Protect Democracy · 1 month ago
Chief Administrative Officer
United States
Full-time
Remote
Director/Executive
$214K/yr - $260K/yrProtect Democracy is one of the nation’s leading nonpartisan organizations dedicated to preventing the decline of American democracy. They are seeking a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to oversee finance, accounting, risk management, legal, IT, and security, while advancing the organization's core cultural principles and operational strategy.
Non-profit Organization Management
Responsibilities
Serve as a core member of the senior leadership team, acting as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and providing decisive leadership across all business operation domains
Develop and execute a unified operational strategy that aligns IT, security, legal/compliance, and finance to sustain and expand the organization’s impact
Ensure PD’s infrastructure, systems, and resources are resilient, compliant, and optimized to support programmatic excellence
Lead a process to innovate workflows with new AI tools to build additional efficiencies that free up team capacity to focus on higher priority needs
Collaborate with the Executive Director and senior leadership to set organizational priorities; manage enterprise risk; and uphold a culture of accountability, integrity, and security
Act as the steward of organizational health—balancing ambition with sustainability, ensuring that Protect Democracy’s operational foundation scales in step with its mission
Safeguard the organization's financial assets by ensuring financial functions—including budgeting, forecasting, reporting and auditing—are transparent, disciplined, and aligned with the org’s strategic long-term goals
Partner with the finance and development teams to strengthen financial strategy, resource allocation, and compliance with funder and regulatory requirements
Supervise legal and compliance operations, providing guidance on risk management, governance, insurance, contracts, and compliance frameworks
Ensure that IT and security systems are world-class—secure, scalable, and prepared to meet our mission—and that the organization maintains the highest standards of data protection, cybersecurity, and physical security
Continuously improve internal systems, processes, and policies to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and collaboration across teams
Lead, mentor, and empower a high-performing team of operational leaders, fostering a culture of excellence, candid communication, and shared purpose
Collaborate closely with the Chief People Officer and Director of Partnerships to ensure alignment across org-side workflows
Build strong cross-functional partnerships that integrate operations seamlessly with programmatic work
Recruit and develop top-tier operational talent, ensuring the organization’s internal capacity and best practices evolve alongside its growing impact
Make critical decisions to balance short-term operational needs with long-term strategic priorities
Champion a learning-oriented, curiosity-led culture where feedback, growth, and continuous improvement are integral to how the organization operates
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and Board on all operational, legal, and financial matters
Ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and proactively manage risk across domains
Represent Protect Democracy externally with key partners, auditors, legal advisors, vendors, and funders to ensure operational alignment with mission and values
Model ethical leadership and uphold the organization’s reputation for integrity and excellence in all business and legal dealings
Qualification
Required
Extensive experience overseeing finance, legal/compliance, and technology functions in a complex, mission-driven organization with both c3 and c4 entities
Sophisticated understanding of risk management, governance, and regulatory frameworks across multiple states; including lobbying and state-based business, charity, and employer registrations
Proven success in building and scaling operational systems that support organizational growth and impact
Strong financial acumen, with the ability to connect financial decisions to strategic priorities
Deep understanding of cybersecurity, data privacy, and information governance
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across all departments and levels of an organization
Growth mindset and enthusiasm for giving and receiving feedback up, down, and sideways
Enthusiasm for the possibilities of how new AI tools can add additional improvements and efficiencies that don't replace existing staff but rather empower them to be more efficient and effective
A deep commitment to Protect Democracy's mission and culture, and a clear understanding of the role sound operations play in securing and advancing our democracy's future
Benefits
Generous sick leave
Flexible vacation policy where we encourage team members to take 4-5 weeks every year
12 paid holidays
6 weeks of paid family medical leave
18 weeks of paid parental leave
401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match that vests immediately
Employee medical premiums at 100% (with up to 95% coverage for dependents depending on plan selection)
Employee and dependent’s dental/vision at 100%
Long-term disability and life insurance
Fertility benefits
Home office stipend
Bonuses at the discretion of the Executive Director
Company
Protect Democracy
Protect Democracy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit group working to prevent authoritarianism.
Founded in 2017
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Chris Vaeth
Policy + Advocacy (and Co-Founder of the National Task Force on Election Crises)
Antonella DeCicci
Partnerships Associate
Recent News
bloomberglaw.com
2025-10-18
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2025-09-17
2025-05-17
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