DSA National Director

Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the largest socialist organization in the US, and the sole U.S. affiliate of the global Socialist International, seeks a National Director.  Chief duties include overseeing day-to-day operations, supervising staff, and developing political program and strategy for DSA and its coalition activities. The Director also works on membership development and recruitment and is responsible for organizing quarterly meetings of DSA’s elected leadership and the organization’s biennial conventions. In addition, the Director aids a volunteer editorial board in publishing DSA’s quarterly magazine, Democratic Left.  The Director also works closely with the leadership of DSA's over twenty active locals and with our campus-based affiliate, the Young Democratic Socialists.

The Democratic Socialists of America is an activist political organization (501c4) of geographically-based locals, campus chapters, and issue-oriented commissions. The organization strives to build political and intellectual space for democratic socialism in the U.S. The National Director works out of DSA’s national office in New York City and travels throughout the United States to speak at left-liberal gatherings, to new and established DSA locals, and to progressive and labor-oriented organizations interested in collaborating with democratic socialists.

The position requires strong organizing, management, and interpersonal skills in addition to knowledge of socialist thought and vision and contemporary politics. Fundraising ability is essential, as is working within the budget constraints faced by an organization that is obviously limited in its ability to raise funds from pro-corporate sources. Strong candidates should have the written and oral communication skills needed to represent DSA to the public and mass media. Familiarity with the management of non-profit educational foundations and PACs, as well as with direct mail operations, is a plus, but not a necessity.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a young person to enhance one’s leadership experience through holding a prominent position in a growing national political organization. Salary and benefits are negotiable, based on skill-level and experience, but are in the range of those offered by progressive, membership-based non-profits.

Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application deadline is March 1, 2011.

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references to:

dsadirectorsearch@gmail.com

Applicants should please put “National Director Application” in the subject line.  Any questions should also be sent to dsadirectorsearch@gmail.com