International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers

Strategic Researcher

Based in Washington, DC

 

Position: Strategic Researcher
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Strategic Research & Data Manager    
Effective Date: 05/01/2026
Department: Strategic Research and Data Department (STRAD) 
Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Position Summary
SMART is seeking a Strategic Researcher to support organizing strategic campaigns, and broader union priorities through high-level research, analysis, and campaign support. This position will help identify opportunities for growth, support local unions and international departments, and produce research and materials that advance SMART’s organizing, bargaining, communications, and strategic objectives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth corporate, financial, industry, and power-structure research and translate findings into strategic campaign opportunities.
• Research strategic targets and respond to research requests from local unions and SMART leadership.
• Provide research and campaign support to other departments, including organizing, communications, government affairs, production, transportation, and other union priorities as assigned.
• Produce research-based campaign materials for internal and external audiences, including reports, letters, leaflets, presentations, web content, social media content, press materials, and briefing materials.
• Assist with campaign strategy and implementation at the local, regional, and international levels.
• Work closely with organizers, department staff, and local unions to support organizing campaigns and strategic initiatives.
• Identify new and emerging markets, products, industries, and technologies that may present organizing or growth opportunities.
• Support field organizers through research trainings, webinars, and strategic planning assistance for local campaigns.
• Help create presentations and other materials related to organizing metrics, market share, campaign opportunities, and department priorities.
• Maintain research resources and systems, including company research files, subscriptions, research tools, and relevant organizational memberships.
• Stay current on industry trends, research tools, public records resources, and labor movement developments relevant to SMART’s work.
• Support campaign-related capital strategies when needed, including shareholder outreach, investor research, and coordination with labor-allied partners and institutions.
• Participate in special projects and other assignments in support of SMART’s broader strategic goals.

Desired Skills

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to think strategically and connect research findings to campaign goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and accurately.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines without constant oversight.
• Ability to collect and analyze a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including public records at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Experience producing written reports, presentations, and campaign materials for different audiences.
• Ability to build relationships and exercise good judgment when working with local unions, staff, and external partners.
• Familiarity with corporate, financial, industry, and economic research methods.
• Experience with subscription research tools and databases such as Clear, DNB, PitchBook, PACER, and similar platforms is preferred.
• Ability to conduct local and field research on companies, industries, development projects, and related targets.
• Strong organizational skills, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Desired Qualifications

• Three to five years of experience in strategic campaigns, union research, corporate research, economic analysis, financial analysis, industry research, or related work preferred.
• Experience in union campaigns, community organizing, political campaign research, or labor-related strategic work strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business, social sciences, humanities, or related area preferred; comparable combinations of education, training, and experience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated commitment to the labor movement, worker organizing, and working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Information
This is a full-time salaried position. The Strategic Researcher must be able to travel as needed and perform work involving extended computer use, meetings, trainings, and campaign support.

Pay: $85,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Pension 
• 401(k) 
• Health/Vision/Prescription/Dental
• Staff Retiree Health Plan
• Life Insurance 
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment 
• Retirement
• Flexible Spending Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation
• Sick Leave

To Apply:
All résumés are to be emailed to ewilliams@smart-union.org.