Research Assistant: Foreign and Defense Policy; US Foreign Policy

Overview

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time, in-person research assistant to support the work of scholars Danielle Pletka and Marc A. Thiessen. This job’s primary focus will be research assistance on issues related to US foreign policy, the Middle East, and national politics. Core responsibilities include researching, writing, and editing in support of Ms. Pletka and Mr. Thiessen’s scholarly vision. The assistant will also produce and facilitate recordings for AEI’s national security podcast, What the Hell Is Going On? Podcast responsibilities include audio editing, copyediting the transcript, managing the show’s X account, scheduling guests, and sending weekly marketing emails. Additional duties include organizing public events and managing media and meeting requests.

Applicants should have a strong academic record, experience in providing timely and responsive research and administrative support, and a keen understanding of US national security policy and politics. Experience analyzing foreign policy is strongly preferred. A successful candidate will be an extremely organized and entrepreneurial self-starter who can multitask, prioritize, and balance multiple projects with competing deadlines. Prior think tank, media, or Capitol Hill experience is considered a plus.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter, a writing sample, and unofficial academic transcripts. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible. Soon-to-be graduates are welcome to apply.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, and edit pieces related to US foreign policy, national politics, and the Middle East.
• Produce and facilitate recordings of AEI’s weekly national security podcast, What the Hell Is Going On?
• Provide timely research and administrative support, including prompt scheduling.
• Manage long-term scholarly projects by drafting proposals, mapping timelines, and preparing regular progress reports for AEI management.
• Manage logistical and administrative tasks for designated scholars, including coordinating with other AEI departments, assisting with publishing and promoting new products, tracking expenses, organizing travel, and planning private meetings (including with foreign nationals).
• Plan and coordinate public events showcasing the latest policy research and discussing current events.
• Select and supervise assigned interns.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in history, international relations, political science, public policy, Middle East studies, or a related field is required.
• Candidates should have 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience; previous internship experience is strongly preferred.
• Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in Ms. Pletka and Mr. Thiessen’s research, with the willingness, aptitude, and drive to support their scholarly vision.
• Prior experience in researching US foreign policy, national politics, and the Middle East is required.
• Excellent research, communication, writing, editing, organizational, and interpersonal skills are required.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment is required.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills are required.

Benefits

AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care FSA; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403b retirement plan with a contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://www.aei.org/jobs/benefits/.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; as well as internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000 - $54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.