About Us
Democracy Docket is the leading digital news platform dedicated to information, analysis and opinion about voting rights and elections in the courts.
Founded in 2020 by Democratic voting rights attorney Marc Elias, Democracy Docket is a reliable source of news that delivers detailed analysis and expert commentary on voting rights and election litigation and policy that will shape our elections and democratic institutions for years to come. With a comprehensive database of over 900 cases, Democracy Docket tracks and reports on the latest election and voting-related litigation, providing filings, in-depth analysis and up-to-date developments about court proceedings.
We offer free daily and weekly newsletters to our over 280,000 subscribers as well as a premium membership with exclusive content. Our social media presence continues to grow with over 1 million total followers across our channels, including 250,000+ YouTube subscribers. By providing our readers with breaking news updates, long-form analysis pieces and op-eds from elected officials, legal experts and voting rights activists, Democracy Docket is committed to helping people better understand the greatest challenges facing voters and
Job Overview
Democracy Docket is seeking a Staff Writer with strong writing skills and a passion for voting rights and democracy to join our Writing Team. This team member will focus primarily on Trump accountability as it relates to legal news and the courts. Given the ever-changing political news landscape, the Staff Writer position requires an eagerness to learn quickly and adapt to a fast-paced environment. Along with writing a weekly newsletter, long-form analysis pieces, breaking news articles and more, a Staff Writer at Democracy Docket is expected to stay up to date with the latest voting rights news in the courts, recognize emerging issues and provide astute insight and analysis into their unique beat. This is a full-time, hybrid role based out of our Washington, D.C. office. Monday and Friday we work remotely and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we are in office.
Key Responsibilities
- Help develop, launch and oversee a new weekly newsletter on Trump accountability in the courts. This includes: brainstorming and understanding the most important topics of the week, maintaining a consistent tone unique to your newsletter, drafting copy, copy editing, collaborating across teams to schedule the newsletter on deadline.
- Write articles on a daily basis including breaking news and long-form articles focused on voting rights and elections in the courts.
- Closely follow voting rights and Trump accountability litigation and pitch story ideas in addition to working on stories assigned by the News Editor.
- Copy edit long-form articles, news articles and newsletters according to AP Style.
- Collaborate with the Case Team in drafting articles on litigation they are tracking.
- Perform other related duties and projects.
Beat Specifications
Your work would focus on these areas:
- Trump accountability
- Tracking the work of the opposition to the Trump admin with a specific focus on the courts
- Tracking lawsuits combatting Trump efforts
- Status updates on the work dems, orgs are doing to combat
- A weekly newsletter updating readers on what they need to know to stay part of the opposition, focusing on litigation, “what groups are doing to fight back” and what action steps readers can take to be unapologetically pro democracy
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree required.
- 5+ years of experience in journalism or other writing-focused roles.
- Excellent research and writing skills, experience and enthusiasm for mission-driven journalism.
- Ability to interpret data into a relatable, digestible story.
- Ability to unearth democracy-related stories, not just cover them, to be proactive and not just reactive.
- Solid understanding of voting rights, elections, and redistricting in the courts.
- Familiarity with and interest in courts and covering complex legal issues.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multitask.
- Interest in collaborating in a quickly-growing thus changing entrepreneurial setting.
- Willingness to jump in and assist with other beats, newsletters as needed, part of being a small team.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Mastery of AP style.
- Experience with WordPress and/or MailChimp a plus.
- Experience talking about your reporting on-camera is a plus.
To apply, complete the application form linked and attach a resume, two writing samples, and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role. If you do not have a Google account, have issues submitting this form, or prefer to submit your application via email, please send the required information to applications@democracydocket.com.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this role is$75,000-$85,000. Final compensation will be based on relevant experience and skill level. Democracy Docket is pleased to offer additional benefits:
- PTO and company holidays
- 100% company paid health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) program with generous employer match
- Eligible for merit-based end-of-year bonus
Why Join Us?
- Impactful Work: Contribute to a mission-driven media platform that is at the forefront of democracy and voting rights.
- Creative Freedom: Be a key player in shaping how Democracy Docket engages and educates its audience on critical issues.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside passionate, like-minded individuals who are committed to protecting democracy and driving change through information.
- Flexibility: Hybrid schedule, allowing for a healthy work-life balance.
Democracy Docket is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
