Job Opportunities

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter, CV, and writing sample here. Please include in the cover letter your specific interest in FDD. No phone calls, please. FDD is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.

Digital Media Director

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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. 

Research Analyst/Fellow, China Program

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The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks a Research Analyst (or Fellow) to contribute to its China Program. This full-time position, based in Washington, DC, involves actively participating in various research initiatives related to China’s foreign and domestic policies, U.S.-China diplomatic, military, economic, and technology interactions, and the formulation of U.S. policy and strategies towards China. The selected candidate will report directly to the Senior Director of FDD’s China Program.

FDD is deeply committed to countering the challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). From the CCP’s formidable threats to American democratic allies, such as Taiwan, to its strategic stronghold on critical supply chains and essential 21st-century technologies, FDD’s China Program confronts a broad spectrum of issues essential for upholding democratic principles and safeguarding U.S. national security.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct in-depth research on various aspects of China’s foreign and domestic policies, including but not limited to economic, diplomatic, defense, and technological interactions with the United States.
  • Analyze and assess the implications of Chinese strategic initiatives, identifying potential challenges and opportunities for U.S. policy and strategy formulation.
  • Produce high-quality written content, such as research memos, op-eds, and flash briefs, providing insightful analysis and recommendations on China-related issues for internal and external audiences.
  • Collaborate closely with other members of the China Program team to contribute to ongoing research projects and policy development efforts.
  • Monitor and stay abreast of developments in China’s political, economic, and security landscape, providing timely updates and analysis to inform FDD’s China-related initiatives.
  • Engage with policymakers, experts, and stakeholders in the policy community to disseminate research findings, participate in policy discussions, and contribute to shaping the discourse on U.S.-China relations.
  • Assist in organizing and participating in events, conferences, and briefings related to China’s strategic dynamics and U.S. policy responses.
  • Provide support and assistance to the Senior Director of FDD’s China Program as needed, including administrative tasks and coordination of program activities.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field, such as international relations, political science, or economics.
  • Strong research skills with the ability to conduct thorough and rigorous analysis of complex issues related to China’s foreign and domestic policies.
  • Excellent writing skills with the capacity to produce high-quality written content, including research memos, op-eds, and policy briefs, for various audiences.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of China’s political, economic, and security landscape as well as its interactions with the United States.
  • Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate with team members, engage with policymakers and experts, and present research findings in a clear and concise manner.
  • Proactive and self-motivated individual with the ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Fluency in Mandarin Chinese is preferred but not required.

Applicants are strongly recommended to submit a writing sample on a China-related matter along with their resume/CV and cover letter.

Program Manager

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The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a Washington D.C.-based nonpartisan think tank focusing on national security and foreign policy, is seeking a program manager.

Responsibilities

  • Work closely with the Director of Program Management and Strategy and research staff to manage and scale FDD’s research programs.
  • Track and manage ongoing projects within FDD’s programs, including major reports and research initiatives.
  • Oversee the editing, production, and rollout of publications, ensuring deadlines are met and results are achieved through effective internal coordination.
  • Collaborate on behalf of the research department with FDD’s other departments.
  • Support the team with other tasks as needed.

Qualifications

  • Extremely detail-oriented and well-organized.
  • Strong communication and writing skills.
  • Ability to work both independently as well as across teams.
  • An interest and understanding of FDD’s issues.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite required.
  • Familiarity with project and relationship management tools required.
  • Bachelor’s degree and program management experience required.

Candidates should apply by submitting a resume and cover letter outlining the applicant’s skills, experiences, and interest in this position and FDD here.

Military Fellow

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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.

Program Associate, National Security Network

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The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks to hire a program associate to assist with all aspects of FDD’s programming for mid-career national security professionals. Applicants are required to live commuting distance from Washington, DC, and be available to work in FDD’s DC office up to three days a week.

In 2011, FDD launched FDD’s National Security Network (NSN), a mid-career professional development initiative for rising stars in the field of national security, with a goal of educating Washington’s brightest and best on the most pressing national security and foreign policy challenges of our time. Through NSN, FDD has cultivated an impressive network of over 600 national security practitioners. FDD’s NSN includes members of Congress, congressional staff on key committees, White House staff including at the NSC, members of the intel community, successful entrepreneurs, young leaders in the U.S. military, and nationally recognized journalists.

Responsibilities of FDD’s National Security Network Program Associate include (but are not limited to):

  • Contributing to all aspects of planning and executing for FDD’s mid-career professional development programming
  • Contributing to all aspects of planning and executing for FDD’s national security trips to Israel and other international destinations
  • Devising creative engagement strategies for FDD’s National Security Network
  • Managing and tracking FDD’s National Security Network
  • Planning and executing flawless events for seasoned national security experts
  • Liasing with other FDD teams and experts to ensure smooth execution of NSN events and initiatives
  • Drafting correspondence and serving as the point of contact for event participants and speakers including VIPs
  • Serving as the point of contact for external vendors
  • Managing data, metrics, and calendars on multiple platforms
  • Maintaining comprehensive event calendar and schedule

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required (International Relations, National Security Studies, Counterterrorism, or Middle Eastern Studies preferred)
  • Demonstrated interest and knowledge in U.S. foreign policy and/or national security
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills and ease in networking environments
  • Ability to perform independent research regarding best practices and strategies related to building robust alumni communities
  • Strong interest in program management
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to successfully navigate international travel
  • Excellent writing and communications skills
  • To succeed in this position, applicant must enjoy a front-facing role, be a willing team player, and be 100 percent reliable

Requirements

Qualified applicants should apply here.

Research Analyst, Center on Military and Political Power

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The Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) seeks to hire a research analyst to study how to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base to ensure it can produce the quality and quantity of weapons that U.S. and partner militaries need to deter and defeat adversaries. A successful applicant will have exceptionally strong research and analytical skills as well as meticulous attention to detail and a demonstrated aptitude for and interest in conducting detailed technical research related to the defense industrial and innovation base, weapon systems, supply chains, and related legislation.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct deep research and analysis on the U.S. defense industrial and innovation base, weapon systems, supply chains, and related legislation.
  • 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.
  • Other related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred in international relations, political science, history, security studies, government, or similar.
  • Demonstrated exceptionally strong research skills, analytical ability, attention to detail, and interest in weapon systems and their production.
  • 1-3 years of related professional experience preferred.
  • In-person work is preferred. Hybrid arrangement possible.
  • Would report to the CMPP senior director.

Application Requirements

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Writing sample on relevant topic

Applications should be submitted here.

*Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Junior Designer

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

Internship opportunities

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