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Democracy Defenders Action: Program Assistant Policy Oversight and Ethics

Democracy Defenders Action, a 501(c)(4) organization

Full time, Non-Exempt, Washington D.C.

Organizational Overview

The Democracy Defenders family of organizations (a c3, c4, legally separate PAC, and The Contrarian) is a leader in the fight against authoritarianism, working strategically in the courts and court of public opinion to restore American democracy by: upholding the rule of law, safeguarding free and fair elections, and fighting corruption.

Role Purpose

The Program Assistant supports the creation and dissemination of oversight letters, reports, complaints, op-eds, and requests for information (including Freedom of Information Act requests). Working closely with all other members of the Policy, Oversight, and Ethics department, the Program Assistant leverages their copyediting, proofreading, and researching skills to ensure that all products are high quality and high impact.

To best protect, strengthen, and rebuild our democracy, it is critical that DDA's staff reflects the diversity of backgrounds and experiences represented in the democracy we seek to defend. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and perform the pre-publication review of policy and oversight products including copyediting, fact-checking, and cite checking op-eds, complaints, and reports.

• Assist the department lead, project managers, and attorneys to research and draft complaints and reports.

• Track the status of division projects and programs, including division FOIA requests and appeals, and ensure that proper documentation is maintained according to organization policy.

• Collaborate with other support staff within the department to meet project and department needs on projects and administratively.

• Schedule, take notes, and prepare summaries of department meetings.

• Support cross-department priorities including matters where litigation is foreseeable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree

• 1-2 years experience (work, internship, volunteer, or school) involving copyediting, proofreading, and researching

• Experience in a public service office, non-profit, advocacy organization, or other comparable environment preferred

• Strong time management skills and a willingness to work under tight timelines

• Tenacious attention to detail

• Highly flexible and tolerant of juggling multiple, changing, and competing priorities in a fast-paced and extremely high stakes environment

• Clear and concise written communication

• Proficiency in all basic office software (Google and Microsoft suites)

• Unwavering commitment to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy; Experience (professional, volunteer, or otherwise) advancing democracy, election integrity, and the rule of law

• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity and an ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs

Role and Compensation Details

• This role is based in the Washington DC/ DMV area. Candidates who are available for in person tasks and meetings will be given preference, but we are open to this role being remote for the right candidate.

• Occasional evening and weekend work required.

• At least one day per week in person in our Washington DC office required.

• Available to respond to requests and complete deliverables weekdays from 8am - 6:30pm ET.

• The Policy Associate sits in our Policy, Ethics, and Oversight department and reports to the Chief Counsel and Director of the department.

• This role primarily supports Democracy Defenders Fund c3 and Democracy Defenders Action c4.

• The salary range for this position is $55,000 - $70,000, commensurate with experience.

• DDA provides a comprehensive benefits package including 20+ days of PTO, 12 holidays, health insurance (100% paid for employee and 50% paid for family), 401K with match, tech and home office stipends, coworking space access, and recurring teambuilding opportunities.