American Oversight

American Oversight is looking for a talented, versatile summer research intern to join our team and help us shine a light on government misconduct and threats to democracy. We’re a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to uncover evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest.  We leverage our open records expertise to act where corruption and government power overlap. From the federal Freedom of Information Act to state transparency laws, we use carefully crafted records requests to extract information from the government. When the government fails to respond as required by law, our team has the expertise to take them to court and enforce the public’s right to hold our leaders accountable. American Oversight has obtained and published more than one million pages of emails, memos, calendars, text messages, and other records — ensuring accountability, exposing misconduct, and often driving significant corrective action, at all levels of government. American Oversight is hiring a research intern to support our investigative work through collaborative project support and independent research and writing, to help us hold federal and state governments accountable. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Specific tasks will shift day by day with our work, but in a typical week, you will: Draft records requests: Research and draft public records requests (approximately 1 - 2 per week) to federal and state agencies to support American Oversight's accountability work.  Review records: Review documents received in response to records requests and compile noteworthy items and ideas for follow-up research as needed. Synthesize documents: Create reports, timelines, blog posts, and other briefs in issue areas of importance. For example, compiling a timeline of attacks on voting rights in Wisconsin in 2019 or a report on treatment of immigrants in detention centers based on our documents. Media monitoring: Stay informed on the relevant activities of the federal government and state governments and identify areas where AO could use public records requests to hold officials accountable. Partnerships: Participate in the exchange of research insights on partner and coalition calls. Research support: Support the research team by lending a hand with research projects large and small. QUALIFICATIONS Strong research, writing, and oral communication skills Commitment to accuracy and honesty in all aspects of our work Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail Interest and engagement in political news and the workings of the federal and state governments Comfort handling multiple projects in a fast-paced environment Positive attitude and willingness to take initiative Willingness to ask for guidance or support when needed Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications listed. We are dedicated to finding the best candidate for the job. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with diverse lived experiences. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please contact us to discuss your application. The salary for this position is $15.50 per hour. This is a temporary, ten-week summer internship. Interns are expected to work approximately 35 hours per week. Start and end dates will be set based on academic calendars and interns' availability.  American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. American Oversight is a remote-first organization, and our employees can work from anywhere in the country. Our office in downtown Washington, DC, is an optional workspace when pandemic-related restrictions allow.

American Oversight is looking for a talented, energetic Communications Intern to join our media relations team and help us shine a light on government misconduct and threats to democracy. We’re a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to uncover evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest. We leverage our open records expertise to act where corruption and government power overlap. From the federal Freedom of Information Act to state transparency laws, we use carefully crafted records requests to extract information from the government. When the government fails to respond as required by law, our team has the expertise to take them to court and enforce the public’s right to hold our leaders accountable. American Oversight has obtained and published more than one million pages of emails, memos, calendars, text messages, and other records — ensuring accountability, exposing misconduct, and often driving significant corrective action, at all levels of government. Working closely with the media relations team, the Communications Intern will help call public attention to the important stories we uncover. Job Responsibilities Specific tasks will shift day by day with our work, but in a typical week, you will: Compile coverage reports following significant events to keep track of how American Oversight’s work has had an impact; Research and identify national, state, and local journalists covering issues related to American Oversight’s work; Participate in regular planning meetings (typically scheduled during East Coast business hours) to help identify new opportunities to share the information we’ve uncovered to help inform the public on key issues; Draft media outreach materials, including press releases, advisories, and investigation updates about the latest developments in our investigations; Monitor news coverage of key issues that American Oversight is investigating — such as sham election “audits” in multiple states — and identify opportunities for our current or previous work to inform the public; Work with the media relations team to reach out to reporters, join calls with American Oversight experts and the media, and respond to incoming press inquiries; Engage in rapid response to current events, developments, and document releases in AO's FOIAs and litigation. Qualifications Excellent writing, research, and oral communication skills, with a focus on accuracy and detail; High degree of professional ethics, discretion, and integrity; Exceptional organizational skills with a commitment to getting the job done the right way, even if it takes longer; Interest in government accountability and ethics; Strong multitasking and prioritization abilities that will allow you to keep track of multiple projects or issues at the same time; Familiarity with major issues in national political news and the way they are discussed in mainstream media, as well as the ability to quickly learn new topics as they arise; Team player, comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative environment; Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications listed. We are dedicated to finding the best candidate for the job. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with diverse lived experiences. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please contact us to discuss your application. Start and end dates are flexible, but this internship is planned to run January-May 2022. The intern will receive $15/hour for a 15-20 hour work week. American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. American Oversight is a remote-first organization, and our employees can work from anywhere in the country.  Our office in downtown Washington, DC, is an optional workspace when pandemic-related restrictions allow.

American Oversight is looking for a dedicated, organized, and efficient paralegal to join our team and help us shine a light on government misconduct and threats to democracy. We’re a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to uncover evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest. We leverage our open records expertise to act where corruption and government power overlap. From the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to state transparency laws, we use carefully crafted records requests to extract information from the government. When the government fails to respond as required by law, our team has the expertise to take them to court and enforce the public’s right to hold our leaders accountable. American Oversight has obtained and published more than one million pages of emails, memos, calendars, text messages, and other records — ensuring accountability, exposing misconduct, and often driving significant corrective action, at all levels of government. The paralegal will support our legal team by keeping outgoing records requests, incoming agency correspondence, and document productions organized. The paralegal will also provide litigation support to our attorneys, including service of process, keeping litigation calendars up-to-date, file maintenance, and more. Our paralegals are a small but vital team that has become the beating heart of American Oversight, keeping the core of our work organized and promptly accessible to the rest of the staff. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Specific tasks will shift day by day with our work, but depending on your weekly rotation assignment, in a typical week, you will: Monitor federal FOIA or state records email inboxes for incoming correspondence and document productions from government agencies and offices. Interact with federal FOIA and state agency open records personnel directly or notify American Oversight attorneys of correspondence requiring their review. Finalize and file FOIA and state records requests with government agencies. Create folders and database entries within American Oversight’s document management systems, and track FOIA and open records request deadlines. Process incoming document productions, including entering production information in databases, saving documents to proper locations, making them text searchable and applying pagination and logos. Provide litigation case support to attorneys, including service of process, organizing and maintaining litigation files and calendars, and other litigation projects. Review and research current events to spot issues for potential investigation and to identify opportunities to uncover government malfeasance or unethical conduct through FOIA and state records requests. Assist legal and investigations teams with drafting FOIA and state open records requests. Assist legal and investigations teams with document review and drafting administrative appeals. QUALIFICATIONS Exceptional organization and project-management skills. Extraordinary attention to detail. Sound judgment and the ability to apply existing protocols to a variety of situations while properly identifying when situations do not fit within preexisting processes. Highly professional communication skills, including the ability to communicate courteously, clearly and concisely in a fast-paced environment with internal and external stakeholders. A team-player that is able to work collaboratively and seamlessly share responsibilities. Familiarity with a variety of software programs, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Flexibility to quickly learn new software programs and systems. High degree of professional ethics and integrity. Interest in government ethics and accountability. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications listed. We are dedicated to finding the best candidate for the job. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with diverse lived experiences. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please contact us to discuss your application. The salary range for this position is $50,000 to $56,000, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package. American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. American Oversight is a remote-first organization, and our employees can work from anywhere in the country.  Our office in downtown Washington, DC, is an optional workspace when pandemic-related restrictions allow.

