Research Fellow

Make a difference with us! At Alliance Defending Freedom, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose-to stand for truth and defend the God-given right to live and speak it. Together, we protect religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. Review our Statement of Faith to ensure we’re a fit for you.

Location: Lansdowne, VA, Scottsdale, AZ, Washington D.C

Team Overview

As a Research Fellow, you are a vital part of ADF’s Research & Innovation team, which exists to anticipate legal and cultural threats, generate consequential scholarship, and translate ideas into litigation, legislation, and cultural influence.

In this role, you will report to and support an assigned Senior Fellow in carrying out a dedicated research portfolio within of the team’s strategic focus areas, which include but are not limited to artificial intelligence and freedom of speech and religion; global censorship and concentrated power; the intersection of biosciences and assisted reproductive technology with the right to life; online child safety and free speech; education freedom and parental rights; and religious liberty and, public institutions. You may also be assigned to support other Fellows as workload requires. You will work under the direction of the Senior Counsel and Vice President for Research & Policy Innovation, and the Special Counsel to the President.

Key Responsibilities

Research Support

• Conduct legal, policy, and interdisciplinary research in support of your assigned Senior Fellow’s focus area, using both AI-assisted horizon-scanning tools and traditional research methods.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, judicial, and cultural developments relevant to the team’s strategic focus areas and prepare timely summaries and briefing materials.
• Identify and synthesize emerging threats and opportunities for the Senior Fellow for evaluation and strategic development.
• Assist in researching and drafting model legislation, regulatory comments, suggestions for amicus briefs, policy papers, and white papers under the direction of the Senior Fellow.

Writing & Editorial Support 

• Draft, edit, and prepare written work products in support of the Senior Fellow’s scholarship, including research memoranda, background papers, annotated bibliographies, and first drafts.
• Assist in preparing congressional and legislative testimony, talking points, and public commentary under the direction of the Senior Fellow.
• Ensure accuracy of citations, sources, and factual claims in all work products.

Event & Engagement Support

• Assist in planning and executing colloquia, symposia, pop-up salons, and strategic gatherings organized by the Senior Fellow, including logistics, participant coordination, background preparation, and post-event documentation.
• Prepare briefing materials, speaker profiles, and research summaries in advance of external engagements, media appearances, and speaking events.
• Support alliance-building activities by conducting background research on potential partners, institutions, and policy leaders.

Team & Organizational Contribution

• Contribute to ADF’s broader programmatic events, including conferences, panel discussions, and public lectures, as directed.
• Collaborate with other Research Fellows and team members across the ADF ministry to share research findings and support cross-team initiatives.
• Assist in maintaining ADF’s knowledge management systems and research infrastructure.

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. or advanced graduate degree (M.A., M.S., or equivalent) in policy, theology, history, philosophy, political science, or a closely related field is strongly preferred; candidates with a strong undergraduate record and demonstrated research excellence may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience.
• Alignment with ADF’s mission and the ability to engage the conservative movement and the Church with credibility and authenticity.

Pay & Benefits

At Alliance Defending Freedom, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to support your well-being and growth. While we do not disclose specific salary ranges, our compensation is competitive with top non-profit law firms. Our benefits include 100% covered medical and dental insurance, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. We prioritize work-life balance with paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year.

Want to Know More About ADF?

This salary range is reflective of a position based in Lansdowne, VA. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and office location.

Virginia Salary Range

$89,900—$141,100 USD