Researcher, Online Hate and Extremism

POSITION TITLE:  Researcher, Online Hate and Extremism  

REPORTS TO: Senior Director, Center for Technology and Society 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None 

LOCATION: Anywhere ADL has an office; NYC preferred 

Grade/Class: Grade F, Exempt, PSA-Eligible 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: 

ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism and extremism, we protect, advocate, and educate, through a mix of programs and services using the latest innovations and technology, and seek to create a world without hate. More at www.adl.org. 

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Researcher, Online Hate and Extremism is responsible for conceptualizing and executing research projects focused on antisemitism, hate and extremism in technology and online gaming platforms to aid the Center’s public and private advocacy with the tech industry to address harms in their products and platforms. The Researcher will draft public and private outputs of varying lengths and levels of detail to this end and be comfortable speaking on the research and issues of tech, antisemitism, extremism and hate broadly.    

Primary: 

• Devise research projects related to the intersection of antisemitism, hate and extremism in tech and online gaming platforms 
• Execute research projects, either devised by the researcher or others on the team, focused on antisemitism, hate and extremism in technology 
• Produce reports, articles, letters, blogs and other materials of varying lengths and levels of complexity for multiple stakeholders based on the research  
• Advise stakeholders on new developments related to tech safety, including AI, and online multiplayer games based on the researcher’s expertise.  
• Present findings to various internal and external audiences and stakeholders. 

This job description provides a general overview of the role and its key responsibilities. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and ADL reserves the right to assign additional tasks as needed. 

Primary: 

• Technically proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methods and their application for public policy and advocacy; 
• Knowledge of and interest in the tech industry broadly, including trust and safety, social media and AI; 
• Knowledge of and interest in the video game industry, particularly related to hate and extremism in online multiplayer games;   
• Familiarity with issues related to extremism, hate, and especially antisemitism;  
• Ability to thrive in a demanding, fast-paced environment; 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams; 
• Excellent analytical and writing skills; 
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment under pressure. 

Secondary 

• Familiarity with Python, R, Stata or similar programming languages  
• Familiarity with AI benchmarking and testing   

Attributes:  

• Committed to contributing to a culture where everyone thrives 
• Collaborative team-player.  
• Creative and innovative; takes initiative.  
• Results-oriented – a problem solver (versus a problem identifier) 
• Excels in dynamic environments that require adaptability 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously  
• Energized by ADL’s mission and work 

Work Experience: 

• Several years' experience with demonstrable skills and responsibility in advocacy or policy-oriented research environment, journalism, or social sciences research or equivalent experience required 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; graduate degree preferred 

Work Environment:  

• ADL is a hybrid environment; this role will require 3 days in person.  

Compensation:  

• This position has a salary range of $65,000 to $75,000. This salary range is reflective of a position based in (New York, NY). Please note that actual salaries are commensurate with experience and reflect the budget for a given position, and since ADL has a location-based compensation structure, there may be a different range for candidates in other locations. For an overview of our total rewards package, please visit https://www.adl.org/about/careers. 

ADL aims to create a working environment where every employee can thrive professionally.  Our mission-driven work is best accomplished in an environment that supports belonging. ADL values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. ADL is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, promotions and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment shall be maintained in a manner which does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or military status, or in violation of any applicable Federal, state or local laws.      

ADL will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation to support the interview process, please contact the People & Culture department at talentacquisition@adl.org.      

ADL will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable State, Local, and Federal laws.   

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job, nor is it to be interpreted as a contract for employment.