Senior Researcher - Public Opinion & Political Attitudes

Senior Public Opinion Research Consultant Location: Remote, based in Germany Reports to: Director of Strategy & Development heimatwurzeln e.V. is a non-profit organization promoting environmental and climate protection from a conservative perspective. We engage the civic-minded centre-right electorate in Germany and foster bottom-up solutions rooted in traditional values, attachment to place, family, and nation. Our mission is to foster a broad political consensus on climate action and to enable society to implement practical, enduring solutions. We work with local civic organisations, recognizing their vital role in safeguarding natural heritage, respecting long-standing traditions, and ensuring stable, long-term environmental outcomes. We support market-based and community-led solutions that balance economic vitality with environmental stewardship. As we grow, we are strengthening our internal team and expanding our contribution to the wider community. heimatwurzeln, in partnership with our common home (OCH), is seeking an experienced Public Opinion Research Consultant to lead audience and public opinion research in Germany. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in applied social research who is ready to take on broader ownership of research strategy, project leadership, and methodological guidance at heimatwurzeln. We are looking for a consultant who can embed audience grounding into all strategic decision-making ensuring our work is anchored in a deep understanding of the people we aim to engage. The consultant will design and execute a wide range of studies - from qualitative approaches to public-opinion polls and synthesize insights to make this knowledge accessible and actionable for the heimatwurzeln team. The consultant will work closely with the heimatwurzeln team while offering research design support and analytical coaching to partners internationally. If successful, the consultancy may grow into a longer-term arrangement. What You’ll Do Lead and execute Public Opinion & audience Research Shape analytical approaches that inform heimatwurzeln’s national strategy and campaigns. Help teams define clear research aims, key questions, and methodological choices that generate actionable insights and address their practical needs. Lead full research cycles—from scoping and design to analysis and presentation of results. Conduct desk research, identifying relevant studies, polling data, and public datasets to build strong evidence bases. Build questionnaires, sampling plans, interview guides that are rigorous and fit for purpose. Analyse qualitative and quantitative data to extract insights that deepen audience understanding. Insight Development & Communication Turn complex data into clear, concise insights with strong narrative logic. Develop structured reports and presentations that highlight implications for strategy and campaigning. Research Project Management Oversee multiple research workstreams, ensuring high-quality delivery across all phases. Translate broad research goals into clear work plans, milestones, and deliverables. Maintain strong communication and collaboration with colleagues, advisors, and partners. Vendor Management Source and manage polling agencies and research suppliers. Write clear briefs, oversee implementation, and ensure data quality and compliance with internal standards. Review outputs, offering analytical feedback and ensuring consistency across projects. What You Will Bring 6–8+ years of experience in public opinion, political, social, or market research—ideally in roles involving senior analytical responsibility. Strong quantitative and qualitative research design skills, from sampling design to data analysis Confidence using data tools such as SPSS, R, or similar, with strong data literacy. Ability to interrogate datasets and analytical approaches to ensure accuracy and relevance. Strength in synthesising complex information and translating findings into clear, strategic insights. Experience managing multiple research projects and external suppliers. Excellent communication skills—able to explain methods and insights clearly to technical and non-technical audiences. Interest in politics, society, behaviour, and environmental issues. Fluency in German and English. Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field. Similar Roles You May Have Held Your background may include roles such as: Senior Analyst (public opinion, political research, social impact, or insights) Senior Public Opinion Researcher or Polling Specialist Social or Political Researcher or Research Manager Behavioural Insights Researcher Data Insights Consultant working on political or social datasets These roles typically align with the analytical depth, research leadership, and strategic insight needed. What we offer Purposeful work shaping a young, mission-driven organisation Fully remote with occasional travel for team events Flexible, family-friendly hours supporting work-life balance Supportive, collaborative culture Opportunities to engage with civic organisations and partners Contribute to environmental challenges through a values-aligned, bottom-up approach Help build a young institution with long-term purpose and impact Competitive non-profit sector pay BahnCard 1st class Apply To This Job