Employment

Since its founding in 1985, The Washington Institute has served as a training ground for future policymakers in both Democratic and Republican administrations. During its quarter-century history, an impressive array of talented scholars has been associated with the Institute. They have gone on to join government and help shape American foreign policy in the Middle East. At the same time, upon completion of their public service, some of the best minds from government are attracted to the Institute. This exchange of ideas and people with the executive branch is very much a part of The Washington Institute's effectiveness.

The Institute's prestigious intern and research assistant programs also provide a pathway for college graduates and graduate students to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. The Institute is proud of its interns and research assistants -- many of whom go on to serve in government and make their own contributions in the policy world.

Current employment opportunities include

• Soref Fellow
• Database Manager, DC
• Regional Director of Development, Midwest
• Development Assistant, District of Columbia

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Soref Fellow

The Washington Institute is seeking one or two Soref Fellows. Applicants are urged to apply soon for positions which would start in coming months.

Research proposals should be about a topic relevant to U.S. Middle East policymakers. Candidates who do not duplicate expertise of existing Institute staff members are much preferred. For 2022-2023, special consideration will be given to applicants focusing on Egypt or China's role in the Middle East.

The Soref Fellow program offers an opportunity to consider pursuing a career in government or journalism rather than in academia. The fellowship is designed primarily for those who have recently earned a PhD; exceptionally well-qualified individuals with masters’ degrees will be considered, as will those with law or MBA degrees. The fellowship is not available as support while working on a dissertation. Applications are welcome from those with some years of experience post-degree, such as university assistant professors. Working knowledge of a regional knowledge sufficient for research purposes is much preferred; fluency is even better. Nationals of all countries may apply.

The stipend depends upon experience. Typically for someone who just received a PhD, the stipend would be about $4,500 a month, along with generous benefits. The fellowship is for up to one year. The Institute provides the services of a research assistant shared with another senior fellow. Soref fellows work out of the Institute’s offices in downtown Washington, D.C. Depending upon the research topic, the Institute is prepared to finance a research trip to the Middle East.

Soref fellows write for the Institute's PolicyWatch series and in most cases author a longer study the Institute publishes as a monograph. Fellows may be asked to speak on behalf of the Institute a few times at locations around the United States. The Institute’s communication staff will work with fellows to secure media interviews, to place op-ed articles in major outlets, and to have an active presence on social media.

Applications are considered on a rolling basis.  An application should include a short resume, one or two research proposals (a few paragraphs are sufficient), a sample of scholarly work such as a thesis chapter, and if available a sample of writing for a broader audience even if the subject is not about the Middle East. Please email applications to soref@washingtoninstitute.org.

No phone calls please.

To best protect our workforce, The Washington Institute requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  This includes keeping up to date on any recommended booster shots.  If hired, you will be asked to confirm that you have complied with this policy or to advise if you need to discuss a potential accommodation.

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Database Manager - DC

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy is the capital’s largest think tank devoted to the Middle East. A non-profit organization supported exclusively by U.S. citizens, the Institute works to advance American interests in the region. The Institute’s diverse scholars hail from around the world and have backgrounds in government service, academia, and journalism.

Responsibilities

• The Institute seeks a detail-oriented self-starter to manage our donor, subscriber, and fiscal databases.
• The database manager will be solely responsible for maintaining and updating our Blackbaud, Wufoo, and Act-On systems.
• The incumbent will work with colleagues in our Washington, DC, office and across the United States to maintain accurate records, create invitations, and oversee the event registration process.
• The database manager will train new staff in Institute procedures.

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years administering, managing, and tuning databases such as Blackbaud, Wufoo, and email distribution systems.
• Willingness to provide strategic database management as well as to update databases in collaboration with staff.
• Knowledge of data gathering, cleaning, and transformation techniques.
• Ability to use discretion and appropriate safeguards with confidential data.
• Able to work productively with a wide array of people and provide a superior customer experience.
• Must be able to train others in database maintenance and usage.
• A confident and professional work style; must have the ability to work independently and to exercise good judgment.
• Experience with, and curiosity about, trying new technologies and testing to learn and improve our work.
• Communication: Write and speak clearly and effectively. Always communicate with peers, project stakeholders, and product support teams in a friendly, welcoming, manner, especially when introducing new processes or explaining difficult concepts.
• Project Management: Manage multiple projects and tasks through to completion in a timely manner. Be flexible, have solid planning, social, and organization skills.
• Problem Solving: Anticipate needs, actively seek opportunities, and propose solutions with solid decision-making capability. Be self-directed and able to plan and coordinate many projects simultaneously, often working with ambiguous guidelines.
• Teamwork: Be creative and enjoy working within a small, entrepreneurial environment that is mission-motivated, results-focused and community-oriented. Must be a highly resourceful team-player who works effectively with all levels of staff, with the ability to also be extremely effective objectively, and displays dedication to the work and role.

