The Democracy Collaborative, a national research institute dedicated to the development of innovative strategies for the democratization of wealth, seeks an experienced Program Associate in the Engaged Practice Division to support the work of our various community wealth building projects and programs.

Location: Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C.

About the Position

The Democracy Collaborative is a nonprofit think tank and consultancy that focuses on researching and promoting innovative ways of building wealth in low-income communities and developing models for transformative systemic change. Our Engaged Practice Division works at various levels in communities across the country to operationalize strategies that build community wealth. Community wealth building is a systems approach to economic development that creates an inclusive, sustainable economy built on locally rooted and broadly held ownership. This framework calls for developing place-based assets of many kinds, working collaboratively, tapping large sources of demand, and fostering economic institutions and ecosystems of support for enterprise rooted in community so that all can thrive.

The Program Associate will work primarily as a member of the Healthcare Engagement team in the Division of Engaged Practice, working with hospitals and health networks to intervene in the social determinants of health in communities through improved hiring, procurement and investment practices. Under the direction of a project manager and the Director of the Engaged Practice Division, s/he will be called on to provide administrative, operational and logistical support, such as planning and executing public convenings and conferences (including preparing written and other material for dissemination), coordinating internal and external meetings, providing on-site coordination for meetings and events, managing relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders, and arranging travel and accommodations. S/he will also provide program support in the form of contributions to long form reports, shorter research briefs and blogs, presentation materials, and other communications, through writing as well as through primary and secondary research and analysis. S/he may also provide operations, logistics, research, and writing support to other programs within the Engaged Practice Division and the organization as a whole as needed. After some experience with the Democracy Collaborative and demonstration of successful performance, the Program Associate may assume greater responsibility for specific initiatives.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Program Associate will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Plan and manage high profile events (large and small) including managing a budget, creating agendas, handling logistics, directing content, and managing key external relationships.
• Plan and manage internal and external meetings, including scheduling, handling logistics, arranging travel, creating agendas, preparing material, and managing relationships.
• Represent our work and build meaningful long-term relationships with individuals from a vast variety of external stakeholders, including government, C-suite business leaders and institutional, nonprofit and social service agencies, banks and credit unions, philanthropies, and neighborhood or community organizing groups.
• Provide research and content support for healthcare engagement and other projects (could include arranging focus groups, conducting interviews, etc.)
• Assist with communications and outreach efforts around healthcare engagement and other projects.

Qualifications

Desired qualifications include:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to details.
• Ability to relate in meaningful ways to a variety of high profile stakeholder groups and individuals.
• Basic budgeting and accounting knowledge.
• Experience and interest in event planning and logistics.
• Understanding of socially responsible business, employee ownership models, and the social determinants of health a plus
• Understanding of and familiarity with community economic development approaches, the healthcare field, institutional practices a plus.
• Evidence of previous work demonstrating a high degree of performance and outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to work both individually and on high-functioning teams.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for mission-oriented work.
• Attitude of “find a way or make a way”.

Education/Experience Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience is required (e.g., community development, social enterprise/business development, planning and development, event planning, healthcare engagement). A strong commitment to social and economic justice is required. A Master’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of work experience is preferred. Understanding of various community economic development approaches a plus.

Must be highly organized with an attention to detail, especially with regards to dates, times, and schedules. Must have experience with event and logistic coordination. Must be polished and professional and comfortable engaging with multiple stakeholders at all levels. Must be interested in, familiar with, and enthusiastic for transformative community economic development and the work of The Democracy Collaborative.

To Apply

Send résumé/CV with references, a detailed cover letter regarding your interest in and desire to make a contribution to the kind of work being done by The Democracy Collaborative, and a relevant short writing sample to jobs@democracycollaborative.org.

Compensation

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Job includes a generous benefits package including health care, three weeks of paid vacation per year, and an employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan.

The Democracy Collaborative is an Equal Opportunity Employer—people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBT candidates are strongly encouraged to apply; we are committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.