American Oversight (AO) is seeking an enthusiastic relationship-builder to join our team in the role of strategic partnerships associate and help us shine a light on government misconduct and threats to democracy. We’re a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to uncover evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest. We have a deep track record of accountability, and have launched wide-ranging investigations into federal, state, and local corruption. The strategic partnerships associate will help American Oversight collaborate extensively with allies and coalitions to promote impact and support existing partnerships. They will be responsible for supporting and maintaining connections with organizations and stakeholders on issues related to American Oversight’s areas of focus. We have a broad portfolio, spanning many issue areas across the federal government and numerous states, therefore comfort across multiple subject matter areas is important. The strategic partnerships associate must have top-notch written and verbal communication skills, a keen ability to think strategically, and organizational prowess. Collegiality and the ability to work effectively on multiple projects, balance priorities, and excel in a fast-paced, team-based environment are essential. The strategic partnerships associate reports to the strategic partnerships director and is a member of the Communications and External Affairs Team. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Support the expansion and deepening of our relationships with partners and peer organizations, with a particular focus on our state-based oversight work.  Represent American Oversight in meetings and coalitions with allied organizations. Coordinate with the strategic partnerships director to meet our partnership expansion goals. Regularly provide updates to communications staff and the strategic partnerships director to coordinate messaging opportunities and to amplify impact.   Keep track of partner meetings and coordinate meeting logistics with the strategic partnerships director to make sure AO is fully engaged.  Support regular report drafting of communications with other organizations to keep AO leadership updated.  Maintain awareness of the roles and responsibilities of other AO staffers and seek opportunities to include them in our partnerships work.  QUALIFICATIONS  Ideal candidates will have approximately two years of experience in similar roles or internships with a track record of successfully working with partners. Experience working with diverse stakeholders and coalitions. Exceptional written and verbal communications skills. Confidence to actively participate in shared spaces with partner organizations. Entrepreneurial approach to developing relationships.  Interest in government ethics and accountability. Sound judgment in anticipating the reaction of partner groups to our efforts. Outstanding ability to work collaboratively. Strong project management skills and is detail oriented. Quick learner willing to develop fluency across a wide swath of policy areas. High degree of professional ethics and integrity. Commitment to diversity and inclusion. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications listed. We are dedicated to finding the best candidate for the job. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with diverse lived experiences. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please contact us to discuss your application. The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $60,000, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package. American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. American Oversight is a remote-first organization, and our employees can work from anywhere in the country. Our office in downtown Washington, DC, is an optional workspace when pandemic-related restrictions allow.

American Oversight is looking for a curious, diligent researcher to join our team and help us shine a light on government misconduct and threats to democracy. We’re a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to uncover evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest. From the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol to the multiplying threats to voting rights, American Oversight is working to expose the partisan and anti-democratic motivations behind many of the efforts to suppress the vote and sow doubt about election integrity. We’re continuing to seek accountability for the abuses of the Trump administration, including its authoritarian response to 2020 racial justice protests and its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The researcher will help American Oversight investigate those and other important issues. American Oversight’s researchers are avid consumers of the news with an eye to designing high-impact investigations, writing requests to extract salient public records, and reviewing documents in order to shed light on official misconduct, threats to democracy, and abuses of power at all levels of government. Job Responsibilities Specific tasks will shift day by day with our work and the news cycle, but in a typical week, you will: Closely follow the news – including mainstream outlets, industry newsletters, and other sources - to identify investigations opportunities and develop strategies to shed light on government misconduct using public records requests. Work with American Oversight’s legal team to conceptualize and draft targeted, strategic, litigation-ready public records requests on important issues to federal, state and local agencies and officials. Analyze documents that we receive from public records requests to identify unreported details, trends, and stories, with an eye for accuracy, newsworthiness, and impact. Help amplify the impact of American Oversight’s investigations by briefing outside groups and journalists on our work, working with the communications team to write blog posts and reports, and building relationships with allied organizations. Qualifications Researchers have come to American Oversight with a variety of past work experiences, including government service, journalism, campaign research, law, policy analysis, and government oversight. However, we welcome candidates from any professional background who display the skills needed to be a successful researcher. One to three years’ related work or internship experience. Strong understanding and intuition of what makes a given news story or research avenue important and relevant, and how it connects to American Oversight's mission. Critical thinking and analytic skills, including an ability to distill large quantities of information to identify key details and themes, and how they related to gaps in existing public knowledge. Excellent written communication skills, including attention to detail, concision, clarity and ability to produce high-quality written work product under pressure. Ability to explain complicated topics in an easy-to-understand manner. Creative, strategic thinking about how to maximize the impact of AO's investigations. Strong time management skills. Can juggle multiple projects at once while maintaining good judgment of relative priorities. Balances self-motivation, collegiality, and the ability to work both collaboratively and independently. Familiarity with and interest in how government actions impact the lives of ordinary people. Additional Information American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications listed. We are dedicated to finding the best candidate for the job. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with diverse lived experiences. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please contact us to discuss your application. The salary range for this position is $57,000 to $63,000, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package. American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. American Oversight is a remote-first organization, and our employees can work from anywhere in the country. Our office in downtown Washington, DC, is an optional workspace when pandemic-related restrictions allow.

