Jobs and Internships
Job Opportunities
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.
Senior Research Analyst, FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power
FDD’s Center on Military Political Power (CMPP) is seeking a full-time senior research analyst who will focus on U.S. security cooperation with Israel and other Abraham Accords countries, with a particular focus on weapons research, development, production, fielding, and transfers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform detailed research and analysis related to Middle East security. Topics will include, among others, weapons research, development, production, fielding, and transfers with a focus on American national security interests, steps to facilitate a Middle East multilateral regional security architecture, and Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME).
- Publish 1-2 pieces per month on the above and related topics, including both internal FDD publications such as policy briefs, insights, and research memos, as well as op-eds for external publications.
- Serve as a resource to members of the policy community, private sector entities, and journalists.
- Conduct research, analysis, special projects, and other duties as assigned by the senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power.
Qualifications:
- Exceptionally strong research skills, analytical ability, attention to detail, and interest in weapons research, development, production, fielding, and transfers.
- Demonstrated focus on U.S. defense policy in the Middle East, including security cooperation with Israel and other Abraham Accords countries.
- Bachelor’s degree and graduate degree in international relations, political science, history, security studies, government, or related field required.
- 3-8 years of related professional experience preferred.
Application Requirements:
- Cover letter
- Resume/CV
- Writing sample on relevant topic
This role has a projected salary band of $85,000-$100,000 per year, based on candidate’s experience and qualifications. Additional benefits are available, including healthcare coverage based on eligibility.
Program Manager, FDD’s National Security Network
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks to hire a program manager to oversee select programs offered by FDD’s National Security Network (NSN) and provide support for additional NSN programs.
Candidates are required to live commuting distance from Washington, DC, and be available to work in FDD’s DC office three days a week, with the option to work from home two days a week. Candidates must be available to work up to two evening events per week. Candidates will report to the senior director and deputy director of FDD’s National Security Network.
Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):
- Managing FDD’s mid-career programming including events and recruitment processes and serving as primary liaison for external vendors and event participants.
- Assist with recruitment and event execution for FDD’s National Security Network.
- Staffing 1-2 National Security Trips to Israel per year.
- Liaising with other FDD teams and experts to ensure smooth execution of NSN events and initiatives.
- Managing data, metrics, and calendars on multiple platforms.
- Maintaining a comprehensive event calendar and schedule.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required, in a relevant field (international relations, national security studies, counterterrorism, Middle Eastern studies) preferred.
- Demonstrated interest and knowledge in U.S. foreign policy or national security.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant professional experience.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and ease in networking environments.
- Strong interest in program management.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to successfully navigate international travel.
- Excellent writing and communications skills.
- Minimum of 1 year of Hill experience preferred.
- To succeed in this position, the applicant must be a willing team player, 100 percent reliable, and have excellent time management skills.
This role has a projected salary band of $75,000–$95,000 per year, based on candidate’s experience and qualifications. Additional benefits are available, including healthcare coverage based on eligibility.
Visiting Military Officer
FDD seeks a full-time U.S. military officer to serve as a Visiting Military Officer in its Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP). The officer must be able to commit to a 6-month or 1-year fellowship. Some officers can conduct short-term fellowships for as little as 6 weeks, depending on several variables. Fellowships can be in person in Washington, D.C. or a partially remote hybrid arrangement. It is the officer’s responsibility to obtain permission from the respective service to conduct the fellowship.
Each officer’s fellowship experience and research are curated to build on their experience and support their professional goals. Upon completion of the fellowship, participants are invited to join FDD’s National Security Network (NSN), a nonpartisan mentorship and leadership development program for mid-career national security practitioners.
The successful applicant will have the rank of O-3 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 America and our allies and partners;
- Author and co-author analytical pieces for publication in newspapers, journals, and online outlets;
- Discuss research at events, both organized by FDD and in outside venues;
- Plan, execute, and attend meetings and briefings, as well as networking and professional development opportunities; and
- Support the day-to-day research and work of CMPP.
Qualifications
- U.S. military officers between the rank of O-3 (Captain/Lieutenant (Navy)) – O-6 (Colonel/Captain (Navy));
- A graduate degree in a relevant discipline;
- Demonstrated excellent analytical, research, and writing skills; and
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Interested and qualified applicants should apply here.
Internship Opportunities
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 interns are eligible for a stipend and will be required to complete specific government documentation before this stipend is paid. 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 positions, 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
- Resume/CV
- 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.)
- Writing sample (no more than three pages)
- Unofficial transcript copy