems and surfaces creative solutions to achieve desired outcomes; scans the landscape and connects dots among many disparate data points and situations.

    • Communication :

  • Conveys ideas, information, and emotions clearly and effectively — both orally and in writing — adapting language to suit different audiences and contexts.
  • Produces well-organized, error-free work that reflects a strong grasp of content and a high level of accuracy, clarity, and professionalism.

    • Project Management :

  • Ability to multitask and independently manage multiple projects with varying scopes, timelines, and stakeholders; adapts priorities as necessary to meet organizational goals while maintaining good judgment of relative priorities.

    • Judgment and Decision Making :

  • Makes sound, timely decisions by weighing priorities, anticipating outcomes, and aligning choices with American Oversight’s values and goals.
  • Uses logic, experience, and context to recommend effective, mission-driven actions.

    • Strategic Thinking :

  • Obtains information and identifies key issues and relationships relevant to achieving a goal or vision; evaluates potential risks and benefits to potential plans of action before recommending courses of action; adjusts plans as needed to achieve key objectives.

    • Collaboration :

  • Is an inclusive, highly engaged team player; proactively seeks and provides thought partnership, assistance, and / or resources with / to colleagues.  An understanding of and fluency in relevant news developments, the political landscape, and how public records can inform news coverage, and government action, and accountability.
  • Experience conceptualizing, managing and driving complex projects, including those that are cross-functional cutting, strategic, and / or long-term.
  • Experience working in and / or desire to contribute to workplaces with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Strong technology skills with an aptitude to learn quickly, ramp up on, or test new platforms or technology (e.g., AirTable).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and file-sharing platforms (Dropbox).

    • Desired Qualifications :

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Proficiency with (FOIA) and public records requests.  Proficiency in using FOIA and state public records laws to obtain and analyze government information.
  • Experience with other publicly available datasets and information sources that could be used to enhance American Oversight’s existing accountability work.  Experience with American Oversight’s core tools (e.g., Airtable, DocumentCloud) and / or with data analysis and visualization tools.

    • We encourage individuals to apply even if they do not have any of the desired qualifications.   What We Offer :

  • American Oversight offers its employees a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes 80% of health, dental, and vision premiums paid by the organization, a retirement plan with a matching contribution, and remote office reimbursements for personal devices and wireless connectivity.

    • Location :

  • This is a remote position and may require occasional travel to American Oversight’s Washington, DC office for team meetings and staff retreats.
  • Our office in Washington, DC is an optional workspace.

    • Salary Range :

  • $75,000 - $100,000 (commensurate with experience) Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace : At American Oversight, we value and strive to hire, develop, and grow a diverse and inclusive team.
  • We are an equal opportunity employer, and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws.

    • We strongly encourage individuals to apply for opportunities at American Oversight even if they do not have any of the desired qualifications.

  • Powered by JazzHR
    • serp_jobs.job_alerts.create_a_job

    Investigator • Washington, DC, US

    Job_description.internal_linking.related_jobs
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Litigation Associate (Privacy and Cyber)- DC

    Litigation Associate (Privacy and Cyber)- DC

    Direct CounselWashington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Direct Counsel is representing an AmLaw 100 law firm is seeking a Litigation Associate to join its.Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice Group. The firm represents leading global clients across indus...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Economic Security Financial Principal

    Economic Security Financial Principal

    Employment OpportunitiesWashington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Economic Security Financial Principal.The Economic Security Operations Unit (ESOU) within RAND's National Security Research Division is seeking mission-driven finance experts from the private secto...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Security Analyst (Adjudicator)

    Security Analyst (Adjudicator)

    AmentumChantilly, VA, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Security Analyst (Adjudicator).Are you a personnel security professional seeking a new opportunity in your field? Do you want to support national security and vetting of a trusted workforce? If you...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    Targeting Officer (2025-0074)

    Targeting Officer (2025-0074)

    Acclaim Technical ServicesMcLean, VA, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    serp_jobs.filters_job_card.quick_apply
    Acclaim Technical Services, founded in 2000, is a leading language and intelligence services company supporting a wide range of U. We are an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, which ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Legal Analyst I, DoD