American Oversight is looking for a talented, versatile Staff Writer to join our team and help us shine a light on government misconduct and threats to democracy. We’re a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to uncover evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest.  From the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol to the multiplying threats to voting rights, American Oversight is working to expose the partisan and anti-democratic motivations behind many of the efforts to suppress the vote and sow doubt about election integrity. We’re continuing to seek accountability for the abuses of the Trump administration, including its authoritarian response to 2020 racial justice protests and its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The Staff Writer will help American Oversight tell those and other important stories. Part digital journalism, part anti-corruption advocacy, and part organizational communications, the Staff Writer will draw upon the records we uncover, as well as the expertise of our team, to help readers understand critical accountability issues facing our country. Job Responsibilities Specific tasks will shift day by day with our work and the news cycle, but in a typical week, you will: Write news posts for American Oversight’s website, including analyses of government documents we’ve uncovered, reports about our findings, updates on ongoing inquiries, and announcements of new lawsuits or investigations; Write longer-form pieces synthesizing information obtained through public records requests, open source research, and news reports to tell important stories about government misconduct or corruption; Work with the investigations team to create online research guides highlighting key information we’ve uncovered and making it accessible for journalists and other researchers; Maintain the main landing pages for American Oversight’s priority investigations, keeping them current and relevant to readers; Review primary-source documents as well as notes compiled by the research and legal teams to pull out key points to feature in written content;  Draft email updates to American Oversight’s newsletter subscribers; Work with the web team to develop new ideas for written content or publishing strategies that make American Oversight’s work more accessible to the public;  Monitor the news to identify opportunities for our current or previous work to inform the public on key issues; Participate in regular planning meetings (typically scheduled during East Coast business hours) to help identify new opportunities to inform the public on key issues; Engage in rapid response to current events, developments, and document releases in AO's FOIAs and litigation;  Assist the development team in writing fundraising emails or reports; Occasionally (but definitely not most of the time) engage after business hours or on weekends to promote new developments in American Oversight's investigations or to respond to breaking news that relates to our work. Qualifications Excellent writing skills with a focus on accuracy and detail; The ability to rapidly synthesize complex legal and policy documents into clear, compelling prose and produce clean and grammatically correct copy; At least 2 years previous experience in journalism, policy, or related work writing for a general audience about government, politics, public policy, or similar issues; Strong news judgment and the ability to quickly assess information for relevance and newsworthiness;  Integrity and commitment to high journalistic standards of quality and accuracy. It's great to be first, and we like to get attention, but it is always far more important to be correct, honest, and trustworthy; Experience fact-checking, or writing for a publication with a fact-checking process; Adept at drawing upon multiple sources of information to connect the dots and help readers understand key points, trends, and patterns that may not be immediately obvious; The ability to keep track of American Oversight’s several and varying areas of investigation; Can handle high-pressure, quick-deadline projects on high-profile, breaking news topics;  Fluency in federal policy, current politics, and the way they are discussed in mainstream media, as well as the ability to quickly learn new topics as they arise; Team player, comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment; A wide-ranging news diet and an ability to spot important stories; Solid organizational skills with the ability to complete projects and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Additional Information American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications listed. We are dedicated to finding the best candidate for the job. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with diverse lived experiences. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please contact us to discuss your application. The salary range for this position is $55,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package. American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. American Oversight is a remote-first organization, and our employees can work from anywhere in the country.  Our office in downtown Washington, DC, is an optional workspace when pandemic-related restrictions allow. We are biased, but we think American Oversight is a great place to work! Take a look at the testimonials from members of our wonderful team .

American Oversight is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing accountability to bear on all levels of government. Through open records requests and the power of the courts, we work every day to promote accountability; to uncover corruption and misconduct; and to expose the government to public scrutiny. American Oversight’s investigations helped uncover the scrapped plan to mail face masks to every American household and key details of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani’s role in the Ukraine scandal, and have led to dozens of other significant stories. We’re expanding our focus and bringing our model to the states — using transparency tools to hold state governments accountable and defend democracy from those who undermine it. American Oversight is hiring an intern to support our executive director across a range of tasks. The intern will get first-hand experience in scheduling, drafting communications, research, and inter-organizational meetings and collaboration. The ideal candidate has a passion for good government and is a strong communicator with great organizational skills. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Support the executive director’s day-to-day agenda by managing their calendar, attending meetings, and drafting follow up communications. Attend meetings with coalitions, Congressional committees and staff, and others in a support capacity. Provide a daily news and investigations digest. Conduct research projects, including tracking ongoing litigation, policy developments, and coalition efforts. Additional tasks as needed. QUALIFICATIONS This internship is open to current students and recent graduates. Intern applicants should possess the following: High degree of professional ethics, discretion, and integrity Collegial and able to excel in a team-based environment Ability to interface and communicate with key stakeholders Sound judgment and ability to analyze situations and synthesize information Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail Strong writing, research, and oral communications skills An interest in government ethics and accountability Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and/or veterans are encouraged to apply. The intern will receive $15/hour for a 35-hour work week. We are biased, but we think American Oversight is a great place to work! Take a look at the testimonials from members of our wonderful team. American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The position requires work during East Coast business hours, 9am – 5pm ET, Monday – Friday. American Oversight is a remote-first organization, and our employees can work from anywhere in the country. Under COVID-19 protocols, we currently have a mandatory telework arrangement. We do have an office in downtown Washington, DC, which may be available as an optional workspace during summer 2021 if pandemic-related restrictions allow. HOW TO APPLY Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at https://www.americanoversight.org/intern as soon as possible. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and we encourage interested applicants to apply right away.

