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 Rapid Legal Response team in tracking, researching, and assessing emerging threats to democracy and rule of law and supporting the team’s lawyers to identify and pursue legal responses. The Program Assistant interprets, summarizes, and organizes legal documents and decisions, ensuring that the team is best prepared for their litigation efforts.
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
Conduct factual and legal research to support the team’s lawyers in assessing emerging issues for potential legal action; compile relevant research and summarize key takeaways.
Track relevant active litigation and produce daily memos to brief team members on key developments.
On weekdays, deliver a morning briefing memo by 7:45am ET, covering case updates from the previous day.
Assist in drafting, editing, fact-checking, cite-checking, and preparing legal documents for filing, in collaboration with team’s paralegal.
Prepare agenda for and chair bi-weekly team check-in calls.
Provide scheduling support, take meeting notes, track meeting follow-up items, and perform other administrative support as needed.
Occasionally coordinates with other departments on cross-departmental priorities, including to prepare legal or non-legal actions in response to threats to rule of law.
Qualifications
1-2 years experience (work, internship, volunteer, or school) interpreting and drafting legal documents and comfort effectively leveraging legal jargon and procedure
Experience in a legal services organization, public service office, non-profit, advocacy organization, other comparable environment preferred
Self-starter who completes deliverables as planned and is comfortable working independently with limited guidance at times
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.
This role sits in our Rapid Legal Response department and reports to the Chief Counsel of Rapid Legal Response.
This role primarily supports Democracy Defenders Fund (c3).
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.