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.

On the eve of the organization’s 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. 

Associate Director, Democracy. Dēmos seeks an Associate Director of Democracy to help design and implement work across two of the Democracy portfolio’s core issue areas: money in politics and voting rights.  The Associate Director will work under the supervision of the Director of Democracy and work closely with the other Associate Director of Democracy to help lead the Democracy team. In coordination with grassroots and movement building organizations, the Associate Director will provide research and policy analysis and strategic leadership that is centered on building power and increasing the democratic participation of Black and brown communities. The most competitive candidates will bring an entrepreneurial orientation, humility, and an ability to work collaboratively both internally and externally. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Developing content and executing projects: The Associate Director will lead the creation and execution of research reports, policy briefs, advocacy materials, and commentary on democracy-related issues. They will collaborate effectively on projects with staff from across Dēmos’ teams and other members of the Democracy team. 

• Team Leadership: Working closely with the Director of Democracy and the other Associate Director of Democracy, the Associate Director will help with team leadership and day-to-day management. This includes working as a thought partner and leader to help provide clear goals and direction for the collective work of the team, and at the individual staff level.  They will assist in building team cohesion.  They will represent the Democracy team in internal or external meetings, including but not limited to team meetings, all staff meetings, and funder meetings. 

• Staff Supervision: The Associate Director will supervise staff, checking in with direct reports regularly to ensure clarity on goals, to develop space for feedback, and to support staff development. With appropriate input from the Chief of People and Culture and the Director of Democracy, they will lead the hiring processes for the roles they will directly supervise. They will be mindful of and model organizational policies, practices, and values to team and supervisee(s). 

• Developing and strengthening external partnerships: They will work closely with movement partners, contacts in various government agencies, elected offices, advocacy organizations, and academic institutions to support strategies for building an inclusive, multiracial democracy. 

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills and experience: 

• Expertise on Democracy and Progressive Policy Issues. They will bring deep expertise on money in politics or voting rights. They will have a proven track record of working to advance progressive policies. They will have experience translating ideas into concrete policy proposals. 

• Leading on Racial Equity. They have a sophisticated understanding of how race dynamics impact supervisory relationships, organizational culture, partnerships, campaigns and coalition work, and can demonstrate a history of successfully intervening in problematic dynamics and deepening a racial justice approach within an organization, team, or campaign. 

• Building and Strengthening Relationships with Grassroots Partners. They bring a movement-building lens to work and have experience successfully collaborating with grassroots organizations toward shared goals. 

• 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. 

• Strategic and Creative Thinking. They understand that ideas matter and view research and policy as a critical component for creating the public and political will for change. They are curious by nature, and eager to uncover new analyses that can advance the public debate. 

• Low Ego. They are committed to advancing the whole rather than themselves.

Additionally, candidates must bring a strong commitment to excellence and an ability to work in an evolving environment. 

The most competitive candidates will also demonstrate some or all of the following skills and experience: 

• Data proficiency.  They have familiarity working with data sets, such as the American Community Survey, state voter files/public voter registration data, or commercial voter files, and are interested in using data strategically to advance policy change. The most competitive candidates will be proficient in Stata.

• Research Design and Narrative. They have experience designing and conducting primary research, which may include surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other research methods. They know how to incorporate the voices and center the lived experiences of those most impacted by injustice and inequity into research and policy design and analysis. 

• Strong Supervisor. They are a talented and effective supervisor who manages direct reports effectively and models and leads strong supervisory and management practices. 

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

Salary and Benefits: The annual salary range for this position is $126,000- $136,000 and commensurate with experience. 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. 

How to Apply: Submit a concise, thoughtful cover letter and resume that speaks to how your experience and skillset meet the qualifications for this role.

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.