Communications Strategist

Protect Democracy is hiring a Communications Strategist to help protect the right to speak out and protest in the face of authoritarian intimidation.

This is a moment of existential consequence for American democracy. At this juncture, Protect Democracy stands as one of the nation’s leading and most respected nonpartisan organizations dedicated to preventing our democracy from further declining into authoritarianism. What makes Protect Democracy—and this role—so unique is the diversity of tools at our disposal. Our organization is composed of 120+ experts who have served under Democrats and Republicans and in the senior ranks of other nonprofit, political, or media organizations.

In this role, you will join a newly formed team dedicated to ensuring that communities can continue to speak out and engage politically despite the increasing use of the military, federal law enforcement, and other levers of federal power to quash protests, quell dissent, and intimidate political opponents. As part of this team, you will play a critical role in maximizing the reach and impact of our litigation and policy work, including our frequent collaboration with retired national security leaders in high-stakes litigation and public advocacy; expertise on the domestic use of military force; and litigation to defend peaceful protest against abusive DHS tactics in Chicago and Portland.

The right person for this role will be able to get from idea to impact quickly and effectively. You’ve independently built communications campaigns that have successfully persuaded an audience or inspired them to act, and you know the evolving media landscape so well that you can identify the most important platforms and leverage points for any key message.

At Protect Democracy, we believe that diversity isn’t just a strength—it’s a necessity for tackling the complex challenges facing our country today. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum to apply. We will consider applicants from almost anywhere in the United States.* If you meet most but not all of the criteria listed below but believe nonetheless you’d be a stellar match for the role and could grow into it, we want to hear from you. The priority deadline to apply for this role is December 7, 2025. We are looking to fill this role by early February 2026.

As Communications Strategist, you will:

• Design and execute communications strategies to support litigation and advocacy goals related to protecting speech and dissent and preventing the military and law enforcement from being used to intimidate critics;
• Cultivate relationships that drive impact with stakeholders from across the media landscape: creators, reporters, producers, editors, Substack authors and more;
• Craft sophisticated messaging that resonates with grasstops leaders, policymakers, and institutional decision-makers, translating complex democratic threats into compelling narratives that drive action among influential audiences;
• Pioneer new strategies for expanding beyond traditional grasstops communications, experimenting with approaches to reach broader audiences while maintaining the credibility and sophistication that elite audiences expect;
• Contribute creative thinking to team strategy sessions, bringing innovative ideas for engaging both traditional power brokers and new audiences with unconventional tactics and fresh approaches;
• Roll up your sleeves to execute on comms plans with hands-on involvement, no matter the task—from drafting high-level strategic memos to managing media lists to coordinating event logistics.

Required:

• At least seven years of experience in fast-paced communications teams;
• Experience independently cultivating relationships with stakeholders from across the media landscape;
• Sophisticated understanding of politics, policy and the rapidly evolving media landscape;
• Proven track record of building something that has persuaded an audience and/or inspired them to act to drive change;
• Available to start at Protect Democracy no later than February 9, 2026.

The ideal candidate also brings:

• A passionate commitment to the preservation of democratic norms and institutions, and an understanding that our democracy has never fully represented communities of color;
• An embrace of a cross-ideological and nonpartisan approach to protecting our democracy;
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and presentation skills directed at both legal and non-legal audiences;
• Ability to track, prioritize, and—where necessary—triage a diverse set of responsibilities to use time efficiently and productively;
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for giving and receiving feedback up, down and sideways;
• Collaborative orientation and a willingness to take on tasks big or small as needed to advance our mission;
• Enthusiasm for working with people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives;
• Excellent, proactive project management skills and comfort managing up, down, and sideways accordingly;
• Rigorous attention to detail and the highest standards for excellence in execution.

About Protect Democracy

• Flexible location. We are a remote-first organization based exclusively in the United States, meaning our staff work within the US and primarily virtually. We also offer shared workspaces for those who enjoy working in an office environment. We are established for remote work in many states across the country, and while candidates based anywhere in the United States are welcome to apply, we may not be able to offer employment in your current location. If you proceed in the hiring process, we will discuss where you currently live and what is possible in our initial interview. All staff are also required to travel at least two times per year to team retreats, and this role also requires periodic travel. (Accommodations to this requirement will be made only in exceptional circumstances.)
• Commitment to an inclusive workplace. Protect Democracy is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences strengthens our ability to analyze problems, craft solutions, and drive meaningful change. Protect Democracy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
• Phenomenal benefits. Our benefits package includes generous sick leave and a flexible vacation policy where we encourage team members to take 4-5 weeks every year, along with 12 paid holidays, 6 weeks of paid family medical leave, and 18 weeks of paid parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match that vests immediately. Additionally, we cover employee medical premiums at 100% (with up to 95% coverage for dependents depending on plan selection), and employee and dependent’s dental/vision at 100%. All employees have access to long-term disability and life insurance, fertility benefits, a home office stipend, and bonuses at the discretion of the Executive Director.