DNC Department Descriptions
Association of State Democratic Chairs (ASDC) provides guidance, support, and technical assistance to State Democratic Parties. It trains new State Chairs, Vice Chairs, Executive Directors, and staff. It serves as a liaison for state parties and coordinates meetings and forums. A list of current state chairs, state party headquarters, and Executive Directors is available from the ASDC office.
Communications facilitates the DNC's interaction with the press. Using traditional methods of communication (e.g. press releases and media events) in combination with new media tools (e.g. web ads and online components) communications works to promote President Obama's agenda for change and provide support to our state parties and Organizing for America. Through our rapid response, research efforts and regional press team, communications holds Republicans accountable, advance Democratic principles and help Democrats win elections.
The Finance department is responsible for all DNC fundraising activities including direct mail, telemarketing, internet fundraising, and fundraising events with principals and surrogates from the DNC and the White House. The finance department is focused on fundraising at all levels, from marketing, small donor grassroots events to high donor dinners.
The New Media department specializes in online organizing, advocacy, and fundraising, communicating directly with the DNC's long-time subscribers as well as folks from the Obama campaign and newly-recruited members. By using the DNC's and OFA's own websites and email lists, as well as social media such as Facebook and Twitter, the New Media department is continuing to build on the Obama Campaign's success to harness online interaction and participation to help pass the President's agenda and elect Democratic candidates across the country.
The Office of the Secretary coordinates the planning of all National Committee, Executive Committee and Standing Committee meetings. This office also serves as the DNC’s liaison to the National Committee members. As the Party’s official record keeper, the Secretary’s Office maintains the DNC’s official membership lists and coordinates archival storage of the Party’s official records. It also compiles the list of National Convention delegates, oversees convention voting operations, and publishes the Official Proceedings of each convention.
The DNC Operations Department is responsible for management and monitoring of the committees day to day business and legal activities. The department ensures that the operations are efficient and effective and that the committee resources are managed in a way that allows for the implementation of the strategic plan as determined by the Executive Director.
Organizing for America is building on the movement that elected President Obama by empowering communities across the country to bring about an agenda of change. As a project of the DNC, OFA's primary focuses are mobilizing and organizing our nationwide grassroots movement to support President's Obama's agenda and help elect Democratic candidates. While the national headquarters is housed within the DNC, OFA has staff in states throughout the country.
Party Affairs and Delegate Selection (PADS) oversees the institutional affairs of the Democratic National Committee: Party rules, the delegate selection, DNC and Convention standing committees, official appointments and nominations, and early preparations for the Convention.
Political develops and implements the coordinated campaign strategy on behalf of the DNC with Democratic candidates at federal, state and local levels. The Political department also coordinates the interaction between the Party, State Parties, and allied organizations.
The Research Department is responsible for both the long and short term needs of the DNC. In the short term they provide the necessary facts for the rapid response required when promoting or defending the administration, including health care and the economy. They also focus on long term research concerning potential political opponents and third party groups. In addition, they maintain a very large television archive which the DNC and Democratic allies use for rapid response.
The Voter Protection Department provides the DNC with guidance on voting rights and election administration issues. Recognizing that protecting the right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, the work of the department begins well in advance of Election Day. Working with Donna Brazile, DNC Vice Chair for Voter Registration and Participation, the department monitors developments in state and federal election law, and coordinates with the Party at the local and national level to promote laws and policies that advance the right to vote. Through the DNC’s Voting Rights Institute, the voter protection department seeks to engage and educate voters about their rights, update voters on recent developments in the law, and encourage their participation in the political process. Working with state counsel and individualized state-based coordinators, the department helps develop programs to ensure that all eligible voters are able to cast a ballot and that every vote is fairly and properly counted.
