Jobs and Internships

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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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The Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP) at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is recruiting a Senior Research Analyst. CEFP studies national economic security, focusing on how the U.S. can leverage its economic and financial power to achieve its national security objectives. Experts at CEFP track and analyze changes in the international economy and how allies and rivals adapt to these developments. CEFP also promotes a greater understanding of how the U.S. government can employ its economic and financial authorities and tools to best counter its adversaries and support U.S. foreign policy goals. The role of CEFP Research Analyst is a critical function for the team and will include support for the Center’s efforts to target the financial flows of terror organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah. The incumbent will work closely with leadership to support the growth and development of the Center, with ample opportunity to contribute research and hone writing skills for publication.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of research products for CEFP, with a focus on data-driven analysis and drafting policy memos, briefs, monographs, and other products as required.
• Support the development of CEFP thought leadership on securing US national economic security, including support on research to counter terror and illicit finance; employ the effective use of sanctions, export controls, outbound investment; countering foreign corruption and kleptocracy; addressing global supply chain risk; exploring new economic statecraft and alliances; and analyzing US-China competition.
• Employ data and analytic tools relevant to CEFP’s original research and thought leadership.
• Support CEFP in executing events, outreach, and preparations for Board meetings.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned to you consistent with the Research Analyst role.

 Minimum desired qualifications:

• 4-5 years (or equivalent) experience in research, writing, and data-driven analysis.
• Experience in handling complex datasets and statistical programs.
• Strong presentation and communications skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, work under tight timelines.
• Ability to work both independently as well as across teams and functional areas.
• A bachelor’s degree in economics, data sciences, political science, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is desirable.
• Strong alignment with FDD mission and position as an independent, non-partisan foreign policy think tank.

 Requirements:

Please submit a cover letter, CV, and a recent writing sample on a topic relevant to the work of CEFP.

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Research Associate/Analyst (Arabic speaker)

FDD seeks a researcher with advanced or native Arabic language skills. The successful applicant will have superior writing, research, and analytical skills, as well as a demonstrated interest and understanding of the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy, especially Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct deep research and analysis both in English and in Arabic.
• Write for publication on the above and related topics (both internal and external publications, including newspapers and news websites).
• Serve as a resource to members of the policy community, private sector entities, and journalists.
• Discuss issues related to your research at events and podcasts, organized by FDD and others, including on television and radio news programs.
• Conduct Arabic language research and analysis in support of team projects led by senior FDD scholars.
• Other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in international relations, political science, history, security studies, or similar.
• Advanced or native written and spoken Arabic language skills required.
• Applicant should be comfortable reading Arabic language news, social media, books, and analytic writing, as well as comprehending audio-visual material.
• Work experience related to foreign policy research and/or writing.
• Demonstrated superior writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.

Application Requirements:

• Cover letter
• Resume

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The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks to hire a highly motivated, experienced editor and research analyst with knowledge of national security and foreign policy. They will join a fast-paced team and must be familiar with and committed to furthering FDD’s work.

Responsibilities:

• Works a five-day week spanning the weekend, to include Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, plus either Tuesday or Thursday
• Edits, copy edits, and proofreads written products to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency with FDD’s style guide and brand
• Drafts original analyses of varying lengths, styles, and research areas, ranging from short, informal promotional materials to medium-length articles for publication
• Closely tracks developments in the Middle East and contributes to content development
• Creates and manages the editing process, from initial edits through publication, including adhering to project schedules and updating internal reports to keep stakeholders notified of progress
• Support projects and initiatives of FDD’s research department, to include editing of website copy, press releases, scholar biographies, job postings, and other materials as needed
• Works with FDD’s Communications department to amplify newsworthy content to key publications

Qualifications:

• Exceptional editing and writing skills, including mastery of English grammar, attention to detail, comfort with multiple writing styles
• Experience as an editor for a news publication, think tank, or comparable organization
• Strong interest in Middle East history and current events
• Background in U.S. foreign policy, national security and/or public policy
• Ability to work on tight deadlines and in accordance with the news cycle, as required
• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in a foreign policy-relevant field preferred
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel
• Strong organizational and communication skills and ability to work well in a team
• Must be able to work full days on weekends – days off will be during the week

Requirements:

Interested candidate should apply here. Please submit a cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Apply

Research Associate/Analyst (Farsi speaker)

FDD seeks a researcher with advanced or native Farsi language skills. The successful applicant will have superior writing, research, and analytical skills, as well as a demonstrated interest and understanding of the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy, especially Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct deep research and analysis both in English and in Farsi.
• Write for publication on the above and related topics (both internal and external publications, including newspapers and news websites).
• Serve as a resource to members of the policy community, private sector entities, and journalists.
• Discuss issues related to your research at events and podcasts, organized by FDD and others, including on television and radio news programs.
• Conduct Farsi language research and analysis in support of team projects led by senior FDD scholars.
• Other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned.

Application Requirements:

• Cover letter
• Resume

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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.

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 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 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:

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

Application Requirements:

• PDF or online portfolio
• Cover letter
• Resume

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 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