Vice President, Democracy Policy

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Structural Reform and Governance

Staff reporting to this position: Democracy Policy team

Department: Structural Reform and Governance

Position classification: Exempt, full time; Nonunion – Level 9

Minimum compensation: $140,000

Work site: Hybrid (on-site two days per week, Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

The Vice President for Democracy Policy will lead the Democracy Policy team and coordinate American Progress’ crosscutting, organizationwide priority to restore social trust in democracy. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of democracy policy, including helping safeguard free and fair elections, creating effective institutions of government, and building a multiracial democracy that is reflective of all Americans. A successful candidate will have familiarity with legislative and regulatory processes and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with the democracy policymaking community in Washington, D.C.

The Vice President for Democracy Policy will be driven by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation but changing the country. This work will include connecting the Democracy’s teams efforts with the organization’s five crosscutting priorities:

1. Building an economy for all
2. Restoring social trust in democracy
3. Advancing racial equity and justice
4. Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
5. Strengthening health

The Vice President will supervise members of the Democracy Policy team and, in partnership with the Senior Vice President, manage American Progress’ relationships with outside stakeholders on democracy-related issues, including ally organizations, policymakers, and the media. The position requires overseeing and executing projects involving communication, policy analysis and development, research, and writing, as well as driving collaboration with experts across American Progress.

The Vice President will lead strategy development to turn ideas into action, engaging with staff throughout American Progress as well as outside coalitions and other organizations. This leader will be expected to refine strategic goals and help raise funds for the organization’s crosscutting priority to restore social trust in democracy.

Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day management for the Democracy Policy team; develop its policy, research, and communications agenda; and coordinate American Progress’ priority to restore social trust in democracy.
• Work with the department’s Senior Vice President and the Executive team to set the strategic direction for democracy policy, including development of crosscutting efforts.
• Play a role in managing the Democracy Policy team’s budget and assist with fundraising efforts to meet the team’s policy work plan and support American Progress’ crosscutting work.
• Represent the Democracy Policy team and American Progress to the public, media, and other outside groups and individuals.
• Promote team priorities and work products both inside and outside American Progress.
• Coordinate American Progress projects related to restoring social trust in democracy to ensure cross-team collaboration and alignment with organization-level priorities. Assist colleagues and guide the team in crafting timely policy reports and rapid-response documents to ensure relevant participation in policy debates.
• Author and co-author policy papers, columns, and opinion pieces such as op-eds.
• Update American Progress staff regularly on news and events related to relevant policy debates in Congress and/or the administration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required; advanced degree is preferred.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Extensive knowledge and experiential expertise as well as a proven track record as a senior leader in the democracy policy and/or communications field.
• Knowledge of federal policymaking and experience working with Congress and federal agencies.
• Must have established relationships with policymakers, advocates, and community leaders inside Washington, D.C., and in the states.
• Excellent presentation and written and oral communication skills, ideally including experience speaking to reporters and the media.
• Strong analytical skills; quantitative skills are a plus.
• Experience with fundraising and managing budgets is a plus.
• Exceptional management skills and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic, long-term plans and implement them successfully.
• Strong political instincts and experience working with coalitions.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union and has a minimum salary of $140,000.

American Progress’ hybrid work policy is posted on our Jobs page. Please visit this page for updates. Any changes to this policy will also be communicated at the time of hire.

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This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.

Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from American Progress.

Thank you for your interest in American Progress.

Additional information

American Progress operates two separate nonprofit organizations to maximize the progressive agenda: the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “American Progress.” The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt research and educational institute. It undertakes research, public education and a limited amount of lobbying. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization dedicated to achieving progress through action. It works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid-response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders. The organizations share office space and employees.

American Progress is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is more than a commitment at American Progress—it is the foundation of what we do. American Progress recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and all the other characteristics that make us unique.

For more information on the Center for American Progress, please go to www.americanprogress.org. For more information on the Center for American Progress Action Fund, please go to www.americanprogressaction.org.