Institute for Democratic Discourse
National | Remote

About the Organization

The Institute for Democratic Discourse is a nonprofit research and public-engagement organization dedicated to strengthening democratic discourse by examining how free expression operates in practice within contemporary democratic societies. Our work focuses on the cultural, institutional, and social conditions that shape open inquiry, particularly in higher education and public debate. The Institute is nonpartisan and committed to intellectual pluralism, rigorous analysis, and open dialogue.

Role Overview

The Institute for Democratic Discourse seeks qualified individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. Board members play a critical governance role, providing strategic oversight, fiduciary responsibility, and institutional guidance as the organization grows.

This is an unpaid, volunteer position.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide governance and strategic oversight consistent with the organization’s mission and bylaws
• Participate in quarterly board meetings (remote)
• Review and approve major policies, budgets, and strategic initiatives
• Support the organization’s long-term sustainability and institutional integrity
• Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director/CEO while maintaining appropriate governance boundaries
• Participate in committees or special initiatives as needed

Time Commitment

• Regular board meetings: One remote meeting per quarter, typically held during the second week of each quarter
• Additional meetings: Occasional special meetings may be convened by the Executive Director or at the request of two board members, as provided in the bylaws
• Preparation time for meetings and occasional email correspondence between meetings

Estimated total commitment: 3–6 hours per quarter, with some variation depending on organizational needs.

Desired Qualifications

We welcome candidates with experience or interest in one or more of the following areas:

• Higher education, academic governance, or research institutions
• Law, public policy, civil liberties, or constitutional issues
• Nonprofit governance, finance, fundraising, or organizational development
• Journalism, publishing, or public scholarship
• Demonstrated commitment to open inquiry, pluralism, and democratic norms

Prior board experience is welcome but not required.

Governance and Compensation

• Board members serve without compensation
• Directors serve two-year terms, with the possibility of reappointment
• Board members are expected to act in the best interests of the organization and to comply with applicable conflict-of-interest and governance policies

How to Express Interest

Interested individuals are invited to submit:

• A brief statement of interest
• A résumé or CV
• Optional: a short note describing relevant experience or perspective

Applications and inquiries may be sent to:
institute@democraticdiscourse.org

Applicants must be U.S. citizens. We accept applicants nationwide.

Organization: The Institute for Democratic Discourse
Location: Remote (U.S.-based applicants preferred; applicants nationwide accepted)
Position Type: Full-time, one-year fellowship
Compensation: $70,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience
Funding Status: Position contingent upon grant funding
Start Date: TBD

About the Institute

The Institute for Democratic Discourse is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing free expression, pluralism, and open inquiry. The Institute focuses on the gap between formal constitutional protections for speech and the cultural, social, and institutional conditions that shape how freely individuals participate in democratic discourse.

Position Overview

The Institute seeks a Senior Fellow for a full-time, one-year fellowship, with the possibility of a long-term (up to ten-year) extension, subject to performance and continued funding. This is a remote position designed for a scholar-practitioner with strong interdisciplinary training and demonstrated experience in empirical research.

The Senior Fellow will play a central role in designing, conducting, and publishing original research on issues related to democratic discourse, free expression, institutional governance, and public communication. The position combines substantive subject-matter expertise with advanced data analytics and research methodology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct original research using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches
• Analyze large and small datasets relevant to speech, media, institutions, and public discourse
• Produce high-quality research outputs, including reports, policy briefs, academic articles, and public-facing analyses
• Contribute to grant-funded research initiatives and assist with reporting requirements
• Collaborate with Institute leadership on research strategy and program development
• Engage in public scholarship, including writing, presentations, and media engagement, as appropriate

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or J.D. in law, social sciences, journalism, communication studies, or a closely related field
• Strong background in data analytics, including both quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Demonstrated experience conducting rigorous empirical research
• Ability to translate complex research findings for both academic and general audiences
• Strong writing and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working at the intersection of law, media, policy, and democratic institutions
• Familiarity with research on free expression, public discourse, media ecosystems, or institutional governance
• Experience with grant-funded research projects
• Public-facing scholarship or media engagement experience

Compensation & Terms

• Salary range: $70,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience
• Duration: One-year fellowship, renewable and potentially extendable up to ten years, subject to funding and performance
• Funding contingency: This position is contingent upon receipt of grant funding
• Location: Fully remote

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

1. A cover letter describing research interests and fit with the Institute’s mission
2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
3. One or two writing samples demonstrating analytical and/or empirical research

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Email: institute@democraticdiscourse.org

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Institute for Democratic Discourse is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and viewpoints who share our commitment to open inquiry, democratic values, and respectful disagreement.

Institute for Democratic Discourse
Remote / Home-Based (U.S.)

Job Type

Full-Time (Exempt)

Application Deadline

Rolling review until filled

Experience Level

Senior / Independent Contributor

Salary Range

$70,000 – $105,000 annually, commensurate with experience
(Performance-based growth potential as the organization scales. This position is contingent upon receipt of grant funding.)

