About Demos
What is Demos?
Demos describes itself as "a non-profit public policy organization working to build a just, inclusive, multiracial democracy and economy." Its About page says it works "at the intersection of democracy reform, economic justice, and racial justice", drawing on "policy solutions, research, legal advocacy, and narrative strategies", and that it has "moved progressive issues from the movement to the mainstream, such as debt-free college, voting rights access at public agencies, and strong credit card protections for consumers." Its careers page calls it "a movement-oriented think tank committed to racial justice" that builds "power with and for Black and brown communities" through "research, litigation, strategic communications, and deep partnerships with grassroots organizations across the country."
Its About page sets out four core strategies: strengthening state and grassroots partnerships, developing strategies and analyses to facilitate power-building, advancing long-term systemic change, and disseminating new narratives about democracy and the economy. Its audited financial statements say it was "incorporated in February 2000 under the laws of the State of New York", and its Financial Information page says its "most recent 990s and audited financial statements are posted here".
Where will I work?
Demos is based in New York City: its Form 990 for the year to 30 June 2024 gives a New York address, and its audited statements for the year to 30 June 2025 say it has an office under a lease that expires in September 2027. None of its public pages states a remote or hybrid policy, so the working arrangement is something to ask about when a role opens. At the time of writing its careers page says "There are currently no open positions at Dēmos. Check back soon!"
What is the Demos team like?
Its careers page says "Dēmos is an innovative, dynamic and diverse place to work" and "Our strength is our people". It describes itself as "a multiracial organization" committed to "collaborating with deep respect and dignity for one another", and says "we put significant time into finding the right people to help us achieve our organizational impact." Its Staff page lists 32 people across executive, communications, development, democracy, economic justice, movement building and finance teams. In its evaluation process "each staff person creates a professional development plan", and a staff testimonial on the page says interviews include questions about racial equity.
Work-Life Balance
Its careers page lists "Starting at 18 days of vacation (3 and a half weeks!) and increasing over time, plus 12 sick days, 10 paid holidays, and 5 floating holidays each year". That is 33 days of vacation, holidays and floating holidays before sick leave. It adds "We also close our offices December 25 to January 1 each year to allow all staff time to recharge." After 7 years of employment, staff can take 12 weeks of paid sabbatical, and new parents get 12 weeks of paid parental leave. An employee assistance program offers counseling, legal guidance and financial planning services for staff and their families.
Perks and Benefits
- Starting at 18 days of vacation, plus 12 sick days, 10 paid holidays and 5 floating holidays a year
- Offices closed from December 25 to January 1 each year
- A 12-week paid sabbatical after 7 years of employment
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- Health, dental and vision insurance, including family and domestic partner coverage
- A 403(b) retirement plan
- Employer-funded resources toward qualifying mental health expenses, for staff and their families
- Professional development plans and up to $1,000 per semester in tuition reimbursement
- An employee assistance program covering counseling, legal guidance and financial planning
- Flexible spending accounts for childcare and medical costs
- Life insurance and disability cover, plus supplemental accident, hospital and illness plans