Join a team of extraordinary lawyers bringing accountability to bear on all levels of government. American Oversight promotes accountability, integrity, and democracy through transparency. Using open records requests, backed by aggressive litigation, American Oversight attorneys work every day to shine a light on corruption, malfeasance, and other misconduct. American Oversight’s investigations helped uncover the scrapped plan to mail face masks to every American household, key details of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani’s role in the Ukraine scandal, and dozens of other significant stories. We’re expanding our focus and bringing our model to the states— using transparency tools to hold state governments accountable. Already, our lawsuits have resulted in the release of thousands of pages of records relating to Georgia’s election operations, including attempts to challenge voter eligibility in that state.  American Oversight is uniquely positioned to drive government accountability in 2021 and beyond, with an emphasis on defending democracy, voting rights, redistricting, and election protection work at the state level, as well as long-term accountability for Trump administration officials.   Our lawyers are litigators first and foremost. They file pleadings, engage in extended meet-and-confers with opposing counsel, and battle to enforce the public’s right to transparency. This requires initiative, skill, and creativity in identifying and crafting legal strategies.   We are a small team in a fast-paced environment. Collegiality and ability to work effectively on multiple projects, balance priorities, and excel in a team-based environment is essential.  American Oversight is looking for an experienced attorney with at least four years of legal experience, including at least two years of experience with civil litigation. Responsibilities and salary will vary based on experience and skills.  RESPONSIBILITIES  Litigate Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests on behalf of American Oversight and other clients.  Mentor more junior staff, with potential to manage case work of more junior attorneys depending on applicant’s past management and litigation experience.   Supervise and work with local counsel to bring open records lawsuits in state jurisdictions.  Draft court pleadings, including complaints, motions, and briefs.  Engage in legal and factual research, motions practice, and brief writing.  When appropriate, engage in drafting of discovery requests, appellate briefs, amicus briefs, and regulatory comments.  Review and research current events to spot potential legal issues and to identify opportunities to uncover government malfeasance or unethical conduct.  Work with investigations team to research and develop investigation strategies.  Draft FOIA and state open records act requests and administrative appeals.  Engage in frequent negotiations with executive branch FOIA and state agency open records personnel and with government counsel in litigation.  Prepare demand letters to advance ethics and transparency of the executive branch.  Work with communications and investigations teams on messaging materials and blog posts as needed.  Represent American Oversight in meetings with coalition partners and congressional committees.  Participate in internal organizational development initiatives.  QUALIFICATIONS  Law degree and admission to practice in at least one state (with eligibility to join DC bar).  Four years of legal experience, including a preference for at least two years in civil litigation.  Commitment to public interest advocacy.  An interest in American Oversight’s mission of government accountability and transparency.  Exceptional legal writing, research, and verbal communications skills.  Strong organizational and project-management abilities.  Sound judgment and ability to analyze situations and information.  Ability to work collaboratively.  High degree of professional ethics and integrity.  Demonstrated knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act and/or government ethics laws helpful but not required.  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications listed. We are dedicated to finding the best candidate for the job. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with diverse lived experiences. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please contact us to discuss your application.  The salary range for this position is $95,000 to $120,000, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package.  American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.  American Oversight is a remote-first organization, and our employees can work from anywhere in the country.  Our attorneys often litigate in the federal district court in the District of Columbia. Some preference will be given to local candidates who are able to appear in person in that court. However, we will consider candidates in other locations, particularly in states where American Oversight has active investigations. Under COVID-19 protocols, we currently have a mandatory telework arrangement. Our office in downtown Washington, DC, will become an optional workspace when pandemic-related restrictions allow.  We are biased, but we think American Oversight is a great place to work! Take a look at  the testimonials  from members of our wonderful team.  HOW TO APPLY Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at https://www.americanoversight.org/counsel-4-years-experience as soon as possible. Finalists will be asked to provide references. We will review applications on a rolling basis and complete our first round of review by May 12, 2021.

Join a team of extraordinary lawyers bringing accountability to bear on all levels of government. American Oversight promotes accountability, integrity, and democracy through transparency. Using open records requests, backed by aggressive litigation, American Oversight attorneys work every day to shine a light on corruption, malfeasance, and other misconduct. American Oversight’s investigations helped uncover the scrapped plan to mail face masks to every American household, key details of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani’s role in the Ukraine scandal, and dozens of other significant stories. We’re expanding our focus and bringing our model to the states — using transparency tools to hold state governments accountable. Already, our lawsuits have resulted in the release of thousands of pages of records relating to Georgia’s election operations, including attempts to challenge voter eligibility in that state.  American Oversight is uniquely positioned to drive government accountability in 2021 and beyond, with an emphasis on defending democracy, voting rights, redistricting, and election protection work at the state level, as well as long-term accountability for Trump administration officials.   Our attorneys, in conjunction with our investigations team, play a key role in identifying ideas for potential investigation, developing investigation strategies, crafting effective open records requests, and identifying issues in records produced in response to our requests. This requires initiative, skill, and creativity in identifying and crafting legal strategies.  We are a small team in a fast-paced environment. Collegiality and ability to work effectively on multiple projects, balance priorities, and excel in a team-based environment is essential.  American Oversight is looking for early career attorneys with zero to three years of legal experience. Responsibilities and salary will vary based on experience and skills.  RESPONSIBILITIES  Review and research current events to spot potential legal issues and to identify opportunities to uncover government malfeasance or unethical conduct.  Work with investigations team to research and develop investigation strategies.  Draft Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and state open records act requests and administrative appeals.  Litigate FOIA requests on behalf of American Oversight and other clients.  Coordinate relationships with local counsel to bring litigation in state jurisdictions.   Draft court pleadings, including complaints, motions, and briefs.  Engage in legal and factual research, motions practice, and brief writing.  When appropriate, engage in drafting of discovery requests, appellate briefs, amicus briefs, and regulatory comments.  Engage in frequent negotiations with executive branch FOIA and state agency open records personnel and with government counsel in litigation.  Work with communications and investigations teams on messaging materials and blog posts as needed.  Represent American Oversight in meetings with coalition partners and congressional committees.  Participate in internal organizational development initiatives.  QUALIFICATIONS  Law degree and admission to at least one state bar (with eligibility to join DC bar), with eligibility to join DC bar. We will also consider candidates graduating from law school in 2021 who are planning to sit for the bar exam.  Zero to three years of legal experience, with a preference for civil litigation experience.  Commitment to public interest advocacy.  An interest in American Oversight’s mission of government accountability and transparency.  Exceptional legal writing, research, and verbal communications skills.  Strong organizational and project-management abilities.  Sound judgment and ability to analyze situations and information.  Ability to work collaboratively.  High degree of professional ethics and integrity.  Demonstrated knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act and/or government ethics laws helpful but not required.  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications listed. We are dedicated to finding the best candidate for the job. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with diverse lived experiences. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please contact us to discuss your application.  The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $95,000, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package.  American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.  American Oversight is a remote-first organization, and our employees can work from anywhere in the country. Our attorneys often litigate in the federal district court in the District of Columbia. Some preference will be given to local candidates who are able to appear in person in that court. However, we will consider candidates in other locations, particularly in states where American Oversight has active investigations. Under COVID-19 protocols, we currently have a mandatory telework arrangement. Our office in downtown Washington, DC, will become an optional workspace when pandemic-related restrictions allow.  We are biased, but we think American Oversight is a great place to work! Take a look at  the testimonials  from members of our wonderful team.  HOW TO APPLY  Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at https://www.americanoversight.org/counsel-0-3-years-experience as soon as possible. Finalists will be asked to provide references. We will review applications on a rolling basis and complete our first round of review by May 12, 2021. 

