Forward Defense - Spring 2027 Young Global Professionals Program

Atlantic Council Of The U S • Washington, DC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Forward Defense (FD), housed in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, develops actionable strategies and operational concepts to help the United States and its allies deter and, if necessary, prevail in conflict. Its work covers U.S. defense strategy, the future of warfare, emerging technologies including AI and autonomy, nuclear and space security, and revitalizing the defense industrial base.

FD seeks a motivated, energetic intern to support its events, publications, and digital communications. Interns interact with senior U.S. and allied defense officials and gain exposure to event planning, research, writing, editing, publishing, and the operations of a Washington, DC think tank. The program also offers professional development, including career-skills and technical workshops, opportunities to interact with Non-Resident Senior Fellows, and introductions to military and defense concepts.

The internship is based at the Council’s Washington, DC headquarters. Candidates are expected to work full-time, 40 hours per week, with at least four days per week in the office. Compensation is $18.50 per hour.

Requirements

• Be at least a college junior in good standing, a graduate student, or a college graduate.
• Explain in a cover letter how your background is relevant to international relations and national security.
• Demonstrate interest in the core mission of the Atlantic Council.
• Have interest in and knowledge of topics related to Forward Defense, such as Chinese and Russian security, military technology, space security, nuclear deterrence and arms control, national security applications of AI and machine learning, hybrid warfare, homeland security, the defense industry, and wargaming.
• Have excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills, both live and virtual, including the ability to identify and work through challenges, with strong judgment and emotional intelligence.
• Be proficient in the MS Office suite.
• Have strong analytical, planning, time-management, and organizational skills.
• Be able to commit to full-time work (40 hours per week) at the Council’s Washington, DC headquarters and be in the office four days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in software such as WordPress, Salesforce, or Marketo.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to support Forward Defense’s activities.
• Manage Forward Defense contacts and knowledge.
• Draft correspondence and take notes at roundtables and strategy sessions for program archives.
• Handle logistical and operational functions for Forward Defense events and activities.
• Help draft policy briefs, blog posts, memos, articles, and other publications.
• Support Forward Defense’s development as needed.
• Conduct media outreach to promote Forward Defense events, publications, and writings.
• Create and update Forward Defense website content using WordPress.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities, including workshops on career skills and technical knowledge, interaction with the Non-Resident Senior Fellow network, and introductions to military and defense concepts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed