Program Assistant, Transatlantic Security Initiative

Atlantic Council • Full-time • Washington, District of Columbia, United States • $53k - $59k / year • 2d ago

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

Overview

The Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Security Initiative (TSI) within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security seeks one (or two) talented and team-oriented individual(s) to serve as Program Assistant(s). The Program Assistant(s) will support TSI’s programmatic and research efforts aimed at contributing to a strong and resilient transatlantic relationship. The Program Assistant(s) will assist with the planning and execution of our public and private events in Washington, DC and virtually, partner and project management, communications work, and research assignments. The Program Assistant position is full-time.

About the Transatlantic Security Initiative

TSI’s mission is to contribute to a strong and resilient transatlantic relationship that is prepared to deter and defend, succeed in strategic competition, and harness emerging capabilities to address future threats and opportunities. This mission endures across changing political dynamics on both sides of the Atlantic, and in the face of new and evolving threats. We advance the interests and values of the United States and its transatlantic allies and partners through the Atlantic Council’s convening power, our cutting-edge research and substantive expertise, and through our extensive and influential network across the transatlantic community. We work in partnership with governments, the private sector, think tank community, academia and others. We hold expert public and private convenings, conduct research, organize study trips, and produce publications, commentary and analysis to shape and influence policy and debate on the biggest challenges facing the transatlantic relationship. Intellectual independence is a cornerstone of our work at all times.

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 Program Assistant(s) will take an active role in event planning and execution, including managing (under supervision and eventually independently) all associated logistical and administrative tasks to support our program both on the ground in Washington, DC and virtually. The Program Assistant(s) may also help coordinate the logistics of a select number of trips to Europe, as well as other large-scale events and programmatic efforts that might develop in the future.

Beyond this work, the Program Assistant(s) will actively engage in other aspects of our programmatic work and will be expected to contribute to and eventually independently engage in partner management and coordination, drafting of internal memos for events and meetings, media monitoring, communication and social media activities, substantive research, and other duties as assigned. Additionally, they may also assist with discrete tasks relating to financial management, business development, and other support to the program. The position will also expose the candidate to the writing process for research publications and articles and support our external engagement and communications strategy. Within a small team, we take an all-hands-on-deck approach to our day-to-day work, with all members of the team expected to complete outstanding or unassigned tasks in an independent and resourceful manner.

The successful candidate(s) will have a passion for the work of the Transatlantic Security Initiative and the mission of the Atlantic Council. Ideally, the candidate(s) will possess an understanding of the geopolitical context of transatlantic security policy, including up-to-date awareness of the Russian war against Ukraine and a broad understanding of the NATO Alliance through classwork and/or experience. A demonstrated facility with event planning is required through direct or transferable experience, while skills in various areas like communications and writing are strongly desired as well. An ability to be resourceful, maintain a solution-oriented outlook, and work efficiently both independently and on a team is a must. Successful candidates will put a premium on effective written and verbal communication in their work, maintain a resourceful ethos and collegial spirit, be able to multi-task while still adhering to deadlines, and enjoy learning and growing in a fast-paced organization. Our team prides itself on offering opportunities for significant professional growth to those who demonstrate impact and commitment to their work.

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 $53,000 to $59,000. Applications submitted by August 15, 2025, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job responsibilities

Event Management. Execute logistics for public and private events: Help coordinate and eventually lead the execution of onsite, offsite, and virtual events, including venue setup, guest management, speaker preparation, and coordination of VIP arrivals and departures, among other responsibilities. Lead planning and related administrative tasks, such as conceptualizing substantive event framing, identifying and inviting speakers, drafting invitation language, managing RSVPs, preparing speaker memos, and taking notes during events. Over the course of the year, TSI will organize several study trips to Europe that the Program Assistant(s) would assist in planning and executing.
Project management support. Provide support for stewarding, tracking and implementing multiple grants and projects, working closely with the director, deputy director, and designated TSI staff to execute activities. The Program Assistant(s) will be expected, in time, to support day-to-day management of several partnerships, support TSI leadership at meetings with partners, and overall help ensure strategic oversight and continuity of TSI projects. This may include discrete financial management activities, such as invoicing.
External Communications. Support the program’s content development including through editing and proofreading of external publications such as op-eds and research reports, as well as making design choices and communicating with authors. Support the team’s social media and broader communications efforts, including managing basic regular website and newsletter updates for our audience on the program’s activities.
Research and substantive support. Research and stay on top of the latest news and analysis on transatlantic security issues to inform the program’s ongoing work, business development/fundraising, and specific projects such as research reports as needed. Help draft internal memos to prepare staff and leadership for meetings and events. Provide punctual research assistance support for ongoing projects, drafting articles and reports, and developing fundraising proposals and grant applications.
Program management support. Manage program contacts and other shared files and knowledge in the program, including leveraging Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and other systems. Provide business development, financial management, and other administrative support as needed to assist the program’s operations.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required;
No minimum full-time work experience required, though experience in a position with transferable skills, including internships, is desired;
Willingness and ability to commit forty hours per week and regularly longer to complete time-sensitive deliverables, as well as participate in international travel, usually to Europe;
Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment and multi-task to fulfill simultaneous overlapping demands;
Excellent organizational, logistical, and administrative skills;
Event management and trip planning experience/skills;
Strong attention to detail;
Proven track record working efficiently both independently and collaboratively with a tight-knit team;
Experience with research and writing memos;
Previous communications experience an advantage but not required;
Familiarity with and passion for the issues the Transatlantic Security Initiative works on, including transatlantic security and defense, NATO, US-European relations, emerging technology and innovation, US national security, and/or US foreign and security policy. This can be demonstrated either through academic, professional, or personal experience;
Ability to represent the Atlantic Council to external constituencies, such as senior military and government officials, board directors, donors, and foreign leaders from Europe and elsewhere;
Willingness to learn new systems and processes and volunteer for new challenges;
Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite;
Ability to work in-person from the Council’s Washington, DC headquarters regularly.

This is a non-exempt salaried position with overtime pay available.

Veterans (enlisted and commissioned) are encouraged to apply.

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

The Transatlantic Security Initiative, in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, shapes and influences the debate on the greatest security challenges facing the North Atlantic Alliance and its key partners.

Please note: The Atlantic Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any classification protected by law, including but not limited to those protected characteristics covered by the DC Human Rights Act, including age, skin color, credit information, disability, family responsibilities, familial status, gender identity & expression, genetic information, homeless status, marital status, matriculation, national origin, personal appearance, place of residence or business, political affiliation, race, religion, seal eviction record, sex, sexual orientation, source of income, status as a victim or family member of a victim of DVSOS, or status as a victim of an intrafamily offense. The Atlantic Council is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. For more information, please connect with us at recruitment@atlanticcouncil.org. Eligibility to work in the United States is confirmed with E-Verify; employment at the Atlantic Council is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).