American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to accountability at all levels of government. We use targeted public records requests and litigation to expose evidence of corruption, abuses of power, or conflicts of interest. We have a deep track record of accountability, and have launched wide-ranging investigations into federal, state, and local corruption — from efforts to suppress voters, to failed responses to the coronavirus crisis, to local officials who supported the January 6th insurrection. American Oversight’s investigations helped uncover the scrapped plan to mail face masks to every American household, revealed key details of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani’s role in the Ukraine scandal, and contributed to dozens of other significant stories.  American Oversight collaborates extensively with allies and partners to promote impact. We are looking for a strategic relationship-builder to join our team. This new senior leadership position will be responsible for developing and maintaining connections with organizations, coalitions, and stakeholders on issues related to American Oversight’s areas of focus.   This job is about relationships. The ideal candidate will be passionate about accountability and irrepressibly collaborative.  This is a leadership position–the director will serve as a key liaison between the entire American Oversight team and allies–so we anticipate strong candidates will have five or more years of relevant experience, as well as a demonstrated interest in government accountability and transparency.   American Oversight has a very broad portfolio, spanning many issue areas across the federal government and numerous states, therefore comfort across multiple subject matter areas is important. Success will come from getting in sync with our legal, communications, and research teams and then spotting opportunities for us to collaborate with others. The position requires top-notch written and verbal skills, a keen ability to think strategically, and organizational prowess. We are a small team in a fast-paced environment. Collegiality and ability to work effectively on multiple projects, balance priorities, and excel in a team-based environment are essential. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Build and strengthen senior-level relationships with partners, expanding our influence with peer organizations.  Represent American Oversight in meetings with allied organizations and government staffers, through webinars, and in other outward facing opportunities. Step up in coalitions by offering to draft group letters and position papers, coordinate working groups, and facilitate communication with political leaders. Work with partners to develop ideas for open record requests and keeping them updated on the progress of filed requests. Coordinate with AO research, communications, and legal staff members to meet partner goals. Serve as go-between for AO communications staff and partners to coordinate messaging opportunities and to amplify impact.   Keep track of commitments to partners and coordinate internally to make sure AO is meeting them. Prepare regular reports on communications with other organizations to keep AO leadership updated. Maintain awareness of the roles and responsibilities of other AO staffers and seek opportunities to include them in relevant meetings with partners, Congress, and other government officials. QUALIFICATIONS  Ideal candidates will have a minimum of five years of experience in a similar role with a track record of success in partnership development. However, we encourage you to apply if you meet the other qualifications for the role but have less experience. Exceptional writing and verbal communications skills. Confidence to speak out and step up in shared spaces. Entrepreneurial approach to developing relationships Experience working with diverse stakeholders and coalitions. Interest in government ethics and accountability; familiarity with open records work preferred. Sound judgment in anticipating reaction of partner groups to our efforts. Outstanding ability to work collaboratively. Strong project management skills and detail-oriented. Quick learner willing to develop fluency across a wide swath of policy areas. High degree of professional ethics and integrity. Commitment to diversity and inclusion. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications listed. We are dedicated to finding the best candidate for the job. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with diverse lived experiences. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please contact us to discuss your application. The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $115,000, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package. We are biased, but we think American Oversight is a great place to work! Take a look at the testimonials from members of our wonderful team. American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. American Oversight is a remote-first organization, and our employees can work from anywhere in the country. This position likely will involve significant contact with Congress, so applicants from outside the DC area should be prepared to discuss how they would approach those logistics. Under COVID-19 protocols, we currently have a mandatory telework arrangement. We do have an office in downtown Washington, DC, which may be available as an optional workspace during summer 2021 if pandemic-related restrictions allow. HOW TO APPLY Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at  https://www.americanoversight.org/strategic-partnerships-director as soon as possible. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

American Oversight is looking for a Web Associate to join our team. We’re a non-partisan, non-profit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to expose evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest.  American Oversight’s work exposed hundreds of pages of Ukraine documents that were withheld from Congress, we prompted the discovery of Ivanka Trump’s extensive use of a private email system, and we’ve investigated and uncovered widespread conflicts of interest across the cabinet. Through our State Accountability Project, we’re investigating voter suppression in multiple states, and our team is actively tracking the federal and state response to the coronavirus pandemic. One part web publishing expert, one part graphic designer, and one part creative storyteller, the Web Associate will be an integral part of our communications team and will help us ensure that the American Oversight website is an effective and trusted resource for journalists, investigators, and members of the public seeking information about our government accountability work. American Oversight is normally based in downtown Washington, DC, in an office that is easily accessible by multiple metro and bus lines. Given the current pandemic, American Oversight’s team is working remotely for the foreseeable future. This position is open to candidates across the United States and could continue as a telework role even after the main office reopens.  JOB   RESPONSIBILITIES Specific tasks will shift day by day along with our work and the news cycle, but in a typical week, your job will probably include: Formatting and posting content to American Oversight’s website through the WordPress CMS, including applying appropriate metadata tags; Working with the Senior Editor and Content Manager to design and lay out pages for maximum impact and readability; Selecting photos to accompany articles, and using graphic design software to create custom images for the website, email, and social channels;  Researching and implementing new approaches, including animations, videos, infographics, and other ideas, to help American Oversight showcase our work and the public records we uncover; Managing ongoing maintenance of American Oversight’s website, including security patches, updates, and serving as a technical liaison with outside vendors and developers; Participating in regular team meetings (typically scheduled during East Coast business hours) to help identify new opportunities to share the information we’ve uncovered to help inform the public on key issues; Engaging in rapid response to current events, developments, and document releases in AO’s FOIAs and litigation;  Occasionally (but definitely not most of the time) engaging after business hours or on weekends to promote new developments in American Oversight’s investigations or to respond to breaking news that relates to our work. QUALIFICATIONS We don’t have a hard and fast checklist of requirements for this position, but the following attributes will likely describe the successful candidate: Excellent graphic design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite — including Illustrator and Photoshop; Experience with publishing and managing content on a WordPress platform, as well as experience with Google Analytics, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and other web development tools and applications; Strong writing ability with an obsessive focus on precision and detail; Active, working knowledge of federal policy, current national politics, and the way they are discussed in mainstream media, as well as the ability to quickly learn new topics as they arise; Solid organizational skills with the ability to complete projects and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, as well as the ability to keep track of American Oversight’s several and varying areas of investigation;   Integrity and commitment to high standards of quality and accuracy; Can handle high-pressure, quick-deadline projects as needed; Team player, comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and retaining a diverse team. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and/or veterans are encouraged to apply. The salary range for this position is $50,000–$55,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package. Also, we are biased, but we think American Oversight is a great place to work! Take a look at the testimonials from members of our wonderful team . HOW TO APPLY Please send application materials, including a résumé and a one-page cover letter, to jobs@americanoversight.org with “Web Associate” in the subject line. Please indicate in your email how you heard about this opening. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will begin our first round of review by July 10, 2020.

