Job  Board

Demos is pleased to invite nominations and applications for the newly constituted Director of Economic Justice position. Demos is the think tank for the racial justice movement. Through research, advocacy, strategic communications, litigation, and deep partnerships with grassroots organizations across the country, we build power for Black and brown communities. Since 2000, Demos has built relationships with grassroots partners, legal and policy experts, and policymakers to champion, advance, and realize pro-democracy and economic justice laws and policy. Demos is valued and trusted for its deep relationships with movement leaders and its ability to prioritize what the movement needs. Demos’ policy, litigation, and advocacy work has moved to the center of the national conversation and even become law. From getting money out of politics to expanding voting rights, our policy recommendations and advocacy have become reality. We don’t just develop policy papers with big ideas—we put them into action. Individually and as coalition partners, we’ve beat back anti-voter laws in multiple states, expanded access to the ballot for formerly incarcerated Americans, and protected the National Voter Registration Act. We’ve crafted narrative and policy to advance a more just, inclusive economy where Black and brown people thrive. We’ve fought for and won greater consumer protections within our credit system, improved working conditions for the federal contractor workforce, and we laid the groundwork for debt-free college and student debt cancellation. The Director of Economic Justice will be an innovative leader, excellent manager, and brilliant Economic Justice strategist motivated to lead the Demos’ Economic Justice team on its nationally recognized research and policy development program, legal strategies, and advocacy. Reporting to the Chief of Programs, the Director of Economic Justice must have a well-developed understanding of the progressive and racial justice movements and policy landscapes, bringing fresh ideas to further Demos’ goals. The Director will oversee the execution of all Economic Justice policy and research projects while leading, managing, and mentoring a team of highly experienced researchers and legal and policy professionals. OPPORTUNITIES FACING THE DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC JUSTICE The Director of Economic Justice will assume leadership of the Economic Justice team, a product of Demos’ strategic pivot to an issue-based team structure that draws on the organization’s collective strength to drive positive outcomes with and for Black and brown communities. The Director of Economic Justice will have the opportunity to: Support and Develop Economic Justice Policy and Research Initiatives and Interventions The Director of Economic Justice will lead existing strategy development and execution efforts of the Economic Justice team. Utilizing their expertise in advocacy efforts, research, and/or policy development, the successful Director will model the cross-team issue-focused approach that Demos has adopted because of our strategic planning efforts. Implement a comprehensive Economic Justice program strategy that centers the racial justice movement, based on Demos’ strategic priorities.

• Conceptualize impactful, innovative Economic Justice projects, priorities, and content in alignment with evolving strategic goals and a dynamic political landscape;
• Identify and assess emerging Economic Justice policy and research, legal, and advocacy gaps in the field and potential innovations and opportunities for Demos to provide value to the movement; and
• Co-create and implement the overall execution of all Economic Justice team projects and publications, including major reports, advocacy briefs, government testimony, regulatory comments, amicus briefs, litigation, data analysis, infographics, and other visuals; coordinating research, policy, and legal content and report releases with movement building and strategic communications teams.

Leadership on Racial Equity and Racial Justice The Director of Economic Justice will take an active leadership role in Demos’ racial equity work. The person in this role will possess a sophisticated understanding of how structural racism, white supremacy, and anti-Blackness influence supervisory relationships, organizational culture, partnership development and stewardship, campaigns, and coalition work. Using their knowledge of the impact of systemic racism on systems, the Director will advance racial equity goals through research strategies. Internally, the Director will model Demos’ culture of respect, shared responsibility, and consistent feedback, seeking to deepen our racial justice approach across the organization and within their team and ensure it is deeply embedded in our partnerships and campaigns.

• Bring a racial equity lens and analysis of structural racism to all of Demos’ Economic Justice work and initiatives;
• Center racial justice with partners, coalitions, campaigns, and across Demos; conducting racial equity interventions where appropriate; and
• Leverage Demos’ influence to speak to the entrenched nature of white supremacist culture and the many ways it impedes progress for Black and brown communities.

Strong People Leader Committed to Collaborative Leadership The Director of Economic Justice will support the development of, and provide day-to-day leadership to, a high-impact team of policy and legal professionals. They will be responsible for the overall effectiveness of the Economic Justice team, including overseeing team work plans, systems, and processes that drive toward organizational goals and strategic priorities. The Director will lead in establishing mentorship and professional development plans that develop each team member's strengths and provide structured opportunities for professional growth. The Director will be focused on delivering results and reframing challenges as opportunities for team and organizational growth. They will periodically manage consultants, including the scope of work arrangements and oversight of agreed deliverables.

