NextWave Regional Bootcamp: East

About Democratic National Committee

Apply to the DNC's NextWave Regional Bootcamp in Pittsburgh!

Position Summary:


The DNC NextWave Regional Bootcamp is a new, free training program that serves to strengthen the pipeline of the next generation of campaign and party staff, and prepare them to win down ballot races for 2026 and beyond.


This three-day, in-person training program provides participants with specialized training based on their campaign experience level, and connects them with other campaign talent and professionals in their region. Four NextWave Regional Bootcamps will be held throughout the country in 2026. The Southern and Western Regional Bootcamp have concluded, and the DNC is seeking applicants located in the East for the Eastern Regional Bootcamp in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The DNC NextWave Regional Bootcamp for the Eastern Region will be held in-person in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Current and aspiring campaign and state party staff from the Eastern region will have the opportunity to learn about cutting edge campaign strategies, apply what they learn in the program, and network with other talented campaign staff in the East.


Eligibility:

Any Democrat who is interested in working on a campaign or for a state party in 2026 is encouraged to apply to NextWave. No previous campaign experience is required, and participants will be placed into training tracks based on their professional campaign experience.


To attend the NextWave East, participants must be located within the following states to be eligible for the NextWave Eastern Regional Bootcamp: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The Southern and Western Regional Bootcamp were held earlier this spring. The DNC will hold the final NextWave Regional Bootcamp in the Midwest later in 2026. Please sign up for the DNC National Training Department Newsletter here to hear about these programs as they are announced.


Training Content:

Participants are placed into one of two tracks to maximize their experience at NextWave. Track placements are based on applicants' demonstrated experience with professional campaign work.

• Campaigns 101 : for current or aspiring field organizers, fellows, and campaign associates with less than two cycles of experience who are looking to strengthen their skills and get exposure to new aspects of campaign and state party work.
• Management Track : for mid-level and senior campaign and state party professionals who understand the technical aspects of campaign work but are looking to expand their skills as managers and leaders in the Democratic ecosystem.

Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to network with other attendees and trainers, and apply what they have learned through a competitive Arena Cup challenge.


Location :

The NextWave Eastern Regional Bootcamp will be held in-person in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the end of June. Accepted applicants will receive the exact program timing and location ahead of the program's start date.


The DNC will work to coordinate lodging support for attendees who indicate they need it on their application, but please note this cannot be guaranteed for every NextWave participant. Lodging support may be given in the form of a discounted room rate, and support will be prioritized for applicants with the most need. The DNC is unable to provide any additional travel support outside of lodging. If you are accepted into the program, the DNC National Training Team will reach out directly to applicants who indicate they need lodging support to coordinate.


Application Deadline :

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged. The application will be open until Sunday, June 14, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC), is committed to diversity among its staff, and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse staff that provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The DNC is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or physical disability, or any other legally protected basis. The DNC will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination and any such conduct is strictly prohibited.