Democracy Forward - Deputy Director of People, Culture, and Operations

About Democracy Forward

Democracy Forward uses the law to build collective power and advance a bold, vibrant democracy for all people.

Democracy Forward was founded in the wake of the 2016 election, when it became clear the number and severity of threats to democracy, social progress, and the rule of law would be unprecedented.

We built an innovative legal team that took the Trump administration to court more than 100 times, successfully challenging bad actors and their unlawful policies, shutting down corrupt committees created for special interests, and exposing unfair, unreasonable policies that strip vulnerable communities of crucial protections. We secured victories that stopped abuses of power and improved the lives of millions. We filled critical gaps in the legal and regulatory infrastructure and developed a successful model for impact. 

The courts are now a frontline in the battleground for democracy, not merely the last resort protectors of it.

Democracy Forward provides legal representation and expert counsel to people and communities who make up the very fabric of American democracy — free of charge.

Our work challenging Trump-era policies prepared us for this moment and the long road ahead.  We have built a dynamic and growing team of over 50 staff across the country. Our strategy for legal and regulatory engagement addresses immediate needs while seeding ground for a vibrant future–one where our democracy and government represents and works for all people.

Position Overview

Democracy Forward is seeking a talented leader to serve as the Deputy Director of People, Culture, and Operations, helping guide the organization at a time of growth and opportunity.  

The Deputy Director will help drive and execute the strategic vision of Democracy Forward and work with teams on a wide range of strategic planning and internal initiatives. Reporting to the Director of People, Culture, and Operations, the Deputy will provide leadership, management, planning, and enhancement of internal organizational systems, processes, policies, and infrastructure. 

The ideal candidate will have experience growing an organization, working with high-performing teams, attracting and retaining diverse talent, developing and implementing training programs, and improving processes and systems in a fast-paced environment. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic, thoughtful and creative professional with a track record of human resources leadership to join a high-impact, growing organization. 

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment, Hiring, Onboarding, Offboarding

• Oversee the recruitment and hiring process for all employees
• Partner with the Manager for Talent Acquisition to develop and implement strategies to identify legal and professional staff talent, including establishing relationships with law and undergraduate school to broaden the profile of Democracy Forward
• Further develop onboarding and offboarding protocols, expectations, and procedures

Professional Development and Training

• Identify and support opportunities for management and employee professional development and growth
• With the Director of PCO create and implement training plans for staff, including for new hires, managers, diversity and inclusion, ethics and compliance
• Support the feedback and review process, documentation of performance issues, and performance improvement plans
• Maintain knowledge of industry trends and best practices in workplace development 

Culture and Employee Relations

• Facilitate a culture of belonging and inclusivity among staff and community
• Engage employees to develop strong working relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention; communicate openly and frequently, keeping staff informed 
• Oversee employee events, quarterly retreats, social events, and group activities
• Assess and advance employee engagement and satisfaction
• Develop, communicate and administer human resource policies and procedures that will maintain and improve employee relations and shape organizational culture
• Exhibit understanding, sensitivity and responsiveness to our employee population and oversee the creation and implementation of programs that build momentum for diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues, including facilitating employee relations meetings as needed
• Develop and advise on internal communications and messaging

Operations 

• Oversee remote and physical operations, supervising the Operations Manager and other personnel and facilitating an environment of belonging and inclusivity among staff and community
• Working with the President, Chief of Staff, and Director of People, Culture, and Operations, advise and provide insights for keeping policies and procedures up to date with best practices and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations 
• Oversee all HR administration, including the organization’s benefits programs and payroll approval; manage relationships with benefit brokers and coordinate annual Open Enrollment 

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes 

Candidates should have a passion for the internal workings of organizational management and developing efficient, effective systems and processes that help staff succeed in their jobs.  Candidates should thrive when handed a challenge and developing and executing a solution.  Candidates should be highly organized, detail-oriented, and adept at handling multiple projects simultaneously in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. 

Key Qualifications 

• Commitment to Democracy Forward’s mission
• 10+ years of progressively responsible work experience including Human Resources and/or Operations 
• Demonstrated commitment to values-based leadership that fosters collaboration, inclusivity, and belonging
• Experience overseeing all aspects of human resources operations
• Strong people and project management experience
• Ability to deal with conflict effectively and to manage difficult situations confidently and calmly
• Experience with and commitment to creating an inclusive culture
• Excellent judgment, flexibility, and emotional intelligence
• Experience building, growing, and managing teams 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Superb interpersonal skills with the ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred (associates or other higher education experience considered)

Location, Salary, and Benefits

This position is located in Washington, DC and will be expected to work in the Democracy Forward office at least several days a week. Candidates will need the ability to occasionally work outside of normal business hours. 

Democracy Forward provides a competitive, lockstep, and transparent compensation and benefits package. The salary range for this position is $130,000 - $150,000 based on years of relevant experience and seniority. 

To Apply 

Democracy Forward is in an exciting period of growth which will present opportunities to own and manage projects in a highly collaborative environment.  Candidates who are seeking to hone and expand their skills and grow professionally alongside the organization are highly encouraged to apply.

Meet some but not all of our qualifications? Don’t let that deter you from applying. If you believe that you could excel in our organization and believe in our mission, we hope you apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds.

Submit a resume and a cover letter at https://grossmansolutions.applytojob.com/apply.  The cover letter should be concise, compelling, and tells us about your interest in our work and what you would bring to the role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Democracy Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly encourage people of color; lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people; women; people with disabilities; and veterans to apply.