Research Assistant / Research Associate, Defense Program

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks to hire a Research Assistant/Associate (RA) to support its Defense Program. Candidates with an interest in defense strategy, policy, and operations who possess strong project and event management skills are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates should be self-starters comfortable working as part of a small, close-knit team in an extremely fast-paced and fluid work environment. The RA will have the opportunity to contribute to research projects on high-impact defense issues and organize events such as roundtables and wargames with senior defense and national security leaders. An ability to manage complex administrative tasks while also undertaking research assignments with diligent attention to detail is critical. Please note that this is not a regional studies position. The position is in-person and located in Washington, D.C.

The following is an overview of primary responsibilities. Other tasks may be required, and responsibilities will vary over time.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

TEAM MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS

• Schedule and execute meetings and events across multiple time zones.
• Create meeting agendas, take notes, and track associated tasks.
• Arrange business travel and accommodations.
• Compile expense reports and manage financial reporting.
• Maintain program website and project content.
• Manage program contact lists.
• Assist in the management and mentorship of intern(s).

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT

• Edit CNAS papers and reports for substance, style, and layout, including citations.
• Manage team publication schedules and deadlines.
• Collaborate with Center staff to develop compelling graphics and data visualizations.
• Help promote research among target audiences.

EVENT DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

Plan, manage, and execute Defense Program events, including wargames run by The Gaming Lab, private roundtables, and public events. This includes:

• Formulate event agendas and relevant background materials.
• Draft and send personalized invitations and external-facing event descriptions.
• Identify invitees and manage RSVP lists.
• Oversee event logistics, such as venues, catering, etc., in conjunction with Center staff.
• Coordinate with senior government and subject matter expert external speakers and their staffs.
• Execute complex virtual event communications plans using Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT

• Research and build familiarity with potential funders.
• Develop proposals, grant applications, and project budgets in conjunction with Center staff.
• Engage with project sponsors in conjunction with senior staff.
• Compile reporting requirements for funders in conjunction with Center staff.
• Engage with donors and sponsors. 

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

• Conduct literature reviews, in-depth research, and analysis on key defense topics.
• Assist in wargame design, execution, and analysis.
• Create and manage wargame support materials, including orders of battle, scenarios, and maps.
• Identify key insights from wargames.
• Co-author CNAS papers and reports with supervision from senior staff.
• Publish op-eds, journal articles, or short analyses with supervision from senior staff.
• Support and participate in engagements with external experts and practitioners including (non-resident) adjunct fellows.

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in interviews and other personnel processes.
• Attend internal meetings and represent CNAS at outside events.
• Mentor colleagues.
• Assist in networking, messaging, and outreach about CNAS, the Defense Program, and its products.
• Attend and staff CNAS events and activities as needed.
• Occasional travel

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Exceptional organizational skills and rigorous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated interest in researching, analyzing, and writing on national security and defense issues.
• Demonstrated willingness to perform administrative work with diligence.
• Strong multitasking and time management skills, as well as an ability to juggle multiple projects and competing priorities.
• An ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and fluid environment.
• General familiarity with military, Department of Defense, and national security issues and terminology, as well as familiarity with open-source research methods and traditional academic approaches.
• Strong writing skills, including good grammar and diligent self-editing and fact checking.
• Good judgment, especially regarding the quality of data and competing information sources.
• Willingness to maintain confidentiality.
• Computer competency including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Slack, and Zoom.
• Based in Washington, D.C. or willing to relocate upon job offer. This is a fully in-person role.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a relevant area of study (e.g., strategic studies, security studies, political science, international relations, military history, operations research).
• Project management experience.
• Events management experience.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and writing on national security and defense issues.
• Experience designing, executing, and analyzing wargames or other research-related events.
• Experience in data analysis and visualization using standard tools (Excel, Python, R, etc.).
• Two to five years of full-time relevant work experience (required for Research Associate applicants).

ABOUT THE DEFENSE PROGRAM

The CNAS Defense program addresses the central military challenges of today and tomorrow and assesses how to balance risk across time. We employ strategic, budgetary, and operational analysis and leverage innovative approaches to inform defense policy. Wargaming is one of these innovation approaches, and the Gaming Lab at CNAS, situated within the Defense Program, develops and runs games and exercises on critical defense issues. Through these efforts and more, we develop actionable policy recommendations on defense strategy, force structure, operations, and resourcing to help U.S. and allied leaders create needed change.

ABOUT CNAS

The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.

CNAS is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

CNAS offers a complete and competitive benefits package for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and an employee assistance program.

TO APPLY

CNAS is accepting online applications only. Apply online using this link:

https://cnas.bamboohr.com/careers/137

A complete application will include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in and qualifications for the position, together with a résumé or CV. Additional application materials and professional references may be requested.