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The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks to hire a highly motivated, experienced communications professional to lead the organization’s digital media team and drive FDD’s multimedia strategy via impactful digital content. This individual must have extensive knowledge of policy communications to best manage the activities and processes of FDD’s fast-paced digital ecosystem. This position is within FDD’s Communications Department and reports directly to the Vice President of Communications, with frequent coordination with FDD’s Marketing and Research teams. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Digital Strategy: Develop and implement efficient and effective digital strategies aligned with FDD’s goals and objectives. Research industry trends, digital marketing trends, and emerging technologies to grow FDD’s digital reach.  Refine and ensure the consistency of FDD’s brand, digital tone, and presence via voice, look, and feel.  

Social Media Management: Lead, supervise, and manage FDD’s social media accounts, personally ensuring accuracy and excellence in all posts. Oversee and execute social media strategies across platforms to amplify FDD’s voice and engage with target audiences. Develop and manage content calendars, ensuring a consistent and compelling online presence. 

Website Management: Collaboratively drive the ongoing development, maintenance, and optimization of FDD’s website. Collaborate with web developers to implement improvements, ensuring a user-friendly experience and adherence to best practices. 

SEO Optimization: Implement and refine SEO strategies to improve FDD’s visibility and ranking on search engines. Conduct regular SEO audits and recommend optimizations to enhance organic search performance. 

Content Development: Collaborate with internal teams to create and curate engaging digital content, including graphics, videos, and infographics. Help set and implement organizational policies and standards. Ensure content aligns with FDD’s messaging and objectives. Analyze external news sources and FDD goals in order to select key messages and content to amplify. 

Analytics and Reporting: Analyze and interpret traffic and user metrics, digital analytics and online metrics. Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of digital initiatives. Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for stakeholders, making data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement. 

Team Leadership and Teamwork: Manage and mentor a team of digital professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Provide regular insights to FDD experts on best practices for their own social media presence. Coordinate cross-functional efforts to achieve digital goals and milestones. Support projects and initiatives of the communications department.  

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, digital media, international relations, political science, public policy, journalism, or related fields; master’s degree preferred. 
• Proven professional experience (5-7 years or more) in digital content production and management, digital marketing, social media management, and website optimization. 
• Established interest and strong background in communicating U.S. national security and/or foreign policy via digital communications; familiar with and committed to furthering FDD’s mission. 
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing successful digital strategies that align with organizational goals; creative thinker who generates innovative ideas and solutions. 
• Experience managing corporate or organizational social media channels, including Twitter/X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. 
• Strong understanding of SEO best practices and experience with SEO tools. 
• Proficiency in digital marketing and analytics tools to track and analyze performance. 
• Strong leadership and project management skills, communicates effectively with internal and external contacts at all levels.  
• Knowledge of WordPress and Adobe Creative Cloud programs preferred. 
• Capable of analyzing massive amounts of data to find the key message, work on tight deadlines, and with news cycles.  

REQUIREMENTS

Interested and qualified applicants should apply here. 

Cover letter must include specific experience on issues and areas of expertise reflected on FDD’s website. A portfolio of digital content relevant to FDD’s work appreciated. 

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Roles and Responsibilities:

• Work in partnership with FDD programs and departments to implement the strategic planning of FDD Events
• Execute virtual and in-person meetings and events to advance FDD’s mission
• Work with FDD teams on program content, supporting assets, and promotional materials
• 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, including dignitaries and VIPs
• Develop and build upon network of venues, vendors, and other event support services
• Liaise with external partners, including the review contracts, RFPs, and BEOs for venues and vendors
• Review and approve event materials and other collateral, including transcripts, promotional messaging, social media posts, scripts, and runs-of-show
• Oversee events associate/senior associate, managing day-to-day workflow and prioritization of tasks
• Operate closely with and report to VP of Events and Marketing and Director of Events

Qualifications and Qualities:

• Attention to detail of the highest degree
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree required
  • Preferred field of study relevant to FDD’s work, such as international relations, international studies, political science, or history
  • If degree focus was not among those listed or similar, at least 2 years of experience working in a related sphere
• 5 years minimum working experience
  • 2+ years in operations role (events, hospitality, healthcare, education)
• Familiarity with project management platforms (such as monday.com or similar)
• Possess skills (or desire to learn basic skills) in video editing and content creation, including on platforms such as WordPress, Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign, Canva
• Must be located in the DC area or be willing to relocate. This position is hybrid with the requirement to be in-person regularly
• An interest and understanding in FDD’s work and mission 

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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 a National Security Network (NSN), a nonpartisan mentorship and leadership development program for mid-career national security practitioners. NSN is comprised of nearly 600 alumni from the military, the executive branch, the Hill, think tanks and the private sector. FDD does not accept donations from foreign governments.

Interested and qualified applicants should apply here. 

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

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