Lauren Strayer is Managing Director for Communications and Network at Democracy Fund, where she oversees communications, philanthropic partnerships, and the Voter Study Group. She develops and manages strategies that elevate the Fund’s voice, grow the field’s philanthropic resources, and advance a rigorous public opinion research agenda.
Lauren brings more than 15 years of experience in social change and media to Democracy Fund. Previously, Lauren was an independent consultant specializing in campaigns, brand, and strategy for non-profit and philanthropic enterprises. At various points in her career, her clients have included the UAW, Inside Philanthropy, the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, and Free Press, among others. She held leadership roles in communications and giving at Demos, where she focused first on grants for Demos and The American Prospect and later on media outreach and campaigns for a range of economic and democracy reform issues.
Prior to Demos, Lauren was a producer at Air America Radio, a political fundraiser, and the executive director of a small think tank. She is a co-editor of Change For America: A Progressive Blueprint for the 44th President, which was published in collaboration with the Center for American Progress and SourceBooks. She is also co-author of the Newmarket Press anthology Defend Yourself! How to Protect Your Money, Your Health, and Your Rights in 10 Key Areas of Your Life.
Lauren earned an MBA from Georgetown University and holds a B.A. in political science and economics from the University of Michigan. She is a Change Leader Fellow with Grantmakers for Effective Organizations.