Job Opportunities -- The Democracy Fund

Program Associate, Governance Initiative http://www.democracyfund.org/jobs#governance The Democracy Fund seeks to hire a Program Associate to support our Governance Initiative, which is focused on how we can help major governing institutions to work more effectively in the face of increasing polarization. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about making our political system work better and have a strong understanding about how Congress and other governing institutions work. Strong candidates will be excellent writers, have strong research skills, work well with others, have an ability to think systemically, and have a proven track record of being able to get things done in a complex professional environment. As a bipartisan organization, we welcome applications from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents – a willingness to work across the aisle is essential. A major area of responsibility for the Program Associate will be to work with the Program Director of our Governance Initiative in sourcing and evaluating grant opportunities, as well as working with our portfolio of grantee organizations to help them succeed. Among our existing grantees within this initiative are the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Congressional Institute, the No Labels Foundation, the Aspen Institute’s Congressional Program, and the Faith & Politics Institute. Beyond grant making, Program Associates will work with the Democracy Fund team to design and implement strategies to more directly advance our goals through research, convening, and advocacy. Specific responsibilities include: Grant Making Work with team to evaluate grant making opportunities that are in line with our strategy and budget. Support due diligence, negotiation, and grant structuring Manage the operational procedures and documentation associated with making grants, including proposal materials, organizational documentation, grant agreements, record keeping, and reporting requirements Provide support to and oversight of grantees to help ensure their success Research, Policy, Learning, and Impact Work with the team to analyze how the systems that we seek to influence operate and identify points of leverage that we may influence Monitor trends, research, and new publications in the field to inform our strategy Conduct research to support the development of new programs and policies within our initiatives and across the foundation Participate in the development and deployment of the initiative’s communications strategy Help to share our learning with the field and establish the Democracy Fund brand through research, writing, and public speaking Convener and Collaborator Work with the Democracy Fund team to convene reform leaders, academics, political leaders, and others to facilitate increased dialogue and collaboration in the field. Manage logistics associated with events as appropriate Maintain relationships with program officers at other foundations, participate in philanthropic conferences, organize regular funder conversations, and otherwise support collaboration with peer funders Team Member Actively work to support other members of the Democracy Fund team and cultivate an organizational culture that is highly collaborative and supportive Collaborate internally to advance Democracy Fund strategy and mission Represent the Democracy Fund in a manner that is consistent with our mission Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements Deep passion for strengthening American democracy 3-5 years of experience working in Congress, political reform, or collaborative governance. Strong relationships with organizational leaders and experts in the field Excellent written and oral communication skills required Strong strategic skills and proven ability to translate strategy into action Success in developing and maintaining institutional, political, and personal relationships Ability to travel periodically for project work Demonstrated experience handling multiple assignments simultaneously Flexibility and initiative to work both independently and as part of a team MPP, MBA, JD, or equivalent preferred Willingness to live in the Washington DC area is required Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume here. Research Associate, Informed Participation (Two-Year Term) The Democracy Fund is seeking an enthusiastic and creative Research Associate to join the Informed Participation team, which is focused on how we can use media, technology, and innovative forms of engagement to better inform the American public. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about making our political system work better and have experience working in journalism, communications policy, civic innovation, or the innovative application of new technology for engagement. Strong candidates will be excellent writers, have strong research skills, work well with others, have an ability to think systemically, and possess a track record of getting things done in a complex professional environment. Reporting to the Director of the Informed Participation program, the Research Associate also will work closely with other Program teams and the Learning and Impact team to enhance the influence of the Fund’s grantees and program-related efforts among target audiences. Duties include but are not limited to: Work with Informed Participation team to develop, undertake analysis, and evaluate our initiative Participate in the development and deployment of the initiative’s communications strategy Monitor trends, research, and new publications in the field to inform our strategy Conduct specific research projects to support the development of new programs and policies within our initiatives and across the foundation Draft reports and develop visualizations for the purposes of public distribution Work with the Democracy Fund team to convene reform leaders, academics, political leaders, and others to facilitate increased dialogue and collaboration in the field Manage logistics associated with events as appropriate Help to share our learning with the field and establish the Democracy Fund brand through research, writing, and public speaking Work with the Democracy Fund’s grantees and external evaluators (as needed) to design, monitor, and learn from evaluations of grantee programs Actively work to support the success of other members of the entire Democracy Fund team and cultivate an organizational culture that is highly collaborative, positive, and productive. Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred Two to four years’ experience experience working in the areas of journalism, communication policy, civic innovation, or the innovative application of new technology for engagement Exceptional written and oral communications skills and attention to detail required Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint Ability to apply a systems perspective to work Professional maturity, ability to exercise good judgment Demonstrated success in pro-actively handling multiple assignments simultaneously Success in developing and maintaining institutional, political, and personal relationships Willingness to work with leaders and stakeholders from across the political spectrum Flexibility and initiative to work both independently and as part of a team Ability to travel periodically for project work Deep passion for strengthening American democracy Will live in the Washington, DC, area. The Democracy Fund is committed to a diverse workplace, seeking voices and expertise from people from across the political spectrum. Our board, staff, advisors, and grantees include Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. The Democracy Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where we encourage candidates of all ages, color, ethnic background, country of origin, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity to apply. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume here, http://democracyfund.applytojob.com/apply/2QdNek/Research-Associate-Informed-Participation-TwoYear-Term. Grants Management Associate The Democracy Fund is seeking an enthusiastic and highly organized Grants Management Associate to support the Fund’s investment processes and manage the Fund’s online grants management system. The Associate will join a growing Operations team committed to developing systems and processes that support staff and grantee partners. The Associate will work with the organization’s Investment Committee to ensure that our investment process has the highest level of integrity and that the organization is able to learn from the investment decisions that it makes over time. The Associate will coordinate and administer our overall investment process while engaging with all program staff across the organization to improve its effectiveness and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have experience in philanthropy and with administering data systems. The Grants Management Associate will report to the Director of Grants Management and Operations. Specific responsibilities include: Manage the Fund’s grants management software (Fluxx), including maintaining integrity of data, serving as the first point of contact for staff and grantees who need support on using the system, managing upgrades, and managing data reporting from the system Support the Fund’s Investment Committee by monitoring the pipeline of grant opportunities, compiling materials for and monitoring follow up from the Committee, maintaining notes for Committee meetings, and managing the Committee’s schedule. Review all grant materials, participate in meetings with prospective grantees, and support staff with revisions Conduct and document initial legal due diligence for all grant, sponsorship and matching gift opportunities, and monitor legal issues throughout process Create and maintain documentation of all grant processes and policies Support the development of training materials and logistics of workshops on grant making and philanthropy topics, and support orientations on grants for all new staff Assist with preparation and disbursement of grant and sponsorship agreements and amendments, including managing the Fund’s DocuSign account for document signatures Partner with the program and internal learning teams to maintain a system for collecting, tracking, and utilizing grantee reports, and creating opportunities to learn from investment decisions Compile and analyze grant and portfolio data that can be used for internal portfolio reviews, board meetings, and the Fund’s annual tax return and audit Partner with program staff to maintain electronic files related to all aspects of the grants cycle Keep informed of the best practices in the grants management field, share findings with the broader team, and recommend improvements to the grants management process Cross-train on other Operations functions, such as contract review, event coordination, and IT support to be available as needed to support staff Actively work to support other members of the Democracy Fund team and cultivate an organizational culture that is highly collaborative and supportive Collaborate internally to advance Democracy Fund strategy and mission Represent the Democracy Fund in a manner that is consistent with our mission Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements 3-5 years relevant experience with knowledge of investing or grant making from philanthropy, nonprofit foundation relations, private investment, or government; knowledge of private foundation legal issues desired Familiarity and comfort level with grants management databases, including making administrative fixes and upgrades (knowledge of Fluxx a plus) Track record of providing high quality, timely customer service Tech savvy and a quick learner with new software systems, and proficiency with MS Excel and databases required Bachelor’s degree required (or equivalent experience) Excellent written and oral communication skills and attention to detail required Professional maturity, ability to exercise discretion, and good judgment Demonstrated experience handling multiple assignments simultaneously Flexibility and initiative to work both independently and as part of a team Passion for strengthening American democracy Position is based in Washington, DC Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume here, http://democracyfund.applytojob.com/apply/fryqQ8/Grants-Management-Associate. Operations Manager The Democracy Fund is seeking an experienced, skilled, and innovative professional to serve as its Operations Manager. The Operations Manager will be responsible for improving and coordinating major operational systems, including financial management, human resources, information systems, contract management, and office administration, as well as managing the ongoing day-to-day operations of the Fund. The ideal candidate will have a passion for managing responsive systems, delivering excellent customer service, and working collaboratively in a dynamic environment. The Operations Manager will report to the Director of Grants Management and Operations. Specific responsibilities include: Financial Management, Budget Planning, and Execution Work with Democracy Fund leadership to develop and manage annual budgets for the organization, communicate the monthly status of the organization’s budget, and train and support managers and staff on budget management Plan and manage implementation of new budgeting software to improve the budgeting process and identify, execute, and document ways to improve the Fund’s financial systems Manage the Fund’s expense reimbursement system (Expensify), grants and financial reconciliation data, coding, and financial statements, preparing for annual tax-related submissions and audits, and submissions of management reports and board material Work with staff and external partners to ensure internal controls and proper payments Provide guidance to program staff on the financial health of prospective grantees Contracts Management Manage the Fund’s contracts system, process and policies, and train staff accordingly Support staff with contract development and negotiation Review and approve all contracts, serving as a liaison with legal as needed Review and approve all invoices and manage the invoicing processing system Manage the implementation of an improved contract review and approval system Office Administration and Information Technology Direct the Operations team’s support of office management, internal event coordination, and technology support, including support of the Fund’s 2016 build out and move to new office space In conjunction with the Fund’s IT support staff, manage the migration of the Fund’s email and calendaring system to a new platform and also seek improvements to the Fund’s information systems to ensure proper documentation and training Human Resources (HR) Manage the Fund’s relationships with its Professional Employee Organization and 401(k) management company Partner with leadership on organizational development initiatives, practices, and events Guide the Operations team’s support and implementation of HR policies and processes, such as hiring, orientation, communication of benefits, time tracking system, payroll submissions, and employee engagement Manage the Fund’s legal compliance with HR-related matters Management Lead the Operations team in a manner that values, empowers, and grows talent Contribute to continuous process improvements within the organization Assist in development of strategic business plans and operational activities Pro-actively lead or support Democracy Fund events or projects as needed Represent the Democracy Fund in a manner that is consistent with our mission Perform other responsibilities, as requested Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance, Business Administration, or Information Technology/Systems highly desired (or equivalent experience) At least five years of operations and finance management experience Nonprofit management experience strongly preferred; experience with private foundations or social welfare organizations desirable Demonstrated success as a manager, possessing excellent interpersonal skills and collaborative management style Highly proficient with standard office software (e.g., MS Excel and financial management software), tech savvy and a quick study with new software systems; experience implementing new software systems a plus Highly analytical and organized, bringing a sense of urgency, a positive, problem-solving attitude, and a dedication to excellence and integrity Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written Commitment to learn and grow in a workplace that values diversity of many dimensions Knowledge of tax and other compliance implications of non-profit status Passion for strengthening American democracy Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume here, http://democracyfund.applytojob.com/apply/6XNIpe/Operations-Manager. Digital Communications Assistant The Democracy Fund is seeking an enthusiastic and creative Digital Communications Assistant to join our team. Reporting to the Manager of Communications & Network, the Digital Communications Assistant will work closely with the Communications & Network team to define short-term and long-term communication strategies that provide for greater awareness of and engagement with the Democracy Fund across digital platforms, including social media and our website. The Digital Communications Assistant is responsible