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. Any inquiries may be sent to [email protected]. FDD is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.

*Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and writing sample.*
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FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI) is seeking a visionary Chief Technologist to lead its Transformative Cyber Innovation Lab (TCIL). Chief Technologist’s primary responsibility will be to identify, conduct due diligence on, scope, and execute pilot projects. The Chief Technologist, in consultation with CCTI’s Chair and Senior Director, will identify and acquire additional resources and partnerships necessary to execute the pilot project. The Chief Technologist will also lead the efforts to socialize (with the USG and private sector) the results of the pilots.

Responsibilities

• Identifying cyber vulnerabilities in federal government, state and local government, and private sector and devising pilot projects to demonstrate feasible technology and non-tech solutions that if scaled could move the needle to build resilience and defend U.S. prosperity, security, and innovation.
• Identifying and recruiting/acquiring in consultation with CCTI leadership the resources (personnel, technology, partnerships with external organizations) to execute the pilot projects.
• Socializing the results from pilot projects and other CCTI/TCIL efforts by:
  • Briefing USG decisionmakers and other stakeholders
  • Authoring policy briefs, op-eds, and other written products
  • Developing visualizations and other visual and creative products (in coordination with the FDD design team)
• Devising policy and technical recommendations based on the pilot results
• Engaging members of the CCTI Board of Advisors and participating in semi-annual Board meetings
• Contributing to CCTI and FDD development efforts in a limited manner at the request of the CCTI Chair and Senior Director, FDD development staff, and FDD Senior Management.
• Working collaboratively with the CCTI Chair, Senior Director, and other members of the FDD team.

Qualifications

• Post-graduate degree in a STEM field
• 10+ years working in the private sector or in government in a technical, intelligence, legal and/or research position
• Prior military, USG, Intelligence Community, or private sector technology experience preferred
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Willingness to interact with diverse groups within the USG Executive Branch, Congress, academia, and the private sector
• Strong analytical and writing skills a must
• Management experience preferred

Compensation and benefits commensurate with experience and market rates.

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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;
• Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills; and
• Based full-time in FDD’s Washington, D.C. office.

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.

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 or Political Science.
• 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