The Young Democrats of America (YDA) is the nation’s largest youth-led, partisan political organization. As the official youth arm of the Democratic Party since 1932, YDA builds strong local chapters to engage young people under the age of 36 in partisan politics, build a youth voting bloc for Democrats, and develop a new generation of progressive leaders. YDA has chartered chapters in 46 states and U.S. territories with over 1,500 local chapters. Our 150,000+ members – including middle school, high school and college students as well as young workers, young professionals and young families – reflects the broad diversity of our nation and the Democratic Party.
YDA’s national and state staff work with national, state, and local leaders across the country on peer-to-peer young voter mobilization campaigns, issue advocacy, leadership and skills trainings, and other activities to grow sustainable chapters and build the national infrastructure of YDA.
Based in Washington, DC
Salary + Benefits: $50,000 to $60,000 annually (depending on experience).
Fully covered health/dental insurance, reimbursement for cell phone, and attendance to at least one conference/professional development opportunity.
Job Description: The Director of State and Local Programs is a senior-level position that reports directly to the Executive Director. The Director of State and Local Programs is responsible for working with state and local chapters to build the long-term infrastructure of the Young Democrats. This position will work closely with the Political Director as well as YDA’s State Executive Directors.
The Director of State and Local Programs:
ê Oversees state and local programs to grow chapters, increase membership, and train activists;
ê Manages state partnership application process and all related chapter building programs;
ê Develops strategy for long-term chapter growth and local organizational development;
ê Supports state staff and state elected officers on day-to-day operations and long-term planning;
ê Serves as main point of contact for local chapter leaders;
ê Develops innovative program activities for state and local chapters;
ê Creates training and organizing materials and facilitates sharing of best practices; and
ê Attends and leads multiple national, regional, state, and local conferences and trainings.
Applicants should have at least 3-5 years experience in Democratic or progressive politics. Ideal applicant will have previous experience working for membership and/or affiliate based organizations. Knowledge of YDA structure and chapters is helpful but not required. Youth organizing experience (professional or volunteer) is preferred.
Applicants should be detail-oriented, comfortable with multi-tasking, and able to work in a fast-paced office environment. Familiarity with online volunteer or membership management systems is a plus. National travel is required. This position will eventually supervise additional staff. Minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
TO APPLY: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references by 5:00pm EST on Friday, June 8, 2007 via email to jobs@yda.org.