College Democrats of America: Executive Director
Position Type: Independent Contractor
End date: December 31, 2026
Location: Remote (US), Washington DC preferred
Reports to: CDA National President + Blue Future leadership team
About Us
Founded to support the campaign of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, The College Democrats of America is the nation’s largest organization of progressive students. Recognized as the student branch of the Democratic National Committee, we are made up of local chapters organized into state federations, with nationwide identity caucuses and an executive board that conducts fundraising, communications and organizing actions on behalf of College Democrats as a whole.
Our goal is twofold: to represent the Democratic party to college students across the country, and to represent the interests of young people to the Democratic party. We seek a world where our rights are protected, opportunities are open to all, and the founding principles of our democracy are made real in our political system.
Our Mission
To empower college students across the country to make change through the political system. We seek to elect progressive candidates up and down the ballot who will stand up for young people’s interests, to build a better world for our generation and all generations to come.
JOB SUMMARY
College Democrats of America is looking to hire its first full-time staff person in decades to oversee the continued revitalization of the organization into an organizing powerhouse during this cycle and beyond. As Executive Director, you will serve as the chief administrative and strategic leader of CDA. It will be your job to fill in the gaps which are impossible to fill with the current system of volunteer work by current college students. The Executive Director will oversee organizational strategy, operations, fundraising, advocacy, financial management, and external relations while working closely with student leaders at all levels of the organization.
The successful candidate will recognize the importance of the membership of CDA in achieving the mission, inspiring trust both internally and externally. The candidate should be able to handle an environment of immense change within the organization as it shifts from a volunteer staff towards an employee staff, and should have a robust vision to make that a reality. Managing relationships with key stakeholders, especially within the Democratic Party, will be essential. This position will be a contract employee of Blue Future and will be expected to work closely with the Blue Future team.
The Executive Director of the College Democrats of America will collaborate with and be supervised by Blue Future’s leadership team for legal and compliance purposes under CDA’s and Blue Future’s fiscal sponsorship agreement. The Executive Director will be given functional autonomy over their work in leading the operations of the organization in collaboration with the Executive Board and National Council. This position will be answerable to the National President, the National Executive Board, and the National Council, who will operate similarly to a Board of Directors.
This is an opportunity to be the force behind the success of the Democratic Party’s student strategy going into the future.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee the administrative affairs of CDA, including its various departments and assisting with the affairs of state and local chapters
Develop and execute a national strategy for CDA chapters to engage in campaigning and electoral work during the 2026 midterm elections
Oversee partnerships with endorsed candidates, political campaigns, coalition members and other progressive organizations
Organize and execute fundraising strategy to support CDA operations during the midterms and beyond
Provide direction, professional oversight, and technical expertise for all CDA operations
Minimum qualifications:
A commitment to working with CDA through December 2026, with a possible extension, depending on fundraising success.
A demonstrated commitment to progressive politics and ideals
Experience in youth organizing, electoral campaigns, and fundraising
An undergraduate degree from an accredited university or equivalent
LOGISTICS
Hiring Process:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The priority deadline to apply is July 19, but applications will be accepted until the posting is closed.
Interviews are expected to run from late July into early August.
We are aiming for a start date in mid-August.
We will communicate about our expected timeline as the process progresses, and all candidates will receive communication from our team regarding their application status.
Compensation:
Monthly pay range of $5,500-$6,250, commensurate with experience
Monthly $300 stipend for health, dental, and vision
Up to $1,100 for professional development, home office, and personal wellness expenses.
Flexible paid time off policy, with limitations on extended vacations during the period between Labor Day and Election Day
Location and Working Hours:
This position is a 40 hour per week independent contractor position based in the United States.
Applicants based out of the Washington, DC metro area are preferred, however applicants may work remotely from across the United States.
5-day work week with potential extended hours between Labor Day and Election Day
We expect employees to be available for virtual meetings and asynchronous collaboration during normal business hours, and sometimes outside of these hours for events or other peak moments.
Occasional travel is expected for this position.
Physical Requirements:
The role involves working on a computer for all or most of the workday.
This remote position requires effective communication with colleagues and partners through phone, video, conference calls, and written channels.
College Democrats of America and Blue Future are actively seeking to build a diverse and inclusive youth led team with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to help build a vibrant democracy that works for all. Blue Future and CDA do not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, class, status as a veteran, status as an individual with a disability, incarceration or conviction history, or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
Priority deadline is ** July 19** at 11:59pm EST.
To apply, please complete this form.