Job Location:  Atlantic Council Headquarters – Washington, DC
Employment Type: Full-time
Seniority Level: Entry-level
Job Category: Staff

Overview

The Atlantic Council seeks a talented, motivated, and entrepreneurial individual to serve as the Program Assistant, Business Development. This position supports the Council’s business development work across all programs and centers and is an integral member of the Strategic Partnerships Team. Reporting to the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, the Program Assistant will provide support to the Public Sector Partnerships team (70%) and Corporate Partnerships team (30%). This individual will be responsible for supporting prospect research, reviewing proposals, drafting memos, and ensuring data integrity through data entry and management of Salesforce and other databases, along with other duties as assigned.


A successful candidate will have a passion for the work, communicate effectively, and enjoy the complexity of supporting a rapidly growing program. Demonstrated knowledge of or interest in international affairs, nonprofit management, fundraising, and communications through classwork and/or experience is strongly preferred. The position requires superb administrative, writing, and communication skills and data entry through professional experience and/or academic work.


This position is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in office. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers from $53,000 to $56,000. Applications submitted by December 1, 2025, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities

  • Prospect Research: Assist with prospect research, working with public sector and corporate teams to develop prospect lists for the Atlantic Council’s 16 programs and Centers’ fundraising efforts.
  • Proposal Development: Support the review and copyediting of technical applications and the finalization and packaging of proposals for submission.
  • Communications: Draft formal correspondence to government officials and invitations for events, briefings for senior leadership, and internal proposal coordination and stewardship.
  • Project Management: Monitor development pipeline of key donors, including tracking requests for proposals, internal and external proposal deadlines, and proposal submission.
  • Event Coordination: Support the organization and execution of Council fundraising events. Support aspects of the solicitation process, including preparing and proofreading letters, generating mail merges, and tracking responses, contributing to a steady pipeline of sponsor solicitations for Council flagship events.
  • Knowledge Management: Support in maintaining development file management system and data entry systems.
  • Administrative Support: Provide logistical and administrative support to team projects and operations, including: assisting with logistical elements for meetings, roundtables, and high-level events with internal staff, donors and the public; aiding in data entry and note-taking; and coordinating materials for guests for monthly events.
  • Special Projects: Support the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships on special projects as they emerge across public sector and corporate partnerships teams.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a relevant field required.
  • 1-2 years of experience working in the non-profit, government, and/or corporate sectors preferred (volunteer and paid experience applicable).
  • Proven experience copyediting, formatting, and grant writing preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of the proposal development process for US government agencies.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational, time management and project management skills, including ability to identify, balance and rapidly shift priorities as needed.
  • Ability to make sound judgments, assume responsibility, and work independently in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and competing priorities.
  • Proven ability to manage upward to move assignments to completion in a timely and professional manner.
  • Strong interpersonal skills appropriate for operating effectively in a multicultural, international team environment.
  • The ideal candidate will be a data-driven, detail-oriented, self-starter, and a good problem solver.
  • Excellent computer skills using MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint are required.

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. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.

Apply now

Please note: The Atlantic Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any classification protected by law, including but not limited to those protected characteristics covered by the DC Human Rights Act, including age, skin color, credit information, disability, family responsibilities, familial status, gender identity & expression, genetic information, homeless status, marital status, matriculation, national origin, personal appearance, place of residence or business, political affiliation, race, religion, seal eviction record, sex, sexual orientation, source of income, status as a victim or family member of a victim of DVSOS, or status as a victim of an intrafamily offense. The Atlantic Council is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. For more information, please connect with us at recruitment@atlanticcouncil.org. Eligibility to work in the United States is confirmed with E-Verify; employment at the Atlantic Council is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).