Senior Data and Policy Analyst or Senior Research and Policy Counsel, Democracy 

About  Dēmos. Dēmos is a non-profit public policy organization working to build a just, inclusive multiracial democracy and economy. We build power with and for Black and brown communities through our strategic partnerships with state-based and grassroots organizations. 

Reflecting on the organization’s recent 25th anniversary, we are celebrating a successful legacy that institutionalized the inherent connection between our democracy and economy. From campaign finance reform to credit card debt to student debt, Dēmos has built campaigns and won structural reform that has changed the way communities wield civic, political, and economic power in this country.  

Over the next three years, we will work to realize the next iteration of Dēmos's legacy by transforming our strategies and organizational structure to unapologetically build power with and for Black and brown communities. As a national public policy institution, we see our role as the nexus between federal and state strategies, leveraging our policy, research, and narrative expertise to uplift and enhance the insights and experience of our state-based and grassroots partners, advancing comprehensive campaigns to realize the promise of a just, inclusive multiracial democracy and economy. 

Senior Data and Policy Analyst or Senior Research and Policy Counsel, Democracy. Dēmos seeks a Senior Data and Policy Analyst or a Senior Research and Policy Counsel who will conduct data analysis, research, writing, and advocacy on voting rights, political representation, money in politics, immigrant justice, and other democracy issues. The portfolio will cover a broad cross-section of issues, and its composition will change over time to be responsive to the moment while also moving Dēmos’s long-term power-building agenda.  

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

• Leading or co-leading projects within Dēmos’s democracy reform portfolio, both by working collaboratively across Dēmos teams, and by cultivating productive relationships with external stakeholders in various state and federal agencies, elected offices, grassroots movements, advocacy organizations, and academic institutions. 

• Informed by those collaborations, conducting original research and policy work, which includes generating and analyzing election, campaign finance, and other quantitative and qualitative data, that advances Dēmos’s and partners’ efforts to build an inclusive, multiracial democracy.  

• Authoring long and short-form publications including research reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, and opinion articles, and creating additional advocacy materials like talking points, slide decks, and explainers. 

• Drafting public comments, crafting and delivering legislative testimony, and potentially helping to craft language for legislation and ballot initiatives. 

• Representing Dēmos externally on democracy policy issues, including through presentations, in coalitions, at conferences, and in the media.  

• For the counsel position: drafting amicus briefs in legal cases that can further the mission of building a just, inclusive, multiracial democracy.

A successful candidate will demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Developed Racial Equity Analysis & Practice. They have a well-developed racial equity analysis and consistently integrate this analysis into their work projects and personal interactions by addressing structural implications and disproportionate impacts of policies, activities, and decisions on race, class and other group identities within the context of their job responsibilities and projects.  

• Excellent Writing and Analytical Skills. They have experience executing research and writing projects from initial concept stage to final drafting of research reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, and other materials.   

• Strong Project Management.  They have experience leading a project through the conceptualization, execution, and completion phases. They are organized, pay attention 

  to detail, and always follow through. They are excited about taking ownership of a body of work and about working with stakeholders, both internal and external, to achieve a goal

• Outreach and Collaboration. They are skilled at identifying and cultivating productive external relationships with key individuals in movement building, academia, government, and policy and advocacy organizations. They also excel at building effective relationships within their organization and have managed productive, collaborative engagement with their work by members of different teams with diverse vantage points.  

• Democracy content expertise. They have content expertise on democracy and voting rights-related issues (specifically issues of racial equity in voting access and policy, structural democracy reforms, voting trends, and electoral analysis). They are familiar with other organizations in the voting rights and democracy field and in racial justice work.  

• The ability to travel occasionally for conferences and team retreats. 

Candidates who meet the qualifications for the role and have significant demonstrated experience in the field are invited to apply. We are only hiring for one position, and the final job title for this role will be commensurate with the successful candidate's experience and qualifications. Only candidates with a J.D. will be considered for the counsel role. 

The most competitive candidates will also demonstrate the following skills and experience:  

• Data Analysis Proficiency. They are proficient in data acquisition, generation, and analysis, and in effectively synthesizing and communicating findings from data analysis to diverse audiences. 

• Legislation and Rulemaking. They have familiarity with the legislative drafting process and the statutory and regulatory aspects of policy making.  They have relationships with local, state, or federal legislative staff
  

• Print and broadcast media. They have experience talking with reporters and other representatives of the press, and are comfortable doing varied media, such as podcasts, occasional social media postings, and interviews for print.  

Work Location: Dēmos has adopted a hybrid, remote-first work model with occasional in-person meetings taking place in Washington, D.C. and other locations. Candidates based in any continental U.S. location with the ability to travel are encouraged to apply.  

Salary and Benefits: The annual starting salary range for the role is $105,000 - $110,000. Salary is determined based on job responsibilities and other factors determined by law. For purposes of internal equity, Dēmos will not negotiate salaries outside of this posted range. Dēmos has a generous benefits package, which includes health insurance, dental and vision insurance, 11 paid holidays, 18 vacation days per year, 5 floating holidays per year, 12 sick days per year, paid time off the last week of August, and Dec. 24 – through the first week of January, and a voluntary 403b plan.  

This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms are subject to collective bargaining.

How to Apply: Please upload a concise, thoughtful cover letter and resume that speaks to how your experience and skillset meet the qualifications for this role. Candidates that advance in the hiring process may be asked to complete an assessment. 

We are looking for an immediate hire so applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls or emails, please. 

Dēmos is an Equal Opportunity Employer--people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.