Executive Vice President

Organization Overview 

The Democracy Alliance (DA), founded in 2005, is a donor community of individual philanthropists, foundations, and labor unions who are dedicated to democracy and our progressive future. The DA invests in building the progressive infrastructure in the United States by filling gaps, providing catalytic funding, and resourcing social change, all in the name of building a just, equitable, feminist, multiracial democracy that works for all.

The Democracy Alliance has a new 10-year strategic vision, grounded in opportunities before us and the necessity for long-term strategies and resources. The DA’s vision builds on our 17-year history and looks to the future; is deeply grounded in a commitment to racial, gender, and economic justice and a thriving climate; and reaffirms the DA’s critical role as a convenor, resource aggregator, and community builder.

The Democracy Alliance’s critical and unique role is one of a powerful convener—a dynamic forum where leading progressive donors, foundations, and organized labor strategize together to leverage their shared power and drive resources in service of our democracy. In this role as convener, the DA hosts two flagship conferences each year that bring together 150 – 400 donors, movement leaders, and elected leaders over several days to learn, collaborate, and plan. Throughout the year, the organization also offers numerous learning events to build the capacity of its members and partners and foster connections across its network.

The Democracy Alliance is a powerful bridge builder in the progressive ecosystem - uniting funders, movement leaders, policymakers, and allies in common purpose to win racial, gender, economic, and climate justice and build a just, multiracial democracy that works for all.

Position Overview 

The Democracy Alliance is seeking a strategic, passionate, and compelling leader to serve as Executive Vice President and guide the organization into its next chapter.

This new role will serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the President, working together to lead the organization in developing and executing the strategic vision of the Democracy Alliance, setting growth and impact goals, and defining organizational priorities.

Bringing expertise in progressive politics, the EVP will be a creative, dynamic leader who helps lead the Democracy Alliance in its next stage of growth, bringing in more donors, including a wave of next generation donors, and more funding to pro-democracy work. The EVP will help leverage the relationships and resources of the Democracy Alliance network to win elections, advance progressive policy reforms, and build power across states.

The EVP will skillfully connect donors to the work happening on the ground in electoral, advocacy, and organizing campaigns. The EVP will oversee the strategic mobilization of critical resources to the front lines to meet moments of threats and opportunities for democracy.

The role will oversee compelling, engaging conferences and year-round convenings and donor engagement opportunities that further build a strong Democracy Alliance community.

The EVP will manage a talented, mission-driven senior team and ensure that internal systems and processes are set up for maximum impact and that organizational goals and tactics are in alignment with the Democracy Alliance’s strategic vision.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, respected leader with deep electoral and advocacy experience and relationships in the progressive movement. The EVP will bring a command of organizational leadership and strategy, a commitment to building a just, multiracial, feminist democracy and a sharp organizing mindset to spark Democracy Alliance’s overall growth and engagement.

This is an excellent opportunity to help fuel the progressive movement and build long-lasting power.

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute the vision and strategy for Democracy Alliance, in partnership with and under the leadership of the President
• Oversee day-to-day organizational responsibilities - including fundraising, donor engagement, programming, and convenings - and ensure that internal structures, systems, staffing, and processes are aligned and functioning for maximum impact
• Serve as a thought partner to the President, particularly on electoral and political strategies, as well as donor engagement
• Identify strategic opportunities, catalyze impact and outcomes, and measure and track progress towards organizational goals
• Inspire action, build rapport, and provide trusted counsel to donors, progressive leaders, and stakeholders
• Convene, connect, and support donors and stakeholders in the progressive ecosystem and lead collaboration toward shared goals
• Lead on overall strategy for investment recommendations and ensure alignment to the Democracy Alliance’s core values and strategic objectives
• Manage, mentor, and support a talented senior team, ensuring they have the clarity and resources needed to meet the organization’s strategic objectives
• Represent the Democracy Alliance with a variety of stakeholders including donors, partners, and movement leaders
• Foster a healthy, inclusive, anti-racist, and feminist culture that reflects the Democracy Alliance’s values

Key Attributes and Qualifications 

• Demonstrated passion for the Democracy Alliance’s mission and values and a strong commitment to achieving racial, gender, economic, and climate justice
• At least fifteen years of progressively responsible work experience in politics, advocacy, or philanthropy
• Significant experience in electoral politics and the progressive movement
• Experience developing and leading organizational strategies to achieve immediate and long-term goals
• An understanding of political and non-profit fundraising and the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with donors and partners
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills along with excellent judgment and the ability to anticipate challenges and develop solutions
• Track record of managing and supporting senior-level staff with a demonstrated commitment to values-based leadership and a people-management style that is results-oriented, collaborative, and fosters inclusivity and belonging
• Superb interpersonal skills with an impressive history of forging strong relationships with funders, stakeholders, and allies
• Fluency in the complexities that accompany philanthropy, including power, privilege, access, and race
• Emotional intelligence with the ability to navigate relationships and politics with levels of nuance
• Outstanding communications skills, both written and verbal
• Sense of humor and positive attitude

Frequently cited statistics show that applicants from structurally marginalized and/or underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. The Democracy Alliance encourages you to break that statistic and to apply. No one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. We look forward to your application!

Location and Structure 

Democracy Alliance is a remote workplace. Preference will be given to candidates who reside in the Washington, D.C. area.

The Executive Vice President reports directly to the President.

Compensation and Benefits 

The compensation for this role is $225,000-$240,000, based on experience.

Democracy Alliance offers a competitive compensation and generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement benefits; paid sick leave and holidays; and four weeks/20 days of PTO, plus two week-long office closures.

To Apply 

To apply for this position, submit a cover letter and resume online at https://grossmansolutions.applytojob.com/apply. The cover letter should be concise and compelling and outline the specific ways in which you would be a good fit for this position. Only applications submitted through this website will be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

The Democracy Alliance believes that a diverse workplace is critical to achieving our goals. The Democracy Alliance seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and encourages applications from structurally marginalized communities and experiences to apply.