Data Analytics Manager, Polling & Elections

About the Role

Working with the Executive Director of Polling, Elections, and Data Analytics and the Washington Bureau, the Data Analytics Manager will develop data-driven editorial content and analytical tools to support and enhance ABC News’ coverage of public opinion and elections. This role combines data science, survey research, statistical modeling, data visualization, software engineering, and newsroom reporting to deliver innovative, accurate, and compelling coverage of elections and political trends.

Responsibilities

• Develop analytical tools such as polling averages, election race ratings, county vote benchmarks, and other election metrics and newsroom-ready data tools.
• Create editorial content based on polling results, analytical tools, and election data for broadcast, digital, and social platforms.
• Explore unique angles in storytelling by writing compelling news stories using ABC News’ polling data and reputable outside polls.
• Help ensure all ABC News platforms present polling and election data with appropriate context and journalistic accuracy.
• Work with the Decision Desk in the design, implementation and testing of statistical models for election projections and analytical reporting.
• Conduct analyses of early voting trends using voter files and related election data.
• Assist the Director of Polling in overseeing the team that analyzes exit polls on election nights for real-time reporting across ABC News’ platforms.
• Vet polls and social science studies from outside sources for the news division and provide guidance on reportability, accuracy, and newsworthiness.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in data journalism, data analytics, and public opinion research, including 5+ years in a newsroom, television, or political media environment.
• Deep knowledge of and interest in data journalism, polling, and public opinion research as it relates to news storytelling.
• Experience with programming languages and database management (e.g., Python, SQL, C++).
• Strong communicator with the ability to translate polling and other data into clear, engaging news stories and data visualizations.
• Experience with advanced statistical analysis, modeling, and statistical software (e.g., R, STAN, SPSS, STATA).
• Experience working with data visualization software (e.g., Datawrapper, Tableau, Power BI).
• Solid background in survey research methodology.
• Experience working with and analyzing voter registration files, election returns, and Census data.
• Well-organized and able to handle multiple projects and news stories simultaneously.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure newsroom environment and consistently meet very tight deadlines.
• Able to work nights and weekends during election season and during breaking news events.
• Strong collaboration skills, able to work across multiple teams.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to journalistic accuracy.
• Strong background and interest in U.S. electoral politics.

Required Education

BA or BS in the social sciences (e.g., political science, data science, statistics, sociology, communication research, survey research, etc.) from an accredited 4-year college or university.

Preferred Education

Master’s degree or PhD in the social sciences (e.g., political science, data science, statistics, sociology, communication research, survey research, etc.).

Key skills/competency

• Data Journalism
• Data Analytics
• Public Opinion Research
• Statistical Modeling
• Data Visualization
• Python
• SQL
• R (or STAN, SPSS, STATA)
• Survey Research Methodology
• US Electoral Politics