American Oversight is looking for an energetic and organized person to help support our larger special research projects, primarily our investigation into the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus. We’re a non-partisan, non-profit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to expose evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest. We’ve launched a wide-ranging investigation into the federal, state, and local responses to the coronavirus pandemic, and we’ve filed more than 600 public records requests and seven lawsuits seeking answers.  We need an exceptional person to help us keep track of those requests, work with the legal and research teams to identify gaps that we should be investigating, and monitor the work of other advocacy groups and congressional investigators working in this space.  American Oversight is normally based in downtown Washington, DC, in an office that is easily accessible by multiple metro and bus lines. Given the current pandemic, American Oversight’s team is working remotely for the foreseeable future. This position is open to outstanding candidates across the United States, but with a strong preference for candidates in the Washington DC area.   JOB  RESPONSIBILITIES This position will report to our Chief Oversight Counsel and work closely with our research, legal, and communications teams, but will require significant autonomy so it’s important for the right person to be extremely organized, driven, and a self-starter.  The special project associate will: Work with the communications team to help build and maintain American Oversight’s coronavirus oversight tracker to track internal and external investigations related to the pandemic.  Compile and maintain a database of congressional investigations related to oversight of the coronavirus and the government’s response. Compile and maintain a database of coronavirus-related lawsuits by American Oversight and our partner organizations.  Participate in regular meetings both internally and with our partner organizations to track coronavirus oversight efforts.  Work with American Oversight’s legal and research teams to conceptualize and draft targeted, strategic, litigation-ready public records requests on the coronavirus, and identify potential gaps.  Closely follow the news – including mainstream outlets, industry newsletters, and other sources – to identify opportunities to shed light on important stories related to the pandemic using public records requests. QUALIFICATIONS We are open to applications from individuals with a broad range of types of experience and experience levels, though we expect the best fit for this position may have between one and five years experience work and/or internship experience in journalism, political campaigns, government service or related fields. Successful candidates will have the following skills:  Excellent organizational skills. Are you the kind of person who can find a receipt from two years ago and categorizes your books according to the Dewey Decimal System? If so, we want to hear from you!  Strong writing skills and the ability to write on complex and nuanced topics for a broad, general audience;  Self-motivated and the ability to work independently and on self-directed projects and handle multiple tasks simultaneously;  Team player, comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and to represent those self-directed projects in the broader organization to further the mission of American Oversight;  Proven ability to think strategically about and execute complex investigations with clear goals and a focus on outcomes;  Fluency and interest in public health issues related to the coronavirus pandemic as well as a working familiarity with current politics and issues related to the coronavirus pandemic; A wide-ranging news diet and an ability to spot important stories. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and retaining a diverse team. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and/or veterans are encouraged to apply. The salary range for this position is $50,000-55,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package. Also, we are biased, but we think American Oversight is a great place to work! Take a look at the testimonials from members of our wonderful team . HOW TO APPLY Please send application materials, including a résumé, a one-page cover letter, and copies of two clips of your writing to jobs@americanoversight.org with “Project Associate – Coronavirus Investigations” in the subject line. Please indicate in your email how you heard about this opening. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will begin our first round of review by July 10, 2020.

