Research Assistant: Foreign and Defense Policy; US Foreign Policy

American Enterprise Institute • Washington, DC

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time, in-person research assistant to support the work of scholars Danielle Pletka and Marc A. Thiessen. This job’s primary focus will be research assistance on issues related to US foreign policy, the Middle East, and national politics. Core responsibilities include researching, writing, and editing in support of Ms. Pletka and Mr. Thiessen’s scholarly vision. The assistant will also produce and facilitate recordings for AEI’s national security podcast, What the Hell Is Going On? Podcast responsibilities include audio editing, copyediting the transcript, managing the show’s X account, scheduling guests, and sending weekly marketing emails. Additional duties include organizing public events and managing media and meeting requests. Applicants should have a strong academic record, experience in providing timely and responsive research and administrative support, and a keen understanding of US national security policy and politics. Experience analyzing foreign policy is strongly preferred. A successful candidate will be an extremely organized and entrepreneurial self-starter who can multitask, prioritize, and balance multiple projects with competing deadlines. Prior think tank, media, or Capitol Hill experience is considered a plus. Qualified candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter, a writing sample, and unofficial academic transcripts. Soon-to-be graduates are welcome to apply.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in history, international relations, political science, public policy, Middle East studies, or a related field is required.
• 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience; previous internship experience is strongly preferred.
• A demonstrated interest in Ms. Pletka and Mr. Thiessen’s research, with the willingness, aptitude, and drive to support their scholarly vision.
• Prior experience in researching US foreign policy, national politics, and the Middle East is required.
• Excellent research, communication, writing, editing, organizational, and interpersonal skills are required.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment is required.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills are required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience analyzing foreign policy is strongly preferred.
• Prior think tank, media, or Capitol Hill experience is considered a plus.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, and edit pieces related to US foreign policy, national politics, and the Middle East.
• Produce and facilitate recordings of AEI’s weekly national security podcast, What the Hell Is Going On?
• Provide timely research and administrative support, including prompt scheduling.
• Manage long-term scholarly projects by drafting proposals, mapping timelines, and preparing regular progress reports for AEI management.
• Manage logistical and administrative tasks for designated scholars, including coordinating with other AEI departments, assisting with publishing and promoting new products, tracking expenses, organizing travel, and planning private meetings (including with foreign nationals).
• Plan and coordinate public events showcasing the latest policy research and discussing current events.
• Select and supervise assigned interns.

Benefits

• 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays)
• 12 days of paid sick leave
• Paid family leave
• Medical and dental coverage
• Health savings account
• Medical and dependent care FSA
• Tuition assistance program of up to $5,200
• Life and disability insurance at no cost to employees
• 403b retirement plan with a 12% contribution from AEI

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees