Democratic Socialists of America is the largest socialist organization in the United States, with over 100,000 members and chapters in all 50 states. We believe that working people should run both the economy and society democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few. We are a political and activist organization, not a party. Through community and campus-based chapters, DSA members use a variety of tactics, from legislative to direct action, to fight for reforms that empower working people. DSA is a big tent, multi-tendency organization that welcomes everyone committed to democratic socialism.
This Electoral Organizer position will report to the Organizing Director and work with the National Electoral Commission to implement DSA’s National Electoral Strategy. The organizer will also work directly with chapters to support members through their electoral campaigns cycles, from candidate recruitment all the way to successful organizing pushes immediately after Election Day. The organizer can expect to visit chapters an average of one to two weeks per month. A valid driver’s license is required as is access to a major airport.
Responsibilities
Work with chapters to develop strategic campaign plans, including setting attainable field goals, member engagement, leader identification and development, and external recruitment as part of our national electoral strategy.
Help chapters develop equitable and member-driven endorsement processes that suit the size and nature of their chapter; and navigate the national endorsement process as needed.
Ensure chapters are using technology tools as appropriate and are conducting all electoral work based on legal and DSA guidance, in collaboration with the Organizing Tools Administrator and Compliance Manager.
Develop a cross-chapter national training and support system to strengthen and develop chapter electoral programs, in coordination with the National Electoral Commission and experienced electoral organizers.
Coordinate with and support the NEC’s fundraising infrastructure for national endorsed electeds.
Support the NEC with recruiting and engaging members, setting goals, navigating DSA’s infrastructure, and developing/deploying robust chapter outreach and engagement plans.
Collaborate closely with staff organizers and member-leaders so that chapter and national electoral work is consistently tracked and supported with a clear division of labor.
Develop, revise, and execute trainings for DSA membership about electoral strategy and electoral campaign fundamentals.
Coordinate programming involving elected officials as needed, including coordinating convention appearances and national electoral gatherings.
Requirements
Experience in at least two successful electoral cycles at the staff-side employee level of Field Director or above, or comparable experience on the DSA chapter-side volunteer level of campaign lead (or equivalent) or above. Preference will be given to DSA-driven campaigns.
Proven ability to move people to action through public speaking, effective written communications, workshop design and facilitation, and one-on-one conversations.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a non-traditional leadership structure, adapting to changing political conditions and organizational needs.
Ability to work effectively with member leaders from varying political viewpoints underneath DSA’s big tent
High level of accountability, responsibility, and dependability
Commitment to democratic socialist, feminist, anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-heterosexist and pro-worker action, and identify as a socialist and be grounded in democratic socialist politics; general agreement with the positions and perspectives of DSA
Handles high-pressure situations with positive attitude, tact, and professionalism.
Experience working in a membership-led organization and/or with member leaders that direct the work (preferred)
Able to work irregular hours and available to travel.
Preferred
Experience working within DSA’s member-driven electoral process, including but not limited to:
Holding leadership positions within a chapter’s Electoral Working Group and helping move a chapter’s long-term electoral strategy
Mentoring member electoral organizers in DSA
Experience working with elected socialists in office and familiarity with the legislative process.
Multilingual candidates encouraged
Reports to: Organizing Director
**Work Schedule: **Full-time
**Location: **Remote
Salary: $65,500, nonexempt
**Benefits: Union position. **We offer employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their spouse/partner and/or dependent children, and three weeks of vacation in the first year of employment, then four weeks each year thereafter. Employer contribution equivalent to 1% of wage to a 401k.
Application Deadline: March 22
Democratic Socialists of America will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of their job if doing so does not result in undue hardship. If you are in need of accommodations during the application process or interview, please contact us. No phone calls or recruiters, please.
Democratic Socialists of America is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a staff that reflects the working class. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, DREAMers, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ communities.