American Oversight is looking for a talented, versatile Staff Writer to join our team and help us shine a light on the government response to the coronavirus pandemic. We’re a non-partisan, non-profit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to expose evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest. We’ve launched a wide-ranging investigation into the federal, state, and local responses to the coronavirus pandemic, and we’ve filed more than 600 public records requests and seven lawsuits seeking answers.  American Oversight’s earlier work has exposed hundreds of pages of Ukraine documents that were withheld from Congress, prompted the discovery of Ivanka Trump’s extensive use of a private email system, and uncovered widespread conflicts of interest across the cabinet.  Part digital journalism, part anti-corruption advocacy, and part organizational communications, the Staff Writer will draw upon the records we uncover, as well as the expertise of our team, to help readers follow and understand the investigations into the coronavirus response, the latest developments, and the outstanding questions.  American Oversight is normally based in downtown Washington, DC, in an office that is easily accessible by multiple metro and bus lines. Given the current pandemic, American Oversight’s team is working remotely for the foreseeable future. This position is open to candidates across the United States and could continue as a telework role even after the main office reopens.  JOB  RESPONSIBILITIES Specific tasks will shift day by day along with our work and the news cycle, but in a typical week, your job will probably include: Writing posts for American Oversight’s website, including updates on news related to the coronavirus pandemic and investigations into the government response; Writing longer pieces synthesizing information obtained through public records requests, open source research, and news reports regarding the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing push for accountability; Working with the communications and research teams to maintain online trackers of investigations into the pandemic and the government response; Reviewing primary source documents as well as notes compiled by the research and legal teams to pull out key points to feature in written content;  Working with the Senior Editor to develop new ideas for written content that makes American Oversight’s work more accessible to the public;  Monitoring the news to identify opportunities for our current or previous work to inform the public on key issues; Participating in regular planning meetings (typically scheduled during East Coast business hours) to help identify new opportunities to share the information we’ve uncovered to help inform the public on key issues; Engaging in rapid response to current events, developments, and document releases in AO’s FOIAs and litigation;  Occasionally (but definitely not most of the time) engaging after business hours or on weekends to promote new developments in American Oversight’s investigations or to respond to breaking news that relates to our work. QUALIFICATIONS We don’t have a hard and fast checklist of requirements for this position, but the following attributes will likely describe the successful candidate:  Excellent writing skills with a focus on accuracy and detail, and the ability to rapidly synthesize complex legal and policy documents into clear, compelling prose; At least 2 years previous experience in journalism, policy, or related work writing for a general audience about government, politics, public health, or similar issues; Strong news judgment and the ability to quickly assess information for relevance and newsworthiness;  Integrity and commitment to high journalistic standards of quality and accuracy. It’s great to be first, and we like to get attention, but it is always far more important to be correct, honest, and trustworthy; Experience fact-checking, or writing for a publication with a fact-checking process; Adept at drawing upon multiple sources of information to connect the dots and help readers understand key points, trends, and patterns that may not be immediately obvious; Can handle high-pressure, quick-deadline projects on high-profile, breaking news topics;  Fluency in public health issues related to the coronavirus pandemic as well as a working familiarity with current politics and the way they are discussed in mainstream media; Team player, comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment; Solid organizational skills with the ability to complete projects and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, as well as the ability to keep track of American Oversight’s several and varying areas of investigation. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and retaining a diverse team. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and/or veterans are encouraged to apply. The salary range for this position is $55,000 – $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package. Also, we are biased, but we think American Oversight is a great place to work! Take a look at the testimonials from members of our wonderful team . HOW TO APPLY Please send application materials, including a résumé, a one-page cover letter, and copies of two clips of your writing to jobs@americanoversight.org with “Staff Writer – Coronavirus Investigations” in the subject line. Please indicate in your email how you heard about this opening. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will begin our first round of review by July 10, 2020.

American Oversight is looking for a talented, versatile Senior Writer to join our team and help us shine a light on government misconduct. We’re a non-partisan, non-profit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to expose evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest.  American Oversight’s work exposed hundreds of pages of Ukraine documents that were withheld from Congress, we prompted the discovery of Ivanka Trump’s extensive use of a private email system, and we’ve investigated and uncovered widespread conflicts of interest across the cabinet. Through our State Accountability Project, we’re investigating voter suppression in multiple states, and our team is actively tracking the federal and state responses to the coronavirus pandemic. Part digital journalism, part anti-corruption advocacy, and part organizational communications, the Senior Writer will draw upon the records we uncover, as well as the expertise of our team, to tell important stories that help readers understand critical accountability issues facing our country — from the coronavirus response to the president’s continued abuse of his office.  American Oversight is normally based in downtown Washington, DC, in an office that is easily accessible by multiple metro and bus lines. Given the current pandemic, American Oversight’s team is working remotely for the foreseeable future. This position is open to candidates across the United States and could continue as a telework role even after the office reopens.  JOB  RESPONSIBILITIES Specific tasks will shift day by day along with our work and the news cycle, but in a typical week, your job will probably include: Writing news posts for American Oversight’s website, including analyses of government documents we’ve uncovered, updates on ongoing inquiries, and announcements of new lawsuits or investigations; Writing longer-form pieces synthesizing information obtained through public records requests, open source research, and news reports to tell important stories about government misconduct or corruption; Working with the investigations team to create online research guides highlighting key information we’ve uncovered and making it accessible for journalists and other researchers; Reviewing primary source documents as well as notes compiled by the research and legal teams to pull out key points to feature in written content;  Drafting email updates to American Oversight’s newsletter subscribers; Working with the Senior Editor to develop new ideas for written content that makes American Oversight’s work more accessible to the public;  Monitoring the news to identify opportunities for our current or previous work to inform the public on key issues; Participating in regular planning meetings (typically scheduled during East Coast business hours) to help identify new opportunities to share the information we’ve uncovered to help inform the public on key issues; Engaging in rapid response to current events, developments, and document releases in AO’s FOIAs and litigation;  Occasionally (but definitely not most of the time) engaging after business hours or on weekends to promote new developments in American Oversight’s investigations or to respond to breaking news that relates to our work. QUALIFICATIONS We don’t have a hard and fast checklist of requirements for this position, but the following attributes will likely describe the successful candidate:  Excellent writing skills with a focus on accuracy and detail, and the ability to rapidly synthesize complex legal and policy documents into clear, compelling prose; 2–5 years previous experience in journalism, policy, or related work writing for a general audience about government, politics, public policy, or similar issues; Strong news judgment and the ability to quickly assess information for relevance and newsworthiness;  Integrity and commitment to high journalistic standards of quality and accuracy. It’s great to be first, and we like to get attention, but it is always far more important to be correct, honest, and trustworthy; Experience fact-checking, or writing for a publication with a fact-checking process; Adept at drawing upon multiple sources of information to connect the dots and help readers understand key points, trends, and patterns that may not be immediately obvious; Can handle high-pressure, quick-deadline projects on high-profile, breaking news topics;  Fluency in federal policy, current politics, and the way they are discussed in mainstream media, as well as the ability to quickly learn new topics as they arise; Team player, comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment; Solid organizational skills with the ability to complete projects and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, as well as the ability to keep track of American Oversight’s several and varying areas of investigation. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and retaining a diverse team. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and/or veterans are encouraged to apply. The salary range for this position is $65,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package. Also, we are biased, but we think American Oversight is a great place to work! Take a look at the testimonials from members of our wonderful team . HOW TO APPLY Please send application materials, including a résumé, a one-page cover letter, and copies of two clips of your writing to jobs@americanoversight.org with “Senior Writer” in the subject line. Please indicate in your email how you heard about this opening. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will complete our next round of review by July 15, 2020.

