Associate Director, Forward Defense
: Job Details :

Job Location: Atlantic Council Headquarters - Washington, DC Employment Type: Full-timeSeniority Level: AssociateJob Category: Staff

About Forward Defense

The Atlantic Council's Forward Defense (FD) program, situated in the Scowcroft Center, generates ideas and connects stakeholders in the defense ecosystem to promote an enduring military advantage for the United States, its allies, and partners. Our work identifies the defense strategies, capabilities, and resources the United States needs to deter and, if necessary, prevail in future conflict.

Overview of the Role

The Atlantic Council's Forward Defense Program is thrilled to hire an Associate Director. The Associate Director will lead FD's portfolio of work on defense-industrial issues; execute and manage FD's key projects related to US defense industrial base policy, emerging defense and dual-use technology, and defense industrial integration; manage junior colleagues working on projects on these subject areas; and support the Director and Deputy Director with tasks related to the broader management of Forward Defense.

The ideal candidate is innovative, resourceful, proactive, and has a proven track record of working with policymakers, military officials, and/or senior experts on emerging defense and security issues and technologies. The Associate Director will have solid judgment and the ability to multi-task and communicate effectively in a dynamic work environment.

This position is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters on a hybrid schedule. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers from $65,000 to $87,000. Applications submitted by August 30, 2024 will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage and assume primary responsibility in organizing and executing major Forward Defense projects, including our Commission on Software Defined Warfare.
• Set the operational tempo and timelines for projects, track multiple deliverables, and delegate tasks to junior colleagues.
• Shape the content, format, and structure of FD's defense industrial base publications and convenings.
• Contribute to shaping Forward Defense's goals and desired policy and programmatic outcomes.
• Edit written work and coordinate closely with fellows and staff to produce articles and other written work.
• Liaise with other Council centers to ensure successful execution of events and publications.
• Maintain, develop, and cultivate a wide network of crucial partner and donor relationships.
• Contribute to the intellectual work of the Center through research and writing on issues related to the defense industrial base.
• Represent Forward Defense at external meetings and events.
• Supervise and provide mentorship to FD's interns and junior staff.

Qualifications

General Qualifications:

• Experience in project management, event management, and stakeholder management.
• Exceptional organizational, writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong track record in engaging key stakeholders in US defense and security.
• Significant interest in, and demonstrated knowledge of, defense and security issues.

Specific Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in a related field is strongly preferred.
• Past work experience with transferable operational, project, and people management skills.
• Previous relevant, substantive work experience and demonstrated expertise in subject matter.
• Experience in overseeing a small number of interns and staff.
• Experience in business development, stakeholder management, and budgeting.

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families.

Apply Now

All Atlantic Council employees are required to adhere to the Atlantic Council's vaccination policy.

Please note: The Atlantic Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.