To apply, send resume to The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. The mailing address is 1111 19th Street NW Suite 500, Washington DC 20036. Or submit your resume via email.

To best protect our workforce, The Washington Institute requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  This includes keeping up to date on any recommended booster shots.  If hired, you will be asked to confirm that you have complied with this policy or to advise if you need to discuss a potential accommodation.

The Washington Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

Regional Director of Development, Midwest

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, the largest research institute focusing solely on the Middle East, seeks a Midwest Regional Director with significant development experience, a keen interest in the Middle East, and an impressive record of accomplishment.

An integral contributor to the Institute’s sophisticated development strategy, the Midwest Regional Director will steward and grow a sophisticated, high-level donor base and work with the National Director of Development and the development team to execute the organization’s development plan. The Regional Director must have a successful track record in acquiring high-level donors and securing significant foundation grants. The position is based in the Chicago area and has responsibility for donors and prospects in the states of Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as other areas as needed.

The Midwest Regional Director will report to the National Director of Development based in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Execute regional development activities to sustain and expand TWI’s portfolio of major donors, foundations and individual funders in the Midwest.
• Create a vision and plan for growing TWI’s major gifts from the Midwest including identification, cultivation, stewardship and solicitation of prospects and donors.
• Plan and execute regular briefings with TWI scholars for donors and prospects throughout the Midwest.
• Plan and execute one or more larger regional events per year, and/or donor field trips to relevant Institutions in the region.
• Work closely with TWI’s National Director of Development to develop accurate financial forecasts for the Midwest region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field with a minimum of 3-5 years’ of work experience with major gifts, grant management or related work in non-profit fundraising.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and meet established deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to relate to high-level donors and effectively communicate the Institute’s mission and achievements.
• Strong project management ability. Computer proficiency; including experience with prospect research tools and fundraising databases. Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge is a plus.
• Familiarity with Middle East affairs and U.S. Middle East policy desirable.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Washington Institute offers its full-time employees a generous benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, generous paid time off, and a retirement savings program.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter for consideration via email.

To best protect our workforce, The Washington Institute requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  This includes keeping up to date on any recommended booster shots.  If hired, you will be asked to confirm that you have complied with this policy or to advise if you need to discuss a potential accommodation.

The Washington Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

Development Assistant, District of Columbia

Location: Washington, D.C.

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy is a nonpartisan think tank focused on advancing a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East. We are currently looking for a full-time Development Assistant in our Washington, D.C. office.

Development Assistant Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support to the Development Department.
• Utilize fundraising database Raiser's Edge, including data entry, running reports and queries.
• Support donor relations through indirect means (mailings, emails, phone calls, etc.).
• Conduct outreach and follow-up, including mailing prospect kits and scheduling meetings.
• Assist with planning and organizing programs and events, both nationally and regionally.
• Identify and conduct research on high net worth prospective donors.
• Conduct foundation research, write foundation reports and grant proposals. Track multi-year gifts for renewals.
• Utilize events platforms, CVENT and ActOn to create invitations for events and track event rsvps.
• Prepare receipts and acknowledgment letters for all gifts received.
• Reconcile financial data on a daily and monthly basis.
• Book travel arrangements.

Development Assistant Requirements:

• BA/BS in development, communications, business or related field
• Strong administrative support skills
• Well-developed customer service orientation
• Ability to work effectively in teams and across organizational lines
• Self-motivated, adept at multi-tasking and prioritizing work
• Experience using Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strength at building and maintaining relationships
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Interest in the mission of The Institute and the Middle East region

The Washington Institute offers its full-time employees a generous benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, generous paid time off, and a retirement savings program.

To Apply: If you have nonprofit development experience in fundraising, please submit your resume, cover letter and salary requirements for consideration via email.

To best protect our workforce, The Washington Institute requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  This includes keeping up to date on any recommended booster shots.  If hired, you will be asked to confirm that you have complied with this policy or to advise if you need to discuss a potential accommodation.

The Washington Institute is an equal opportunity employer.