Organizing and Campaign Strategist

Protect Democracy is seeking two or more Organizing and Campaign Strategists to develop and lead organizing- and advocacy-based theories of change in key communities on a national and/or state level. Americans of all stripes are being targeted by autocrats at all levels of government — but we are also standing up, mobilizing, and using a broad range of tools to peaceably organize on their own behalf, on behalf of other targeted groups, and on behalf of the ideals that uphold American democracy. To better support these targeted groups, Protect Democracy is hiring for new senior positions focused on engaging with and mobilizing key sectors of civil society, including the agricultural, scientific, labor, military, higher education, and faith communities.

Protect Democracy was formed in late 2016 with an urgent and explicit mission: to prevent American democracy from declining into a more authoritarian form of government. We are a cross-ideological and nonpartisan team defending democratic institutions and working to make real the full promise of our democracy by using the courts, legislatures, media, and every other tool available at the state and federal level. We are focused on developing and scaling creative integrated advocacy strategies that move the needle on core issues fundamental to the strength of our democracy.

These roles present a unique opportunity to lead Protect Democracy’s efforts to build an effective civil service coalition to fight the authoritarian tide. As an Organizing and Campaign Strategist, you’ll engage directly with target communities, professions, industries, and interest groups, and serve as a connector between Protect Democracy and key coalitions. You’ll put to use your sharp political judgment and expertise leading major organizing or communications campaigns in service of protecting our democracy. And you’ll work closely with litigators, policy advocates, and communicators to help grow and strengthen a vast, vibrant pro-democracy, pro-American coalition.

This is a remote position based in the United States.* The priority deadline to apply for this role is June 1; we will review applications received after this date on a rolling basis. We anticipate this role joining our team as early as mid-July, but we have some flexibility with start dates. If you meet most but not all of the criteria listed below and believe nonetheless you’d be a stellar match for the role and could grow into it, we want to hear from you.

The Organizing and Campaign Strategist will:

• Develop and lead integrated, high-level advocacy and strategic communications campaigns, working across teams to coordinate and align on strategy;
• Guide the creation and messaging of advocacy materials for traditional and non-traditional media;
• Strengthen and expand strategic partnerships and proactively build coalitions around core democracy issues;
• Serve as the organization’s voice in key coalitions;
• Expand Protect Democracy’s capacity to engage with broad constituencies through trainings and mentorship;
• Work in alignment with the rest of Protect Democracy’s teams and projects to advance the organization’s broader mission;
• Contribute to culture-building initiatives across the organization.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate brings:

• 10+ years experience in organizing, campaign strategy, or legislative/policy advocacy related to:
  • Faith-Based Communities
  • Higher Education
  • Organized Labor
  • Rural / Agricultural Communities
  • Science / Medical Research / Patient Advocacy
  • Veterans / Military Families
• Ability to build trusting and productive relationships with partners across the political spectrum and/or advocacy ecosystem;
• Track record designing and leading campaigns or advocacy initiatives at a high level of excellence;
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to effectively move audiences or communities up the “ladder of engagement”;
• Highly developed strategic problem-solving and project management skills, including experience managing teams and complex projects from idea to execution;
• Enthusiasm for generating novel theories of change and creative policy solutions;
• Excellent judgment about political activism, including what levers can make change happen with limited resources and how to mitigate potential weaknesses in advocacy campaigns;
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for giving and receiving feedback up, down, and sideways;
• A passionate commitment to the protection of democratic norms and institutions, an understanding that our democracy has never fully represented communities of color, and unfettered enthusiasm for Protect Democracy’s cross-ideological and nonpartisan approach.

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 may require occasional additional travel to meet with in-state partners in target states and to plan convenings or other stakeholder engagement sessions. (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, 4 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, full coverage for an excellent health care plan that includes both dental and vision insurance, long-term disability and life insurance for all employees, a home office stipend, and as budget allows, discretionary bonuses.
• Ample opportunities for personal & professional development. Candidates who do not meet all listed criteria should still apply, as our organizational structure focuses on providing mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.