Director, Transatlantic Security Initiative

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

About the Transatlantic Security Initiative:

The Transatlantic Security Initiative (TSI) brings together top policymakers, government and military officials, business leaders, and senior experts from Europe and North America to share insights and develop innovative approaches to the key challenges facing NATO and the transatlantic community. Building on the mission of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security mission, TSI focuses on developing strategies for the United States and its NATO allies and partners on both sides of the Atlantic. Through high-profile public convenings, off-the-record strategy sessions, war-gaming, digital engagement, and in-depth research publications, TSI directly informs the transatlantic security debate, galvanizes public support around NATO and key institutions that build peace and collective security, and provides practical, nonpartisan solutions for transatlantic leaders at this critical time in the Alliance’s history.

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 U.S. 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 seeks a strategic thinker with a track record of shaping the public debate and influencing US and allied policy to serve as Director of the Transatlantic Security Initiative, reporting to the Senior Director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. The successful candidate will be an organized, operationally savvy, experienced manager, who will oversee the Initiative’s operations—to include fundraising and financial management, recruiting and retaining talent, managing and growing partnerships, and leading the program to successfully execute its mission.

The successful candidate must be well-versed in transatlantic security and defense issues, have deep knowledge of and a history of engagement with NATO, and bring a passion for US and allied engagement in the world.

A proven track record of project management is required, and having strong networks among policymakers in Washington, NATO, and across the Alliance’s 32 constituent members would be an advantage. The individual should be comfortable in a fluid, dynamic environment and bring a strong track record of management skills—organization, reliability, clear communication, and attention to detail—to the role.

Candidates should demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills. This role is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters. Pay is commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers starting at $130,000. Applications submitted by April 19, 2024, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job responsibilities

The Director will be specifically responsible for: 

• Intellectual Leadership. Play a leading role in developing the intellectual and policy frameworks that centrally advance the Atlantic Council’s mission and programming through written work and speaking opportunities within and outside the Atlantic Council; develop a profile as a respected thought leader in the policy community.
• Programmatic Design and Oversight. Help develop programming for influencing policy and impacting the debate within the US, NATO, and allied governments on both sides of the Atlantic.  Oversee implementation of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Business Development. Contribute programmatic ideas for the Inititiave, helping to craft proposals for funding that can generate financial support for new and existing lines of effort. Working with the Center’s Senior Director and fellow initiative directors, build the Iniaitive’s funding base by sustaining current financial support and pursuing additional support from corporations, governments, international organizations, foundations, and individuals.
• Outreach/Communications. Represent the Atlantic Council externally with the administration, Congress, the diplomatic community and foreign governments, donors, media, etc., as well as at public and private events, international conferences, etc.
• Financial Management. Serve as a reliable and faithful steward of Atlantic Council funds. Oversee expenses and revenues, management of budgets and anticipated fundraising, and ensure program solvency.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field required.
• Relevant work experience in foreign policy/national security/defense, the private sector, government, and/or a non-governmental organization.
• Impressive leadership and communication skills and effective at building non-partisan communities of influence around key strategic and policy priorities.
• Extensive experience in project management and a proven track record of business development success.
• An entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving and project management.
• Superior writing/communication skills and outstanding interpersonal skills to work well with all levels of experience and influence, from interns to senior officials.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship management skills, including the ability to identify and work through challenges, underscored by strong judgment and emotional intelligence.
• Team player with a can-do attitude and a passion for our shared work as an organization. Embodiment of our organizational values of teamwork and optimism.