Democracy at Work Institute

What is Democracy at Work Institute?

The Democracy at Work Institute (DAWI) is a national nonprofit think-and-do tank founded in 2013 and based in Oakland, California. DAWI is dedicated to promoting worker cooperatives as a proven strategy for economic equity, community development, and quality job creation. The organisation works with communities, businesses, policymakers, and practitioners to expand worker ownership across the United States.

DAWI provides technical assistance, research, and advocacy to support the development and growth of worker cooperatives. Their work spans cooperative conversions (helping existing businesses transition to worker ownership), new cooperative development, and building the broader ecosystem of support for democratic workplaces.

Where will I work?

The Democracy at Work Institute is headquartered in Oakland, California, and operates a hybrid work model. Team members combine in-person collaboration at the Oakland office with remote work flexibility. The hybrid approach supports both the relationship-building essential to cooperative development work and the focused research and writing that benefits from remote flexibility.

What is the team like?

With approximately 18 employees, DAWI is a small, mission-driven team of cooperative development specialists, researchers, policy advocates, and programme managers. Team members are passionate about economic democracy and bring expertise in business development, community organising, policy analysis, and worker ownership models.

The organisation practises the democratic principles it promotes, with a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that values diverse perspectives and shared decision-making.

Work-Life Balance

The Democracy at Work Institute operates a 4-day work week with 32 hours per week at full salary. As an organisation dedicated to promoting better working conditions and economic equity, DAWI walks the walk by providing its own team with a progressive work schedule. The 4-day week reflects the organisation's belief that quality of work matters more than quantity of hours.

Perks and Benefits

• 4-day work week (32 hours) at full salary
• Healthcare benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Mission-driven work advancing economic democracy