American Oversight is looking for a talented, versatile Senior Writer to join our team and help us shine a light on government misconduct. We’re a non-partisan, non-profit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to expose evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest.  American Oversight’s work exposed hundreds of pages of Ukraine documents that were withheld from Congress, we prompted the discovery of Ivanka Trump’s extensive use of a private email system, and we’ve investigated and uncovered widespread conflicts of interest across the cabinet. Through our State Accountability Project, we’re investigating voter suppression in multiple states.  Part digital journalism, part anti-corruption advocacy, and part organizational communications, the Senior Writer will draw upon the records we uncover, as well as the expertise of our team, to tell important stories that help readers understand critical accountability issues facing our country.  American Oversight is normally based in downtown Washington, DC, in an office that is easily accessible by multiple metro and bus lines. Given the current pandemic, American Oversight’s team is working remotely for the foreseeable future. This position is open to candidates across the United States and could continue as a telework role even after the office reopens.  JOB  RESPONSIBILITIES Specific tasks will shift day by day along with our work and the news cycle, but in a typical week, your job will probably include: Writing news posts for American Oversight’s website, including analyses of government documents we’ve uncovered, updates on ongoing inquiries, and announcements of new lawsuits or investigations; Writing longer-form pieces synthesizing information obtained through public records requests, open source research, and news reports to tell important stories about government misconduct or corruption; Working with the investigations team to create online research guides highlighting key information we’ve uncovered and making it accessible for journalists and other researchers; Reviewing primary source documents as well as notes compiled by the research and legal teams to pull out key points to feature in written content;  Drafting email updates to American Oversight’s newsletter subscribers; Working with the Senior Editor to develop new ideas for written content that makes American Oversight’s work more accessible to the public;  Monitoring the news to identify opportunities for our current or previous work to inform the public on key issues; Participating in regular planning meetings (typically scheduled during East Coast business hours) to help identify new opportunities to share the information we’ve uncovered to help inform the public on key issues; Engaging in rapid response to current events, developments, and document releases in AO’s FOIAs and litigation;  Occasionally (but definitely not most of the time) engaging after business hours or on weekends to promote new developments in American Oversight’s investigations or to respond to breaking news that relates to our work. QUALIFICATIONS We don’t have a hard and fast checklist of requirements for this position, but the following attributes will likely describe the successful candidate:  Excellent writing skills with a focus on accuracy and detail, and the ability to rapidly synthesize complex legal and policy documents into clear, compelling prose; 2–5 years previous experience in journalism, policy, or related work writing for a general audience about government, politics, public policy, or similar issues; Strong news judgment and the ability to quickly assess information for relevance and newsworthiness;  Integrity and commitment to high journalistic standards of quality and accuracy. It’s great to be first, and we like to get attention, but it is always far more important to be correct, honest, and trustworthy; Experience fact-checking, or writing for a publication with a fact-checking process; Adept at drawing upon multiple sources of information to connect the dots and help readers understand key points, trends, and patterns that may not be immediately obvious; Can handle high-pressure, quick-deadline projects on high-profile, breaking news topics;  Fluency in federal policy, current politics, and the way they are discussed in mainstream media, as well as the ability to quickly learn new topics as they arise; Team player, comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment; Solid organizational skills with the ability to complete projects and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, as well as the ability to keep track of American Oversight’s several and varying areas of investigation. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and retaining a diverse team. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and/or veterans are encouraged to apply. The salary range for this position is $65,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package. Also, we are biased, but we think American Oversight is a great place to work! Take a look at the testimonials from members of our wonderful team . HOW TO APPLY Please send application materials, including a résumé, a one-page cover letter, and copies of two clips of your writing to jobs@americanoversight.org with “Senior Writer” in the subject line. Please indicate in your email how you heard about this opening. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will begin our first round of review by June 3, 2020.

How can government officials be held accountable for misconduct if no one knows about it? American Oversight is a non-partisan, non-profit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to expose evidence of corruption, misconduct, or conflicts of interest. American Oversight’s work exposed hundreds of pages of Ukraine documents that were withheld from Congress, we prompted the discovery of Ivanka Trump’s extensive use of a private email system, and we’ve investigated and uncovered widespread conflicts of interest across the cabinet. Through our State Accountability Project, we’re investigating voter suppression in multiple states. We’re looking for an exceptional researcher to help us identify and execute high-impact investigations. American Oversight’s researchers are avid consumers of the news with an eye for how small details fit meaningfully into larger stories. Researchers also care deeply about how government misconduct affects everyday people, and in particular marginalized communities. This position is open to candidates anywhere in the United States, although many internal meetings and deadlines are scheduled during Eastern Time Zone business hours. For those candidates who are based in Washington, D.C., while we are currently teleworking, the office is located downtown and is easily accessible by multiple metro and bus lines. Researchers report to the research director. RESPONSIBILITIES As a researcher, you’ll join a small and dedicated team that works to identify opportunities to shed light on government corruption and misconduct using public records requests. The researcher will: Closely follow the news – including mainstream outlets, industry newsletters, and other sources – to identify opportunities to shed light on important stories using public records requests. Work with American Oversight’s legal team to conceptualize and draft targeted, strategic, litigation-ready public records requests on important issues to federal and state agencies. Analyze documents that we receive from public records requests to identify unreported details, trends, and stories. Work with the communications team to tell the stories we find by writing blog posts, background documents, and other written products. Build relationships with allied organizations, government watchdogs, and members of the press to share and enhance our work. QUALIFICATIONS We are open to applications from individuals with a broad range of types of experience and experience levels. The qualifications that we’re looking for are: One to five years’ cumulative work and/or internship experience in journalism, campaign research, government oversight and accountability, or another investigative or research field Proven ability to think strategically about and execute complex investigations with clear goals and a focus on outcomes Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to find the key fact in a mountain of documents and place it into a larger context A wide-ranging news diet and an ability to spot important, underreported stories Success handling multiple projects in a fast-paced environment Strong writing skills and the ability to use documents to tell clear, compelling stories Self-motivation, collegiality, and the ability to work both collaboratively and independently The highest degree of professional ethics and integrity If you think you’d be a great candidate for this position but do not fit every part of this description, please don’t hesitate to apply and tell us why you’d be a great fit for the job. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team.  People of color, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and/or veterans are encouraged to apply. The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $75,000, commensurate with experience. Generous and comprehensive benefits package. Also, we are biased, but we think American Oversight is a great place to work!  Take a look at the testimonials  from members of our wonderful team  here . HOW TO APPLY Please send application materials, including a résumé and a cover letter describing relevant experience and interest, to  jobs@americanoversight.org . Please indicate in your email how you heard about this opening. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. We will be reviewing We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will complete our first round by May 6, 2020.