• Supervise staff and ensure direct reports managing staff have the skills, tools, support, input, and feedback they need to lead high-impact teams effectively and continue developing their skills and knowledge of research strategies;
• In partnership with the Chief of Programs, support recruiting, hiring, assessing, and supervising Economic Justice Team staff; and
• Support organizational management responsibilities, including budget development and maintenance, assessing and addressing cross-organizational issues, and participating in program strategy and leadership meetings.

Relationship Building and Partnership Development The Director of Economic Justice will be an excellent relationship builder, maintaining strong, transformative relationships within and outside the organization. The successful candidate will be comfortable working across lines of difference, including race, gender, and class, among other dimensions of identity. The Director will be effective at surfacing shared values of individuals, groups, and communities, leveraging that understanding to forge (where possible) investment and consensus. In partnership with peer program leaders, the Director of Economic Justice will craft an integrated policy approach that supports movement organizations, including Demos’ Inclusive Democracy Project partners, strategically deploying policy development, research, and legal strategies in conjunction with a communications plan to augment Demos’ coalition building and partnership development efforts.

• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with external partners and allies, including racial justice movement organizations, grassroots partners, legal organizations, progressive organizations engaged in economic justice work, academics, and policymakers;
• Lead on coalition building with other organizations and advocates at the local, state, and national levels and with researchers, attorneys, and others in carrying out Demos’ goals;
• Continue developing and maintaining Demos’ presence as a thought-leader by acting as a public spokesperson and representing the organization in board meetings and public settings, including conferences, media appearances, blog posts, op-eds, etc.; and
• Incorporate foundation relations and support the cultivation of new funding opportunities in support of the Economic Justice team’s portfolio.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate will be first and foremost committed to Demos’ mission and the visionary evolution of the organization. They will be a distinguished leader in centering racial equity and racial justice principles at the core of their team leadership, have exposure to promising practices concerning organizational development, and be a successful strengths-based people-developer. The most competitive candidate will possess several of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

• Lived experience that promotes knowledge of and sensitivity to the challenges marginalized communities face, including an appreciation for historical context, discernment of relationship nuances and power dynamics, and understanding of social, racial, and ethnic realities.
• Exemplary leader and high-quality economic justice expert who can work collaboratively across teams to help plan, coordinate, and execute project deliverables such as policy development, research reports, legal advocacy, and litigation strategies.
• Excellent writing, research, editing, analytical, and oral communication skills, including the ability to collect, review, synthesize, and present information and findings tailored to diverse audiences to advance Demos’ goals.
• Demonstrated ability to rally and manage a collaborative team with diverse expertise, knowledge, and skills around shared programmatic, organizational, and institutional goals.
• Highly developed emotional intelligence, active listening skills, and the ability to use interpersonal and relational skills to facilitate strong collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Successful experience leading a multidisciplinary team and working effectively with persons from diverse cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds. Experience managing or leading a team build or reorganization process that holistically centered equity and the experiences of team members and colleagues.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects, meet deadlines within designated timeframes, and demonstrate resourcefulness in setting priorities; strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail with the ability to work independently and as part of a team, take initiative, and contribute ideas for enhancing performance.
• Excellent public communication skills and experience serving as a spokesperson at national and regional convenings as a panelist or speaker.
• A hands-on and well-connected strategic leader who brings empathy and humility when building and maintaining relationships with new and existing funding partners, leaders, and power builders in the field.
• An optimistic outlook and the humor, integrity, kindness, and patience necessary to work within a transformative environment.

Additionally, candidates must bring a strong commitment to excellence and an ability to work in an evolving environment. COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & WORK LOCATION Work Location:  Demos staff are currently working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Demos will adopt a hybrid, remote-first work model once it reopens offices in New York City and Washington, D.C. Candidates based in any continental U.S. location with the ability to travel are encouraged to apply (New York City or Washington DC preferred). Salary and Benefits:  The salary range for this position is $155,000 - $165,000, commensurate with experience. For purposes of internal equity, Demos will not negotiate salaries outside of this posted range. Demos has a generous benefits package, which includes health insurance, dental and vision insurance, 11 paid holidays, 18 vacation days per year, 5 floating holidays per year, 12 sick days per year, paid time off the last week of August, and Dec. 24 – through the first week of January, and a voluntary 403b plan. TO APPLY For more information about Demos, please visit:  www.demos.org This search is being led by Julian Jackson, Alejandra Villa, and Robert Diggs of NPAG. Candidates may submit their cover letter outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume, via NPAG’s website. Demos is an Equal Opportunity Employer--people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.