Program Associate, Progressive Talent Pipeline

Demand Progress Education Fund (DPEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on holding concentrated corporate power to account, striving for a robust democracy, and demanding human rights and justice for ordinary people.

DPEF engages in research, outreach to the media, educational programming for the general public, and occasional litigation related to the democratic nature of our nation’s communications infrastructure and governance structures, and the impacts of corporate power over our economy and democracy. DPEF mobilizes members and the public to engage with executive branch agencies with jurisdiction over these matters, and to confront corporate bad actors.

DPEF also houses the Progressive Talent Pipeline to help build onramps for progressive thinkers, policy professionals, communicators, and organizers who want to work in government and are excited to fight for progressive priorities.

We have a team of approximately 20 employees and regular contractors. We have a million affiliated activists, and we regularly collaborate with diverse coalitions that transcend political lines to achieve shared goals.
 

ABOUT OUR PROGRESSIVE TALENT PIPELINE PROGRAM

Working in government is one of the most strategic ways to impact policy-making and shape the national political discourse, but there isn't always a clear entry point for potential staffers who don't already have insider connections or training in the workings of Congress or the federal government.

The Progressive Talent Pipeline (PTP) identifies, endorses, trains, and recommends a diverse slate of committed progressives who have deep commitments to economic, social, racial, and environmental justice who would like to make change by serving as government staffers. PTP’s vision is to bring new perspectives, expertise, and energy into government in order to “build the bench” of progressive staff talent and advance progressive priorities. More than 230 of PTP’s endorsed candidates have secured employment in Congress and the executive branch.
 

PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, PROGRESSIVE TALENT PIPELINE

The Progressive Talent Pipeline seeks a full-time Program Associate to play an essential role in supporting the 2024 application cycle, ongoing programming, and growth of the program. The Program Associate is responsible for a variety of operations for PTP, including managing resource and database systems, assisting with the planning and execution of programming, engaging in relationship building, and other miscellaneous tasks. This position reports to the Director of the Progressive Talent Pipeline.

This is a full-time, at will position funded for one year, with the possibility of extension based on availability of additional funding.
 

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) with at least 2 years of work experience
• Strong knowledge of the political landscape, and demonstrated commitment to progressive values such as economic and social justice;
• True self-starter with the ability to handle projects of various sizes and perform well under pressure in a small organization with a fast-paced, multitasking environment;
• Excellent attention to detail, good written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work independently, and sound judgment and discretion in all tasks;
• Demonstrated flexibility, problem-solving skills, ability to work on tight deadlines and adapt to changing work priorities;
• Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative style, willingness to pitch in where needed combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment;
• Ideal candidates would possess some or all of the following qualifications: experience in event planning and execution; an understanding of the inner workings of Congress and the Executive Branch; and experience in database management

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Play a key role in supporting the coordination and logistics of the 2024 PTP application and endorsement process, and participate in candidate evaluations as needed within the endorsement committee;
• Assist with the building and implementation of a year-long training curriculum and programming (virtual and in person) for cohort cycles, including the 2024 orientation session, trainings, workshops, events, and networking opportunities;
• Create and maintain existing database systems to streamline internal processes for tracking candidates, job placements, and outreach;
• Curate and disseminate materials to support the PTP network’s job searches and professional development;
• Research opportunities to expand program outreach and identify potential external partners, identify opportunities for collaboration and areas of shared interest with key stakeholders;
• Represent PTP at virtual and in person meetings, events, and conferences to further expand program reach;
• Other duties as assigned

HOURS AND LOCATION

This is a remote, full-time, US-based position with a preference for DC-area candidates; some travel and in-person meetings/presence required. Some virtual and/or in person hours on evenings and weekends required.
 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS OVERVIEW

• $55,000-$65,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Salaried, exempt for overtime
• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans, including coverage for spouse and dependents, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) to cover medical expenses
• Accrued PTO that includes three weeks vacation, two weeks sick time, and four floating holidays. PTO also includes ten days off for holidays as well as the days between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• 401k retirement plan, with an automatic 3% employer contribution, as well as a 3% match
• Parental leave
• Employer-paid life insurance and short and long-term disability
• Work-related travel expenses covered
   

HOW TO APPLY: Please complete the questions on the form and submit the following in a single file where it says “Attach resume":

1. a cover letter;
2. a resume; and
3. a response to both of the following writing prompts: 
   
   Writing Prompt #1: If you could wave a magic wand and pass three laws or policies at the federal level, what would they be and why would you choose each of them? Please select two domestic policies and one foreign policy. (Suggested word limit: 250-400)
   
   and
   
   Writing Prompt #2: Which 3 nationally known elected officials (current or former members of the U.S. House or Senate, popular governors, etc.) best represent your political views? Please choose at least one who best represents your views on foreign policy. In what ways do each of them represent your political views? In what ways don't they represent your political views? Please give us 3-5 sentences per elected official. (Suggested word limit: 250-400)
    

Applications are due by March 24 for priority consideration, and will be accepted on a rolling basis after this date until the position is filled.   

DPEF/PTP are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. DPEF/PTP’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.