About the Institute for Democratic Discourse

The Institute for Democratic Discourse is a non-profit research and public-education organization dedicated to defending free expression, democratic norms, and open inquiry in an era of rising polarization, censorship pressures, and institutional mistrust.

Our work focuses on:

• Free speech and the First Amendment
• Democratic discourse and pluralism
• Campus speech and academic freedom
• Digital platforms, AI, and speech governance
• Public education through research, writing, events, and commentary

The Institute operates at the intersection of scholarship, public debate, and civic engagement. We aim to bring intellectual rigor, independence, and good-faith dialogue to some of the most contested issues of our time.

About the Position

The Institute is seeking a Senior Development & Fundraising Officer to design and lead its fundraising efforts during a critical growth phase. This is a hands-on, strategic role suited for a self-directed fundraiser who thrives in building programs from the ground up rather than inheriting a mature development apparatus.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Founder and Board to:

• Build a sustainable fundraising strategy
• Cultivate individual donors and foundations
• Establish systems, pipelines, and donor stewardship practices
• Position the Institute for long-term financial stability and impact

This role is fully remote and does not require geographic proximity to a physical office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the Institute’s mission and growth goals
• Develop and manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, with emphasis on gifts in the $5,000–$50,000 range (with growth potential)
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and foundation prospects
• Collaborate with leadership on donor messaging, proposals, and funding priorities
• Build and maintain donor tracking systems and fundraising workflows
• Advise leadership on fundraising best practices, donor engagement, and philanthropic trends
• Support board engagement in fundraising where appropriate
• Represent the Institute professionally with donors, partners, and stakeholders

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong alignment with principles of free expression, democratic pluralism, and intellectual independence
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising, development, or advancement (typically 5–8 years experience)
• Comfort working independently in a remote environment with minimal administrative infrastructure
• Ability to translate complex ideas into compelling donor narratives
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strategic thinker with a practical, execution-oriented mindset
• Experience with donor databases, CRMs, or fundraising platforms preferred
• Experience with think tanks, research institutes, or public-policy nonprofits is a plus, but not required

Education & Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Work Environment & Culture

• Fully remote / home-based
• Flexible schedule with emphasis on outcomes rather than hours
• Small, mission-driven team with significant autonomy and intellectual freedom
• Opportunity to shape the long-term direction of a growing national organization

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary within the stated range
• Flexible work arrangement
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership as the Institute expands
• Mission-driven work with visible public impact

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Institute for Democratic Discourse is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and viewpoints who share our commitment to open inquiry, democratic values, and respectful disagreement.

Email: institute@democraticdiscourse.org

Organization: The Institute for Democratic Discourse
Position Type: Volunteer
Location: Remote
Time Commitment: Flexible (a few hours per week, by agreement)

About the Institute

The Institute for Democratic Discourse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing free expression, pluralism, and open inquiry. We focus on the cultural, social, and institutional conditions that shape democratic participation and public debate.

Position Overview

The Institute seeks Volunteer Social Media & Outreach Associates to support the promotion of our research, publications, and public programs across digital platforms. This is a collaborative, team-based volunteer role designed for individuals who enjoy working with others in a mission-driven environment and are interested in nonprofit communications, media, or civic engagement.

Volunteers will work closely with Institute leadership, fellows, and other volunteers to help amplify ideas, share research findings, and engage broader audiences thoughtfully and responsibly.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with team members to promote Institute content on social media platforms
• Assist with drafting, scheduling, and refining posts related to research, articles, events, and initiatives
• Participate in brainstorming sessions for outreach strategies and campaigns
• Help foster respectful and constructive online engagement aligned with the Institute’s mission
• Support the growth and visibility of the Institute’s digital presence

Desired Qualifications

• Interest in democratic discourse, free expression, media, or nonprofit advocacy
• Strong written communication skills
• Familiarity with major social media platforms (e.g., X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook)
• Ability to work collaboratively in a remote setting
• Reliability, professionalism, and openness to diverse viewpoints

Collaboration & Learning Environment

This role emphasizes:

• Team-based collaboration and shared responsibility
• Open communication and idea exchange
• Exposure to nonprofit research dissemination and public engagement
• A respectful, intellectually curious working culture

Volunteer Benefits & Perks

While this is an unpaid volunteer position, the Institute offers meaningful non-monetary benefits, including:

• Public acknowledgment and credit for contributions (e.g., website or publications, where appropriate)
• Letters of recommendation and references upon request after a period of service, tailored for grad school, law school, or jobs.
• Digital Certificates of Service acknowledging hours and role
• Mentorship and professional guidance from Institute leadership and fellows
• Portfolio-worthy experience in nonprofit communications and outreach
• Invitations to internal discussions, workshops, and briefings
• Flexible scheduling and a fully remote, trust-based working environment
• Potential consideration for paid roles should funding become available

How to Get Involved

Interested volunteers should submit:

• A brief statement of interest describing relevant experience or motivation
• A resume or short bio (optional)

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Institute for Democratic Discourse is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and viewpoints who share our commitment to open inquiry, democratic values, and respectful disagreement.

Email: institute@democraticdiscourse.org