Jobs and Internships

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter, CV, and writing sample here. Please include in the cover letter your specific interest in FDD. No phone calls, please. FDD is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.

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FDD seeks a full-time active duty U.S. military officer to serve as a Military Fellow in its Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP). The successful applicant will have the rank of O-4 to O-6 and seek to gain research experience on issues related to U.S. defense policy and strategy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research related to the defense strategies, policies, and capabilities necessary to deter and defeat threats to the freedom, security, and prosperity of Americans and our allies;
• Author or co-author on the above and related topics (both internal and external publications, including newspapers, journals, and online outlets);
• Discuss research at events, both organized by FDD and in outside venues;
• Work with appropriate FDD staff to plan and execute meetings and briefings, as well as networking and professional development opportunities for FDD scholars with Department of Defense officials; and
• Support the day-to-day research and work of CMPP and CMPP’s Senior Director.

Qualifications

• Active duty U.S. military officers between the rank of O-4 (Major/Lieutenant Commander) – O-6 (Colonel/Captain);
• Commitment for 6-month or 1-year fellowship;
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team; and
• Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills.

FDD is a nonprofit and nonpartisan national security and foreign policy institute devoted to independent research in the defense of free nations against their enemies. FDD runs the National Security Alumni Network (NSAN), a nonpartisan mentorship and leadership development program for mid-career national security practitioners. NSAN is comprised of over 400 alumni from the military, the executive branch, the Hill, think tanks and the private sector. FDD does not accept donations from foreign governments.

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The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a Washington D.C.-based nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy, is seeking a motivated and talented events professional to manage FDD’s growing events program.

Responsibilities

• Work in partnership with FDD programs and departments to oversee the strategy, planning, and execution of virtual and in-person meetings and events to advance FDD’s mission.
• Build out FDD’s policy events program in support of long-term strategy and goals.
• Work with FDD teams on program content, supporting assets, and promotional materials.
• Define and track the goals and metrics of success for FDD’s event program.
• Implement best practices for superior event execution and on-site experience for guests and attendees.
• Develop and build upon network of venues, vendors, and other event support services.
• Manage event budgets and negotiate and review contracts, RFPs, and BEOs for venues and vendors.
• Review and approve event materials and other collateral.
• Provide outstanding customer service for event speakers and guests, including dignitaries and VIPs.
• Oversee events associate and select other event staff and vendors.

Qualifications

• Extremely detail-oriented, well-organized, and strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
• A team player with superior problem-solving attitude.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in remote or office setting, independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with WordPress, Adobe Creative Cloud, and/or video editing skills is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of event planning experience required, including successful management of multiple large-scale events.
• Management experience preferred.
• Requires limited domestic travel (6-8 times per year) and some evening events (15-20 per year).
• An interest in and understanding of FDD’s issues.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Interested candidates should include resume and cover letter outlining relevant skills, experiences, interest in and any knowledge of FDD issues, examples of past events managed, and goals.

Apply

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a Washington D.C.-based nonpartisan think tank focusing on national security and foreign policy, is seeking a motivated and talented events and marketing associate.

Responsibilities

• Support virtual and in-person event planning in collaboration with director and program staff.
• Manage all logistical aspects of virtual and in-person events, including scheduling, staffing, and vendor coordination.
• Provide outstanding customer service for event speakers and guests, including dignitaries and VIPs.
• Draft event and marketing materials in support of FDD’s mission.
• Track and compile relevant outside events and calendars.
• Maintain orderly and accurate databases and records for events.
• Create and manage event and select other web pages.

Qualifications

• Extremely detail-oriented, well-organized, and has strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
• A team player with superior problem-solving attitude.
• An interest and understanding of FDD’s issues.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in remote or office setting, independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with WordPress, Adobe Creative Cloud, and/or video editing skills is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree and event planning experience required.

Interested candidates should include resume and cover letter outlining relevant skills, experiences, interest in and any knowledge of FDD issues, and goals.

Location: Washington D.C. or Remote

FDD is a DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD is seeking a highly organized Junior Designer/Production Assistant to assist our growing in-house design and marketing teams. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, strategically minded, and has a passion for design with international affairs. FDD conducts actionable research, prepared by experts and scholars from a variety of backgrounds – including government, intelligence, military, private sector, academia, and journalism. The Junior Designer/Production Assistant will work directly with FDD’s Senior Designer and be responsible for producing a range of products that supports our in-house team in advancing institutional and strategic objectives.

To be considered, please provide relevant samples from your portfolio (as PDF or website link).

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Responsibilities

• Layout production of books for in-house imprint FDD Press.
• Print and web layout for monographs and research memos.
• Assist with production work for creative content such as illustrations, infographics, graphs, and charts to promote and support research on social media.
• Design graphics and email templates for events and podcasts.
• Receive creative direction and create/revise/develop new design layouts or re-size to fit new adaptations.
• Collaboration with print and web vendors.
• Closely follow and stay up to date with design trends and developments.
• Manage and upkeep of organized file structures.

Requirements

• BA or BFA degree in graphic design, fine arts, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years prior experience with graphic design and visual communications.
• Portfolio of design work.
• Proficient in Adobe CC, specifically: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro.
• Proficiency in Mac OS environment as well as Microsoft Office suite.
• Understanding of typography, brand standards, four-color printing.

• Collaborate well with others and willing to learn and grow on the job.
• Commitment to FDD’s mission and goals.

Additional experience and proficiency with the following are desirable but not required:

• After Effects motion graphics
• Tableau statistics/data visualization
• Video production
• Front-end development

Application Requirements:

• PDF or online portfolio
• Cover letter
• Resume

Apply

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks to hire a highly motivated, experienced communications professional who understands how the media works, in particular the broadcast media, to join a fast-paced team and is familiar with and committed to furthering FDD’s work.

This position is part of FDD’s communications team that reports to the Director of Communications.

Responsibilities

• Creating and executing short- and long-term communications strategies and tactical plans.
• Working with other Communications team members and the Communications Interns, supervising various projects and tasks.
• Creating and implementing daily outreach strategies to promote FDD research and researchers to print, television network, cable news, and radio reporters, bookers, and editors.
• Independently managing all elements of media interviews.
• Cultivating and strengthening relationships with journalists.
• Training and preparing FDD experts for broadcast, print and digital interviews.
• Overseeing reporting weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual media metrics.
• Supporting projects and initiatives of the communications department.

Qualifications

• A degree in communications, journalism, political science, or related fields.
• Strong interest and background in U.S. foreign policy and current affairs.
• At least four years of experience pitching television and radio producers, bookers, and assignment editors, particularly in the Washington, D.C. press corps.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• An ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Digital communications experience.
• High attention to detail and strong organization skills, including timeliness and accuracy.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Track record of communicating effectively with internal and external contacts at all levels.
• Track record working on tight deadlines and with the news cycle as required.
• Knowledge of WordPress helpful but not required.
• Ability to have a flexible schedule determined by the news cycle, including some weekend and evening work, as needed.

Interested and qualified applicants should apply here.

Cover letter must include specific experience you have on issues and areas of expertise reflected on FDD’s website.

Writing samples, including news releases and other media pitching examples, that are relevant to FDD’s work appreciated.

To view current internship opportunities, visit us here.

About FDD’s internship program

Based in downtown Washington, D.C., the Foundation for Defense of Democracies has a number of internship opportunities available during the spring, fall and summer semesters. All FDD interns will have the opportunity to participate in a twice-monthly speaker series, which brings high-level DC officials and senior staff members to engage with interns in an intimate setting. FDD interns will be encouraged to build on their academic skills by working closely with senior staff. FDD is also happy to assist students who wish to earn academic credit for this internship. All internships are unpaid. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early.

Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positons, please submit a separate application for each position of interest. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For general inquiries, email: [email protected].

Eligibility

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
• Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Application Materials Required

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)
3. Writing sample (no more than three pages)
4. Unofficial transcript copy