    Legal Analyst I, DoD

    DexisWashington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Dexis is a dynamic professional services firm dedicated to partnering with government and community leaders both in the U. At Dexis, you will experience a corporate culture of inclusiveness, respect...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    Conflicts Researcher

    Conflicts Researcher

    Fawkes IDMWashington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    serp_jobs.filters_job_card.quick_apply
    Conduct thorough and accurate research of corporations, agencies and individuals listed as incoming parties to client / matters, or submitted with preliminary conflicts checks;.Analyze and evaluate b...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    SOC Security Analyst L3

    SOC Security Analyst L3

    BlueVoyantCollege Park, MD, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Location : Hybrid in College Park, Maryland (1-2 days per week in office).Commercial SOC operates on a four days on, three days off schedule. Wednesdays-Saturdays : operating either.BlueVoyant is look...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Corrections Information Council (CIC)

    Corrections Information Council (CIC)

    Mayor's Office of Talent and AppointmentsWashington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Corrections Information Council Appointment.Appointed by Mayor, confirmed by Council.The Corrections Information Council is mandated to inspect and monitor the conditions of confinement in the corr...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Senior Counsel (Election Protection)

    Senior Counsel (Election Protection)

    States United Democracy CenterWashington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    The Senior Counsel (Election Protection) is a core member of the organizations legal program reporting to a Program Director (Election Protection). The Senior Counsel partners with a team of interna...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Economic Security Financial Principal

    Economic Security Financial Principal

    Clearance JobsWashington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Economic Security Financial Principal.The Economic Security Operations Unit (ESOU) within RAND's National Security Research Division is seeking mission-driven finance experts from the private secto...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    (554) Intelligence Analyst II - Counterintelligence Policy and O

    (554) Intelligence Analyst II - Counterintelligence Policy and O

    Clearance JobsWashington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    The Intelligence Analyst II will provide expert guidance and support to the Counterintelligence and Identity Intelligence (CI2) Directorate seniors and staff on Department of Defense (DoD) counteri...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Deputy Sheriff - Law Enforcement Certified / Lateral

    Deputy Sheriff - Law Enforcement Certified / Lateral

    Alexandria Sheriff's OfficeAlexandria, VA, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    The Alexandria Sheriff's Office is recruiting certified law enforcement applicants for a lateral career as a Deputy Sheriff I. We are seeking candidates dedicated to serving the community with honor...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Legal Analyst II, DoD

    Legal Analyst II, DoD

    DexisWashington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Dexis is a dynamic professional services firm dedicated to partnering with government and community leaders both in the U. At Dexis, you will experience a corporate culture of inclusiveness, respect...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Global Investigator - Federal Law Enforcement

    Global Investigator - Federal Law Enforcement

    TRM LabsWashington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Join Us In Building The Future Of Finance.Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud.TRM Labs delivers blockchain intelligence to detect crypto-facilitated crime, ensuring compliance and ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Investigator II

    Investigator II

    Elevance HealthElkridge, MD, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Supporting the Payment Integrity line of business, this role is hybrid 1, requiring associates to be in-office 1-2 days per week, fostering collaboration and connectivity, while providing flexibili...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Homeland Security Commission

    Homeland Security Commission

    Mayor's Office of Talent and AppointmentsWashington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Method of Appointment : Appointed by Mayor, confirmed by Council.Length of Appointment : 3 years.Residency : Strong preference for DC residents from all 8 wards. Paid board : No (all roles are voluntary...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Civil Litigation Attorney

    Civil Litigation Attorney

    Vaderpool Frostick & Nishanian PCManassas, VA, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, PC is a highly respected, AV-rated law firm known for serving sophisticated clients across Virginia. We’re growing and looking for a dynamic, experienced ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    TPC - Police Advisor

    TPC - Police Advisor

    Clearance JobsWashington, DC, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Police Advisors to provide professional services and subject matter expertise, CONUS and OCONUS, in support of the US Department of State (DoS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30