The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. Those who work in Democratic politics, campaigns, organizations and affiliated groups represent a significant portion of politically-oriented jobs in America.
There are a wide variety of potential career paths related to the Democratic Party and liberal/progressive causes. Here is an overview of some of the most common democratic jobs in the US:
Working for Elected Officials
Many people are employed directly by elected Democratic officials. This includes working in the Washington DC and district offices of Democratic members of Congress, such as Senators, Representatives and Delegates. Typical roles include legislative assistants, communications directors, schedulers, office managers and interns.
At the state and local level, Democratic governors, mayors, state legislators and city council members also employ numerous staff. Jobs include policy advisors, chiefs of staff, spokespeople and constituent services professionals. These roles help elected officials serve their districts and advance their policy agendas.
Democratic Party Organizations
The official Democratic Party organizations at the national, state and local levels employ full-time staff as well. The Democratic National Committee (DNC), Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) are major employers in Washington DC. State Democratic Parties also have staff dedicated to party-building, voter registration, communications and elections.
Typical jobs include communications directors, data analysts, fundraisers, political organizers and compliance specialists. These roles support the infrastructure, messaging and strategy of the Democratic Party year-round, not just during elections.
Democratic Campaigns
Working on political campaigns for Democratic candidates is a major source of short-term jobs aligned with the party. Both volunteer and paid positions exist within campaigns at all levels of government, from local city council to the US Presidency.
During campaign seasons, candidates hire campaign managers, finance directors, field organizers, communications specialists, schedulers and other roles to help run their operations. Grassroots door-to-door canvassers and phone bankers are also needed in large numbers.
While intense, working on campaigns provides valuable experience into how races are run from the inside. Connections made can lead to future job opportunities as well.
Policy and Advocacy Organizations
A wide ecosystem of non-profit organizations work to advocate for policies aligned with Democratic principles and goals. Groups focused on the environment, civil rights, women’s rights, LBGTQ issues and more employ policy experts, lawyers, lobbyists, communications professionals and campaign staff.
Major examples include Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Human Rights Campaign and many others. Fellowships and internship programs with these groups are common entry points for recent graduates.
Think Tanks
Policy-focused think tanks provide information and analysis from a progressive perspective on issues. Groups like the Center for American Progress, Roosevelt Institute, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Brookings Institution employ policy analysts, researchers and scholars.
These roles involve deep research into social, economic and global issues and crafting policy recommendations aligned with Democratic Party principles. Academic credentials like PhDs are often required for senior positions.
Progressive Media Outlets
Media organizations with a liberal viewpoint also provide opportunities for democratic jobs. This includes major outlets like MSNBC that feature Democratic-aligned on-air talent and commentators. Policy-focused publications like The American Prospect employ reporters, editors and fact-checkers as well.
Working in progressive media combines political engagement with traditional journalism, communications and broadcasting careers. An advanced degree in journalism or communications is often required.
Labor Unions
Labor unions have a close historical affiliation with the Democratic Party and liberal politics in America. Groups like the AFL-CIO, SEIU, AFSCME and Teamsters represent millions of workers across various industries.
Union jobs involve collective bargaining, contract administration, member organizing, political mobilization and advocacy for workers’ rights. Positions range from local shop stewards and organizers to national strategists.
Grassroots Activism
Grassroots activism is fueled by dedicated individuals advocating for change at the local level. This may involve volunteer roles supporting petitions, protests, strikes or demonstrations that help advance progressive policies.
Paid jobs in grassroots organizing are also available with both formal organizations and informal groups. This work allows direct community engagement on important social and economic issues aligned with the Democratic platform.
Educational Institutions
Colleges, universities and academic institutions employ thousands of Democrats as educators, researchers and administrators. Progressive viewpoints are common in social sciences like political science, sociology and history as well as the humanities and arts.
From professors to department chairs and deans, educational roles allow fostering Democratic perspectives through teaching, research and writing. Administrative jobs in diversity, equity and inclusion offices have also grown on campuses.
In summary, jobs related to the Democratic Party and progressive causes span a wide range of fields and focus areas. From elected office to campaigns, think tanks to grassroots activism, those interested in democratic jobs have many potential career paths. Shared values of equity, justice and human rights motivate and unite Democrats across these various professions.