Director of Democracy Programs
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
Boston, MA
Who We Are The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in our government, encouraging participatory democracy, invigorating civil discourse, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the civic life of their communities. We educate, convene, and advocate for constructive, bipartisan dialogue in policymaking to model and promote a functioning, productive 21st-century Senate and American democracy with students, the public, and political leaders. We at the Kennedy Institute believe that civic education and engagement includes learning about important historic and contemporary policy issues, understanding how the issues are addressed inside and outside our democratic structures of government, and taking action on civic issues in ways that reinforce democratic practices and broaden democratic participation.
Position Overview: The Director of Democracy Programs supports the Kennedy Institute’s efforts to actively promote bipartisan and productive policy deliberation in the U.S. Senate and in all politics. These efforts include hosting discussions and convening national leaders, spearheading initiatives to improve how the Senate functions, managing a project related to elections infrastructure, overseeing the Institute’s fellowship program, and organizing events that educate the public about the role of the U.S. Senate in American democracy today. The Director will work closely with the CEO to develop strategies to advance the Institute as a leader in ongoing national conversations about the upper chamber and our democracy at large. The Director of Democracy reports to the CEO. This is a hybrid position, and the Director should expect to be on-site at least 3 days per week.

Core Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day management of democracy and public events, program activities, staff, and budget.
• Work closely with the CEO to implement existing Democracy program initiatives and workstreams focused on promoting bipartisan efforts to strengthen the Senate, which include bipartisan dialogue sessions at the Kennedy Cape House, the Senate Project, an elections program and a fellowship program when it is launched.
• Responsible for the successful execution of each Democracy work stream including the development of project management, subject matter content, background research, partnership development, and coordination with relevant Kennedy Institute team members.
• Develop additional projects aimed at contributing to the advancement of the US Senate in consultation with the CEO.
• Plan and organize public-facing events to raise the Kennedy Institute’s profile and create public education opportunities.
• Work closely with the Development team to secure funding to support all U.S. Democracy program activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree is required for this role. Expertise in American democracy, politics, and the U.S. Senate through a minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience. A self-directed leader, with a growth mentality, who is flexible and willing to contribute to a small but growing team as circumstances require. Excellent and demonstrable project management skills and a successful track record as a team manager within a nonprofit, political, academic or government context. Experience building and leading diverse teams, developing and managing budgets, and executing administrative tasks as needed. Excellent written and oral communications skills, including an ability to synthesize and summarize research findings and recommendations for a variety of audiences. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment. Committed to inclusion and creating a workplace that is supportive of difference; experience with diverse teams and success at navigating cross-cultural communication.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands and work environment described for this position are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Duties are performed indoors in an office/workstation environment. Duties may require extended periods of standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, and long periods of computer viewing. The job may also require periods of pulling/pushing items, lifting and carrying items, stooping, and kneeling. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Please no phone calls or drop ins regarding this position. The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for The United States Senate is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Compensation: $100,000 - $120,000

• Oversee the day-to-day management of democracy and public events, program activities, staff, and budget.
• Work closely with the CEO to implement existing Democracy program initiatives and workstreams focused on promoting bipartisan efforts to strengthen the Senate, which include bipartisan dialogue sessions at the Kennedy Cape House, the Senate Project, an elections program and a fellowship program when it is launched.
• Responsible for the successful execution of each Democracy work stream including the development of project management, subject matter content, background research, partnership development, and coordination with relevant Kennedy Institute team members.
• Develop additional projects aimed at contributing to the advancement of the US Senate in consultation with the CEO.
• Plan and organize public-facing events to raise the Kennedy Institute’s profile and create public education opportunities.
• Work closely with the Development team to secure funding to support all U.S. Democracy program activities.
• Other duties as assigned