for implementing the Democracy Fund’s digital media strategy on a day-to-day basis, including planning, execution, measurement, and analysis. This position requires hands-on knowledge of established and emerging social media channels, as well as the role of social media plays in an integrated approach to marketing and communications. The position also includes providing logistical and administrative support across Communications & Network needs, including scheduling, production management, event planning, and other projects. In addition to having a deep passion for improving our democracy, the successful candidate will be self-motivated, highly collaborative, detail-oriented, and eager to work across a variety of social media channels on a daily basis. As a bipartisan organization, we welcome applications from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents – a willingness to work across the aisle is essential. Candidates must have exceptional writing skills and a proven track record as an avid consumer and adopter of digital and social media. The Digital Communications Assistant’s primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: Support the Manager of Communications & Network in developing Democracy Fund’s social media strategy and implement that strategy daily across a variety of platforms Assist with team logistics and administrative needs, including scheduling, production timelines, and event planning Collaborate with Program staff and Communications team to brainstorm and create effective social media content (including graphics, charts, maps, videos, etc.) that delivers on Democracy Fund’s key goals Monitor news and online discussion on our issue areas and the activities of Democracy Fund’s staff and grantees in order to proactively make recommendations on how/when to highlight and promote their work and achievements Support the Communications Team and consulting firms to measure our digital reach and impact, and assist in creating a plan to improve upon those results Help in researching and analyzing Democracy Fund’s current and target digital audiences, and grow our online community by helping to build new relationships with online “influencers” and strengthening relationships with existing supporters Contribute to organizational CRM database maintenance Other duties as assigned Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements Bachelor’s degree or 1-2 years of equivalent work experience required Background in brand marketing, public relations, and/or political communications preferred Extensive knowledge of digital tools and trends; proficient using platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr, and how to maximize the results of each Enthusiastic, thirsty to learn, proactive, willing to try new things, and eager for feedback Proficient proofreader, exceptional attention to detail Excellent organizational, project planning, and time management skills Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as with others in a collaborative, team environment Professional in verbal and written communications, able to exercise good judgment Basic familiarity with HTML is required. Familiarity with InDesign and/or the Adobe Creative Suite is a plus Willingness to work with leaders, advocates, and media from across the political spectrum Deep passion for strengthening American democracy The Democracy Fund is committed to a diverse workplace, seeking voices and expertise from people from across the political spectrum. Our board, staff, advisors, and grantees include Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. The Democracy Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where we encourage candidates of all ages, color, ethnic background, country of origin, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity to apply Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume here, http://democracyfund.applytojob.com/apply/7ifgyW/Digital-Communications-Assistant. No phone calls please. Office & Finance Assistant The Democracy Fund seeks to hire a positive, proactive Office & Finance Assistant to support the organization’s operations, including office administration, finance, contract management, information technology, and human resources, to enhance a collaborative work environment as part of the growing Democracy Fund team. We are looking for a highly self-motivated and creative team player, who has had success supporting senior staff and who enjoys being helpful and improving office environments. We are a small, entrepreneurial team, and strong candidates will be highly organized, approachable, meticulous, thorough, and excellent communicators. Given the growing nature of the Operations Team at Democracy Fund, the Assistant will need to be an active learner and flexible in taking on responsibilities as new team members join the Fund and as the organization moves to a new office space in Summer, 2016. The Assistant’s duties include but are not limited to: Office Administration Maintain a productive office environment, including coordinating and maintaining conference rooms, managing catering orders, ordering office and kitchen supplies, sorting and distributing mail, monitoring maintenance and building requests, and providing reception support Support Democracy Fund’s upcoming office transition by researching office equipment and interior decoration options, and managing the office move committee calendar Maintain Democracy Fund’s online (Box) and paper filing systems Maintain records of board minutes and key legal documents Support staff and guests – in partnership with IT staff – with questions about their computers, email, calendaring, phones, video conference, and other productivity application issues Help create and actively maintain an operations administration manual Provide administrative support to the entire Operations Team, as needed Finance & Contracts Process and track all invoices and vendor payments, reconcile corporate credit cards, and keep documentation of financial transactions Serve as first point of contact for staff and vendors who have questions about payments Manage transmission of all contracts and HR documents through DocuSign Maintain an accurate listing of all contracts and balances, and provide analysis on expenses to support the annual audit, 990, and budgeting processes Human Resources & Organizational Development Provide scheduling support to the Recruitment team Coordinate orientation of all new hires, including compiling orientation materials and setting up new hires with all materials needed to succeed Support the Chief People Officer in preparing and running a variety of retreats and events that promote organizational development, culture, professional development, performance management, and other needs Team Activities Provide event coordinating support to other Democracy Fund teams Participate in team meetings with grantees, consultants, and other external partners. Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements: Three+ years of experience working in an office environment supporting senior staff or project teams, with exposure to finance and accounting Quick learner with new software systems, and proficiency with MS Excel; Mac experienced preferred. While not required, applicants should note if they have experience with Expensify, DocuSign, Vidyo, Fluxx, Box, or Replicon. Excellent written and oral communication skills and attention to detail required Professional maturity, ability to exercise discretion, and good judgment Demonstrated success in proactively handling multiple assignments simultaneously Customer service-oriented Flexibility and initiative to work both independently and as part of a team High school diploma required, bachelor’s degree preferred Will live in the Washington, DC area. The Democracy Fund is committed to a diverse workplace, seeking voices and expertise from people from across the political spectrum. Our board, staff, advisors, and grantees include Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. The Democracy Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where we encourage candidates of all ages, color, ethnic background, country of origin, religion, veteran status, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity to apply. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume here, http://democracyfund.applytojob.com/apply/gADvs2/Office-Finance-Assistant. Program Assistant, Informed Participation The Democracy Fund is seeking a Program Assistant to support our Informed Participation Program, which is focused on how we can use media, technology, and innovative forms of engagement to better inform the American public. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about making our political system work better. In addition, we are looking for those individuals who show a strong interest in learning all aspects of the grant-making process by providing administrative and grants management support to ensure the efficiency of operations, effective delivery of grant making, and high quality services to the nonprofits we serve. In this role, the successful candidate will conduct research, support communication activities, and orchestrate events. In this position, the Program Assistant will report to the Director of the Informed Participation Program and will work with the Program Associate in supporting grant opportunities as well as working with our portfolio of grantee organizations. Existing grantees include the Institute for Nonprofit News, the Engaging News Project, the Online News Association, the Columbia Journalism Review, the Participatory Budget Project, the American Press Institute, and PolitiFact. Specific responsibilities include: Responsible for administrative functions related to grant making and grant management Assist with the preparation of internal memoranda and other paperwork that are part of routine grant-processing activities Compile research to support the development of new programs and policies within our initiatives and across the foundation Participate in team discussions concerning grant-making strategies and program management Share our learning with the field and establish the Democracy Fund brand by helping with research and writing and by attending meetings Organize events, schedule and support meetings for team members and assist in writing blog posts Maintain database of contacts and program files Actively support other members of the Democracy Fund team and contribute to an organizational culture that is highly collaborative and supportive Represent the Democracy Fund in a manner that is consistent with our mission Other duties as assigned. Education, Experience, and Skills Required: Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field and/or 1-2 years of equivalent work experience in the areas of journalism, communications policy, civic innovation, or the innovative application of new technology for engagement Excellent written and oral communication skills; attention to detail is required Demonstrated experience successfully handling multiple assignments simultaneously Flexibility and initiative to work both independently and as part of a team Professional, proven ability to exercise good judgment Curious and pro-active with a high commitment to learning and striving for excellence Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint Successful in developing and maintaining institutional, political, and personal relationships Willingness to work across the political spectrum with leaders, advocates, and media Deep passion for strengthening American democracy. The Democracy Fund is committed to a diverse workplace, seeking voices and expertise from people from across the political spectrum. Our board, staff, advisors, and grantees include Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. The Democracy Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where we encourage candidates of all ages, color, ethnic background, country of origin, religion, disability status, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity to apply. