Democracy Security Project: Iowa - Democracy Security Project State Director

Democracy Security Project State Director

Democracy Security Project (DSP) is seeking State Directors in multiple states to serve as strategic leaders and relationship builders who will advance DSP's mission of protecting elected officials, non-profit leaders, staff, organizers, volunteers and other critical players in the democratic process at the state and local level.

The State Director will build a robust network focused on election safety and security.

They will develop and manage critical relationships with key stakeholders across the democratic ecosystem, like election administrators, public officials, staff, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders, to ensure coordinated responses to security threats and to build sustainable infrastructure for protecting democratic participation. The State Director will work closely with the DSP national team to respond to needs in the state with safety and security recommendations and solutions, including training, direct support and referrals for security experts.

This is a contract position offering flexibility while requiring consistent engagement with state-level partners and accountability to the national DSP team.

The ideal candidate will have deep relationships within their state's political and civic landscape, exceptional strategic thinking abilities, strong stakeholder management skills, and a demonstrated commitment to protecting voting rights and democratic institutions. This role requires someone who can build trust across diverse constituencies, think proactively about emerging threats, and coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder efforts.

Responsibilities

• Build, develop, and manage relationships with key stakeholders including election officials, campaign leadership, civic organizations, law enforcement, and elected officials

• Identify existing safety and security networks in state to cultivate and build new partnerships that advance DSP's mission

• Coordinate with DSP state directors in other states and national team members to share best practices and ensure strategic alignment

• Foster an environment of trust, information-sharing, and coordinated action among diverse partners

• Develop and execute outreach strategies to stakeholders who may need security support

• Monitor and respond to incoming safety and security inquiries from partners and stakeholders

• Advise senior leadership on intake priorities and recommend implementation strategies

• Serve as a trusted advisor to partners navigating security concerns

• Identify resources in the state that can respond quickly and effectively to emerging threats

• Work with partners to assess vulnerabilities and develop proactive security strategies with the support of the national DSP team and its network of safety and security partners.

• Connect stakeholders with appropriate resources, expertise, and support

• Help partners develop emergency action plans and safety and security protocols appropriate to their needs

• Provide limited support for virtual or in-person training sessions

• Participate in weekly meetings with national DSP staff to share learnings, align on emerging challenges, coordinate state-level responses, and create peer learning networks with other State Directors.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of political, campaign, election administration, advocacy, or civic engagement experience, with demonstrated success in relationship building and stakeholder management

• Deep knowledge of and relationships within the state's civic and political landscape, including elected officials, campaigns, election administration, civic organizations, and/or law enforcement

• Proven ability to build trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders, including across partisan and institutional lines where appropriate

• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop proactive solutions

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of forging strong, collaborative relationships

• Demonstrated commitment to protecting voting rights and democratic participation

• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality

• Strong judgment in assessing priorities and making strategic recommendations

• Ability to work independently while remaining closely coordinated with and accountable to a national team

• Resilience and flexibility in responding to rapidly changing circumstances

• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed, including evenings and weekends during peak periods, and to travel within the state regularly

• Training or facilitation experience with demonstrated ability to engage diverse audiences is preferred but not required