Derek Johnson

About Derek Johnson

Derek Johnson is Managing Director of the Research Collaborative, a narrative strategy hub for progressive local, state, and national organizations working to realize the promise of a truly equitable democracy. He has more than 15 years of experience bridging full-spectrum advocacy campaigns, brand and narrative strategy, social movement infrastructure, and people-centric organizational design. In addition to a keen understanding of change-making and a knack for building high-trust relationships across the cultural spectrum, Derek is adept at navigating complexity and keeping people oriented toward an expansive view of what’s possible. Having worked alongside visionaries and pragmatists alike, he knows what it takes to operationalize big ideas, maintain alignment and accountability, and adapt without losing the plot as new challenges and opportunities emerge. Alongside his work at RC, Derek is a member of the Munich Young Leaders group of rising experts in foreign and security policy, organized jointly by Körber Foundation and the Munich Security Conference, and a member of the European Young Leaders group, organized by Friends of Europe to tackle the increasing disconnects between citizens and political elites and rebuild trust in democratic institutions. Derek previously served as CEO and Managing Partner of the international Global Zero movement, a Nobel-nominated initiative for nuclear disarmament powered by hundreds of world leaders, luminaries, and experts. In 2016, he co-founded and launched Beyond the Bomb, a national grassroots operation focused on centering justice and equity in disarmament advocacy. In 2021, the National Iranian American Council named Derek one of 40 under 40 Iranian Americans who have “inspired, trail-blazed, and made a lasting impact in the world.”Derek is a recognized expert on global security issues and has been quoted or published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, Newsweek, CNN, BBC News, The Nation, Politico, NBC, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, Vox, Kommersant, Time Magazine, Der Spiegel, Mother Jones, Pacific Standard, The Hill, The Independent, Mic, and more. He is a recovering attorney and graduate of Cornell College and Boston College Law School.

Experience

1. Managing Director

   Research Collaborative

   Mar 2024 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Oversees a public opinion research and narrative strategy operation on the frontlines of fighting fascism and making real the promise of an equitable and multiracial democracy. Manages high-impact cohort of researchers and communicators, providing actionable insights, data-backed messaging guidance, and strategic approaches to the progressive, pro-democracy ecosystem. Serves as a partner to the President and leads day-to-day operations, ensuring overall programmatic efficacy and financial health.

Education

• King's College London

  European Union Law

  2006 — 2006

• Cornell College

  Bachelor of Arts, English, Philosophy

  2000 — 2004

• Boston College Law School

  Juris Doctor, International Law

  2004 — 2007

Skills

• Event Planning
• Diplomacy
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Political Campaigns
• Human Rights
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Foreign Policy
• Community Organizing
• Legislative Analysis
• Desktop Publishing
• Issue Advocacy
• Public Relations
• Writing
• Online Communications
• Non-Profits
• Operations
• Public Policy
• International Relations
• Program Management
• Government Relations
• Public Speaking
• Research
• Political Science
• Fundraising
• International Law
• Politics
• Editing
• Policy Analysis
• Policy
• Strategic Planning
• Strategic Communications
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Grants
• Legal Research
• Proposal Writing
• Legislation
• Campaign Strategies