Senior Fellow

About the role

This Senior Fellow role translates research and horizon scanning into public strategy for ADF's Research & Innovation team. The Senior Fellow converts cultural and legal insights into public-facing work that supports litigation, legislation, and movement-building. You will own the synthesis of complex ideas into clear narratives that shape external discourse. This position drives the production of influential scholarship and thought leadership that informs public debate. You will act as a strategic bridge between deep research and actionable policy outcomes. The role requires synthesizing legal analysis, cultural trends, and theological insight into compelling public arguments. You will translate emerging threats into strategic opportunities for engagement and impact.

Key facts

What you'll do

Conduct advanced research to generate new insights that inform public strategy and organizational priorities. Translate complex legal and cultural analysis into clear, accessible content for diverse audiences. Represent ADF in external forums, media appearances, and strategic gatherings to advance organizational objectives. Build and maintain relationships with allied organizations, thought leaders, and key stakeholders. Design and execute research projects that integrate both traditional methods and AI-assisted research tools. Critique and evaluate research methodologies to ensure rigor, reproducibility, and clear reporting standards. Contribute to internal knowledge management systems and professional development initiatives. Synthesize findings from multiple fields, including law, policy, academia, and theology, to create integrated solutions. Lead the development of strategic narratives that support litigation, legislation, and movement-building efforts. Mentor and guide junior researchers by setting standards for depth of understanding and methodological integrity.

Requirements

A terminal degree in fields such as J.D., Ph.D., M.D., D.Min., or equivalent is strongly preferred. A minimum of 10 years of ascending experience in law, policy, academia, journalism, theology, ministry, or a closely related field is required. Demonstrated range across more than one of these fields is shown, with a record of work that advances solutions rather than merely documenting problems. You must possess the ability to operate effectively in dynamic environments while maintaining rigorous analytical standards. Demonstrated excellence in both written and verbal communication is essential for success in this role. The capacity to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines is required. You must be prepared to engage with high-level stakeholders and represent ADF in professional settings. A commitment to producing work that influences public policy and cultural discourse is essential.

Practical notes

This position is based in Lansdowne, VA, Scottsdale, AZ, and Washington D.C. The role involves external representation, travel to allied organizations, and participation in strategic gatherings. Typical interview steps

Research interviews usually include a presentation of past work, a technical discussion, and sometimes a research proposal exercise. Candidates may be asked to design a study or critique a method. Depth of understanding is tested more than speed. Interviewers often ask you to present your past work in depth. Being ready to defend every methodological choice is the core preparation.

Good to know

The role centers on producing influential scholarship and public-facing thought leadership. Fellows translate research into strategy for litigation, legislation, and public engagement. The position employs AI-assisted research tools alongside traditional methods. Success depends on building external relationships and organizing high-level gatherings. The role contributes to internal knowledge management and professional development across the team.

Questions to ask

Worth asking in any interview: how the team measures success, who the role works with daily, what the onboarding looks like, and what the company is trying to achieve this year. Asking what past hires did well is a strong final question. Keep the list short and pick the questions that matter most to you.

Career growth

Research careers grow from junior researcher to senior scientist, principal, and lab or research director roles. Some people move into applied research and product work. Publication record or demonstrable impact drives progression, depending on the setting. Research careers reward a strong publication or delivery record. Applied research roles value impact on products as much as novelty.