Operations Director

Democratic Socialists of America is the largest socialist organization in the United States, with over 90,000 members and chapters in all 50 states. We believe that working people should run both the economy and society democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few. We are a political and activist organization, not a party. Through community and campus-based chapters, DSA members use a variety of tactics, from legislative to direct action, to fight for reforms that empower working people. DSA is a big tent, multi-tendency organization that welcomes everyone committed to democratic socialism.

National Operations

• Supervise the Operations Department, including infrastructure/office, tech, and events staff
• Work with the Managing Director in ensuring the national organization and chapters are in compliance and following all relevant laws and governing documents
• Revise and create HR, data & technology, financial, and other policies and ensure their implementation and compliance across the entire organization
• Support the Finance Department with audits and tax filings, including keeping audit-ready documentation
• Manage relationships and contracts with external vendors
• Oversee the national office in New York City and ensure the office is well-functioning
• Perform other duties which may arise based on the needs of the organization

HR and People Operations

• Lead hiring processes and work with DSA counsel to ensure compliance with all employment laws
• Administer and provide assistance for all employee benefits and other HR services and keep all personnel documentation audit ready at all times
• Act as primary point person for the staff union during regular Labor Management meetings, requests and negotiations and ensure compliance with the CBA
• Work with Finance Department to process bi-weekly payroll and administer time off, overtime, and other relevant policies
• Coordinate the performance review process and ensure managers and staff have the necessary structure and resources

Project Management and Convention

• Implement and project-manage Operations-related decisions made by National Political Committee and Convention
• Bottomline projects led by relevant member committees, including the planning and execution of the biennial DSA National Convention, annual YDSA National Convention, and YDSA and DSA Conferences

Qualifications

• At least 3 to 5 years in a high level position in operations, preferably with a left organization or union and preferably on a national or other large-scale
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience and self-motivation leading operations with an organization
• Ability to work effectively with member leaders from varying political viewpoints underneath DSA’s big tent
• Experience managing a team of two or more people
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a non-traditional leadership structure, adapting to changing political conditions and organizational needs
• High level of accountability, responsibility, and dependability
• Ability to travel on occasion
• Commitment to democratic socialist, feminist, anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-heterosexist and pro-worker action, and identify as a socialist and be grounded in democratic socialist politics; general agreement with the positions and perspectives of DSA
• Preferred: Experience working in a membership-led organization and/or with member leaders that direct the work
• Preferred: Located in the NYC Tri-state area

Reports to: National Political Committee

Work Schedule: Full-time

Location: Remote

Note: The current Operations Director will remain on staff in a new director role and provide training and support to the new Operations Director

Application Deadline: January 4, 2026

Democratic Socialists of America will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of their job if doing so does not result in undue hardship. If you are in need of accommodations during the application process or interview, please contact us.

No phone calls or recruiters, please.

Democratic Socialists of America is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a staff that reflects the working class. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, DREAMers, as well as members of the LGBTQ communities.

We offer employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their spouse/partner and/or dependent children, and three weeks of vacation in the first year of employment, then four weeks each year thereafter. Employer contribution equivalent to 1% of wage to a 401k.