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume here, http://democracyfund.applytojob.com/apply/G9lWF5/Program-Assistant-Informed-Participation. Program Assistants The Democracy Fund is seeking enthusiastic and creative Program Assistants to support the Fund’s grant making, research, and advocacy. While each Program Assistant will work most closely with one of our three program teams, each will be expected to collaborate with other teams across the organization. Program Assistants will learn all aspects of the grant-making process by providing administrative and grants management support to ensure efficiency of operations, effective delivery of grant making, and high quality services to the nonprofits we serve. They will also conduct research, support communications activities, and orchestrate events. In addition to having a deep passion for improving our democracy, the successful candidate will be self-motivated, highly collaborative, and detail-oriented. Candidates must have exceptional writing skills and strong research skills. The Program Assistant’s primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: Responsible for all administrative functions related to grant making, grants management, grantee relationship support, and monitoring work Participate in team discussions concerning grant making strategies, program management, and evaluation Conduct research to contribute to program planning, which may include attending conferences, workshops, and grantee site visits Contact grant seekers to obtain additional information required to complete processing of their grant applications Assist with the preparation of internal memoranda and other paperwork that are part of routine grant processing activities Support the development of grant agreements and conducting analyses of progress reports from grantees Work with Democracy Fund program team members to provide support to grantees to increase their effectiveness and impact Organize events, schedule and support meetings for team members, and assist in writing blog posts Maintain database of contacts and program files Actively work to support other members of the Democracy Fund team and contribute to an organizational culture that is highly collaborative Represent the Democracy Fund in a manner that is consistent with our mission Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements Bachelor’s degree required—an ideal position for a recent graduate with a passion for democracy Minimum two years of professional experience Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint Excellent written and oral communication skills and attention to detail required Professional maturity, proven ability to exercise good judgment Demonstrated experience handling multiple assignments simultaneously Success in developing and maintaining institutional, political, and personal relationships Willingness to work across the political spectrum with leaders, advocates, and media Willingness to learn, curious, pro-active, and committed to excellence Deep passion for strengthening American democracy Position is based in Washington, DC Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume here, http://democracyfund.applytojob.com/apply/qFAQqz/Program-Assistant.html. Spring Internships The Democracy Fund is seeking bright, enthusiastic interns to work with us this spring. Interns will gain first-hand knowledge on how creative philanthropy can work to improve our democracy. Interns may be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: Producing original research on issues related to elections, local journalism, campaign finance, Congressional reform, and media policy Participating in grantee meetings, policy briefings, Congressional hearings, and other events Supporting research and diligence about new grantee candidates Compiling press clips, writing blog posts, and creating content for the Democracy Fund’s social media accounts Helping to organize internal and external events Completing and presenting a self-directed project aligned with the goals of the Democracy Fund Working to support the administrative needs of the team with editing, scheduling support, photocopying or other relevant administrative tasks and functions Assist in preparation and copying, packing, and mailing meeting materials Candidate requirements include: Strong analytical, writing, editing, and communication skills Ability to work as part of a team Ability to think creatively about solving problems Ability to multitask while maintaining strong attention to detail Ability to take initiative and work independently A deep passion for strengthening American democracy and a commitment to exploring a career in political or media reform Preference may be given to candidates who have already completed their undergraduate studies (e.g. PhD, Masters, and law school students and graduates with work experience), but strong-performing seniors and juniors will be considered. Interns will be paid on an hourly basis. The internship is based in Washington, DC. For more information about the Democracy Fund, visit www.democracyfund.org. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume here, http://democracyfund.applytojob.com/apply/3avLHj/Spring-Internship.html. Cover letters should include a clear description of the candidate’s available start date and availability throughout the spring. Candidates should also include an idea for a project they could undertake over the spring while at the Democracy Fund.