Program Assistant, Forward Defense

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

About Forward Defense:

The Atlantic Council’s Forward Defense (FD) program, housed within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, leads the Atlantic Council’s US and global defense programming, developing actionable recommendations for the United States and its allies and partners to compete, innovate, and navigate the rapidly evolving character of warfare. Through its work on US defense policy and force design, military applications of advanced technology, space security, strategic deterrence, and defense industrial revitalization, it informs the strategies, policies, and capabilities that the United States will need to deter, and, if necessary, prevail in major-power conflict.

About the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security:

The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges and opportunities facing the United States and the world. The Center honors General Brent Scowcroft’s legacy of service and embodies his ethos of nonpartisan commitment to the cause of security, support for US leadership in cooperation with allies and partners, and dedication to the mentorship of the next generation of leaders.

Overview of the Role

The Atlantic Council’s Forward Defense Program is thrilled to hire a Program Assistant who will work on FD’s portfolio focused on defense innovation, technology, and industry, one of three main portfolios areas within FD. Within the assigned portfolio, the Program Assistant will execute administrative, logistical, and research tasks to support FD’s commissions and task forces, reports and publications; event planning and execution; and correspondence and scheduling. This is an entry-level role, but we are looking to invest in someone over the long-term to develop and grow their defense and national security expertise. This is a unique opportunity to support high-level defense conversations and learn from leading experts on issues impacting US national security.

The ideal candidate is innovative, resourceful, proactive, and has a demonstrated interest and basic knowledge of defense and national security issues. The Program Assistant will have a keen attention to detail and the ability to multi-task and communicate effectively in a dynamic work environment. The ability to take direction and feedback, manage up, and work collaboratively with team members across all levels is critical. In addition, sound judgment and the skills to work on multiple projects and keep tasks and deliverables on track while balancing competing timelines is a must.

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 $56,000 to $58,000. Applications submitted by January 30, 2026, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job responsibilities 

The Program Assistant will be specifically responsible for the following:

• Provide logistical and administrative support to FD team projects and operations, including FD’s commissions and task forces.
• Prepare agendas and background materials to prepare principals for external meetings.
• Organize and execute convenings, with primary responsibility for several FD public and private events.
• Draft, edit, and proofread internal and external correspondence and other written communication.
• Liaise with internal and external offices, including with FD fellows, military fellows, partners, and stakeholders on projects.
• Maintain programmatic databases and mailing lists.
• Note-take during events and draft write-ups for program archives and publication on the Atlantic Council website.
• Support communications for events and reports, including drafting social media posts, website language, and scripts for videos and multimedia products.
• Support the publications process for FD reports and op-eds, including editing, proof-reading, design choices, and communicating with the author. 
• Support FD’s network of senior fellows and consultants, drafting agreements and coordinating payments as applicable.
• Support business development and stewardship efforts as necessary.
• Supervise and support the management of program interns.
• Conduct ad hoc research to support the Director, staff, and senior fellows on priority projects and current events related to security and defense.
• Write occasional articles and assist with the research and drafting of op-eds and reports.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in, and a passion for, defense and security issues is crucial. Candidates with a particular interest in, or prior experience with, the defense industry and defense innovation issues should make this clear in their application.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Studies in international affairs, political science, or a related topic are preferred, although a range of educational experiences may qualify you for this position. 
• Ability to execute and manage project deliverables with exceptional attention to detail is key.
• Ability to multi-task and stay on top of evolving timelines in a dynamic environment is a must.
• Exceptional organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well with others and interact professionally with senior figures.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office. If you’re experienced with other software platforms (such as WordPress, Salesforce, and Hubspot), please mention.
• Willingness and ability to commit forty hours per week and occasionally longer to complete time-sensitive deliverables.
• Ability to work in-person from the Council’s Washington, DC headquarters a minimum of four times a week and when required, and to work remotely during Eastern time zone business hours otherwise.
• Past events management experience is a plus. Internships, volunteer work, and school clubs and organizations can count.
• Past communications, business development, or brand development experience is a plus.
• Past experience in tracking finances and expenses is a plus.

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.

About the Program

Forward Defense leads the Atlantic Council’s US and global defense programming, developing actionable recommendations for the United States and its allies and partners to compete, innovate, and navigate the rapidly evolving character of warfare. Through its work on US defense policy and force design, the military applications of advanced technology, space security, strategic deterrence, and defense industrial revitalization, it informs the strategies, policies, and capabilities that the United States will need to deter, and, if necessary, prevail in major-power conflict.

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