Director, Iraq Initiative, Middle East Programs

Job Location: Atlantic Council Headquarters – Washington, DC
Employment Type: Full-Time
Seniority Level: Director
Job Category: Staff

Overview

The Atlantic Council seeks a dynamic, experienced, innovative professional to lead and expand our Iraq Initiative—a long running program dedicated to the security, social, and economic aspects of Iraq as a key regional player for both stability and global energy markets. The director will ideally be a former US government official with writing experience, language credentials, rich familiarity with the region’s culture, politics, and security challenges, and connections to Iraqi and American policymakers. The director will design and implement ambitious projects, lead programs, write opinion pieces, conduct research, publish, appear on media outlets, and engage with policymakers in order to advance an engaged US and transatlantic policy toward Iraq. The director will have opportunities to pursue his/her own analytical interests. Under the guidance of the Middle East Program Senior Director, the Iraq Initiative Director will cooperate with colleagues within the Middle East Programs and other Atlantic Council programs and centers to develop and implement regional and global initiatives.

The successful candidate will have an expert’s level understanding of the evolving security, political, and economic dynamics and changes within Iraq, a willingness to take ownership of and promote policy changes publicly, and a desire to sustain and build a world-class programming at the Atlantic Council. The candidate will develop concepts for, write, and oversee production of major projects, policy documents, and longer reports. They will also moderate private and public events at the Atlantic Council and outside institutions and will be comfortable with public speaking at in-person and virtual events. Demonstrated expertise and analytical work related to the Iraq are required. The successful candidate will also have experience managing a small team and will play a key role in mentoring junior staff and supporting their growth as budding experts. Strong writing and speaking skills in English are essential; fluency in Arabic is preferred.

The position is based in Washington, DC hearquarters, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in office, with occasional travel to the region, and very occasional travel to Europe or elsewhere. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers from $150,000 to $180,000. Applications submitted by May 21, 2025 will be prioritized for consideration.

Job responsibilities

The Director will be specifically responsible for:

• Intellectual Leadership: Shape the Council’s intellectual agenda on Iraq through original analysis, frequent publication, and public speaking; be recognized in the policy community as a thought leader on Iraq’s governance, security, energy and economic role in the region.
• Programmatic Design and Oversight: Develop strategic programming—including public and private events, publications, travel, and working groups—focused on Iraq’s politics, security, foreign relations, economy and energy.
• Outreach and Communications: Represent the Council in high-level engagements with US and Iraqi government officials, diplomats, civil society leaders, media outlets, and international conferences; contribute regularly to public debate and commentary.
• Management: Lead a growing team, oversee nonresident fellows and junior staff, support staff development, and manage relationships with key stakeholders including Atlantic Council board members and external partners.
• Business Development: Design and lead fundraising initiatives, including writing grant proposals, cultivating donor relationships, and securing financial support for new and existing programmatic work.
• Financial Management: Serve as a responsible steward of initiative funds; manage budgets, oversee expenditures and revenue forecasts, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Iraq Initiative.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience in public service, academia, think tanks, or international organizations, including work directly related to Iraq; advanced degree (MA, PhD, JD) preferred.
• Proven expertise on Iraq’s internal political dynamics, security challenges, and regional relationships, with a record of independent research or policy engagement.
• Demonstrated program management and experience fundraising.
• Extensive portfolio of published scholarly research on issues in the region through media outlets or research institutions, or comparable government policy or analytical writing experience for White House or cabinet-level officials.
• Ability to research and publish on a consistent basis, often responding to time-sensitive developments under tight deadlines and balancing competing demands.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English; Arabic or Kurdish fluency highly desirable.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; must be able to engage and build relationships with high level US policymakers, foreign government officials, and prestigious members of the Atlantic Council, as well as speak as an expert frequently in media and public forums.

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

Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

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