Program Associate, Governors Safeguarding Democracy

The Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonpartisan nonprofit initiative that helps Governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a central platform for collaboration across Governors’ Offices – incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of Governors. These alliances share cutting-edge policy and legal approaches to some of the most challenging and critical national issues, including reproductive freedom, democracy, public safety, and public health.  

Currently, GovAct supports the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, Governors Safeguarding Democracy, the Governors Public Health Alliance, and other Governor-led initiatives and collaborations. 

  

THE OPPORTUNITY  

Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD), an initiative of GovAct, exists to help marshal that power across state lines. Co-chaired by Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois and Governor Jared Polis of Colorado, GSD is a Governor-led alliance that helps Governors collaborate to strengthen democracy by advancing policy that protects institutions and improves people’s lives. GSD draws on the collective strength, experience, and institutional knowledge of Governors’ Offices across the country to craft policies that push back against autocracy and push forward policies that will improve people's lives. With numerous gubernatorial transitions anticipated in 2026, GSD will continue to expand its reach, including by supporting incoming Governors and their teams. 

GovAct is seeking a savvy, well-organized Program Associate to provide comprehensive administrative, operational, and project support to GSD. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Associate will help manage day-to-day operations, meetings, communications, and special projects, ensuring that the alliance’s work is executed efficiently, professionally, and with attention to detail. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, brings strong organizational judgment, and is eager to contribute to the growth of a Governor-led initiative.  This is an excellent opportunity for a detailed-oriented professional to help support one of the most consequential Governor-led initiatives in the country at a moment when that work has never mattered more. 

This position is remote, with the possibility of hybrid work in Washington, D.C., or in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some travel may be required.  

  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

Administrative Support and Coordination   

• Provide high-level administrative support to GSD staff, including managing calendars and scheduling internal and external meetings.
• Manage senior staff travel and accommodations, including booking hotels and transportation and processing reimbursements.
• Track deadlines, action items, and follow-ups to ensure timely responses and execution.
• Support general operations and take on additional duties as assigned. 
• As a GovAct employee, may be assigned duties in support of other alliances or GovAct initiatives, in coordination with the Alliance Managing Director.

Meeting and Research Assistance   

• Support GSD staff in preparing for meetings, including drafting agendas, gathering background documents and materials, and providing logistical support.
• Attend select virtual meetings with senior staff to take notes and track takeaways, deliverables, and next steps.
• Conduct basic research as needed and draft memoranda, summaries, fact sheets, presentations, talking points, and other materials for key internal and external audiences.

Communications  

• On request, draft communications and weekly newsletters on behalf of GSD staff, including communications to Governors’ Offices and funders.
• Manage senior staff email upon request, as well as any generic GSD email.
• Coordinate with key stakeholders and partners, including outside consultants and fiscal sponsors.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Project Management  

• Assist with database management, including with respect to contacts and funders, and manage reporting deadlines and outreach.
• Provide support for in-person events, including managing invitations, venues, catering, and other event logistics.
• Manage projects the Associate identifies and develops in coordination with GSD staff.

Identify problems and challenges and recommend solutions to senior staff and leadership.  

  

QUALIFICATIONS  

Experience: 3-5 years of experience working in nonprofits, government, law, policy, communications, public relations, media relations, and/or a related field is beneficial.  

Skills: 

• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent judgment and discretion, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with care
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment, with a proven ability to plan, prioritize, and organize.
• Strong problem-solving skills; proactive, inquisitive, and self-motivated.
• Comfortable in a team-oriented environment and remote workplace. 
• High competency with Microsoft Office and related tools, including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint and Teams.
• Ability to conduct effective online research and synthesize information clearly.

Knowledge: 

• Familiarity with public policy, state government, and gubernatorial operations preferred.
• Broad understanding of issues related to fundamental freedoms and democracy.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Government, Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field preferred.  

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS  

• Salary: $70,000-$80,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Unlimited paid time off (PTO) plus 12 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including parental leave, medical, dental, and vision coverage; short- and long-term disability; wellness, technology, and commuter stipends (if applicable); and a 401(k) with employer match.