Employment

Combined Shape

“The Institute has become a reservoir of talent.”

Secretary of State Warren Christopher

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

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 preferred. For 2023-2024, applicants fluent in Chinese or with significant government experience working on China are strongly preferred.

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.

 

2024-2025 Research Assistant Program

The Washington Institute is accepting rolling applications for our 2024-2025 Research Assistant (RA) cohort. The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support Institute senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.

Selected applicants are assigned to specific research programs based on their skills, experience, and interests. Institute research programs cover a range of topics: North Africa, the Levant, Israel and the Palestinians, Turkey, the Gulf, Iraq, Iran, Arab-Israel relations, great power competition, Russia and China in MENA, counterterrorism and intelligence, military and security, and energy. For more on our various research programs, click here.

RA positions are geared towards recent B.A. or M.A. graduates, or other early-career professionals, with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Ideal candidates will be self-sufficient, highly motivated team players who can work in a fast-paced environment, communicate effectively, and write clearly and directly. Language skills in Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, Turkish, Kurdish, Russian or Chinese are a plus, but not required.

Research Assistants report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director and Research Manager, as well as their assigned senior fellows. This is an entry-level position for graduating seniors, recent graduates, or early-career professionals. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position, plus benefits. Start dates will be in the spring or summer of 2024. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the March 1, 2024 deadline. To apply for a Research Assistant position, submit your information here. Please email rainternjobs@washingtoninstitute.org with any questions.

2024-2025 Fikra Forum Research Assistant

The Fikra Forum Research Assistant will work with David Pollock, Catherine Cleveland and Mohamed Aziz to produce the Fikra Forum, a Washington Institute initiative featuring on-the-ground analysis in English and Arabic about political, economic, and social developments in the MENA region. To learn more about the Fikra Forum, please visit our website.

We are looking for a graduating senior or Master's student, or early-career professional, with Arabic skills (intermediate or higher). Experience with social media, editing, and publications are a plus, but not required.

The Fikra Forum RA will provide editing, research, administrative support to the Fikra team while also participating in the Washington Institute's larger RA cohort. Further details on the RA program are as follows:

The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.

RA positions are geared towards recent B.A. or M.A. graduates, or other early-career professionals, with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Ideal candidates will be self-sufficient, highly motivated team players who can work in a fast-paced environment, communicate effectively, and write clearly and directly.

The Fikra RA will report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director and Research Manager, as well as the Fikra team. This is an entry-level position for graduating seniors, recent graduates, or early-career professionals. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position, plus benefits. Start dates will be in the spring or summer of 2024. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the March 1, 2024 deadline. To apply for the Fikra Forum RA position, submit your information here. Please email rainternjobs@washingtoninstitute.org with any questions.

2024-2025 Militia Spotlight Research Assistant

The Militia Spotlight Research Assistant will work with The Washington Institute’s Militia Spotlight team, where they will support research by delivering assessments and contextualization pertaining to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria. These insights will cater to a broad spectrum of actors, encompassing governmental bodies as well as external entities. The RA will provide both research and administrative support by tracking news developments, using Telegram and other means, and undertaking other research tasks. To learn more about the Militia Spotlight, please visit our website.

Fluency in Arabic is required, and fluency in Iraqi dialect is preferred. Candidates must possess the language skills to provide word-for-word Arabic to English translations. Ideal candidates will be detail-oriented and interested in Middle East policy. Additionally, candidates should be able to work on deadlines, multitask, and synthesize a large amount of information in a short period of time. We are looking for a graduating senior or Master's student, or early-career professional to fill the Militia Spotlight position.

The Militia Spotlight RA will also participate in The Washington Institute's larger RA cohort. Further details on the RA program are as follows:

The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.

The Militia Spotlight RA will report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director and Research Manager, as well as the Militia Spotlight team. This is an entry-level position for graduating seniors, recent graduates, or early-career professionals. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position, plus benefits. Start dates will be in the Spring or Summer of 2024. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the March 1, 2024 deadline. To apply for the Militia Spotlight RA position, submit your information here. Please email rainternjobs@washingtoninstitute.org with any questions.

Summer 2024 Internship Program

The Washington Institute is accepting rolling applications for our Summer 2024 intern class. Interns are assigned to Institute research programs based on their skills and interests. Institute research programs cover a range of topics: North Africa, the Levant, Israel and the Palestinians, Turkey, the Gulf, Iraq, Iran, Arab-Israel relations, great power competition, Russia and China in MENA, counterterrorism and intelligence, military and security, and energy. For more on our various research programs, click here.

Interns support Institute research, publications, and events, gaining relevant experience for foreign policy careers. Intern positions are geared towards undergraduate (rising juniors or seniors) or Master’s students who are interested in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy.

Ideal candidates will be eager to learn about Middle East policy issues, regional developments, and U.S. policy making. Applicants should be team players who can work in a fast-paced environment, support research and event planning, and communicate clearly and directly. Background in Middle East and foreign policy subjects is preferred. Language skills in Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, Turkish, Kurdish, Russian or Chinese are a plus, but not required.

The 8-week paid internship runs from June to August.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the March 1, 2024 deadline. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. To apply for an intern position, submit your information here. Please email rainternjobs@washingtoninstitute.org with any questions.

Summer 2024 Fikra Forum Intern

The Washington Institute is accepting rolling applications for our Summer 2024 intern class. The Fikra Forum intern will work with David Pollock, Catherine Cleveland, and Mohamed Aziz to produce the Fikra Forum, a Washington Institute initiative featuring on-the-ground analysis in English and Arabic about political, economic, and social developments in the MENA region. We are looking for a current undergraduate or Master’s student with editing skills and familiarity with Middle East affairs. Arabic language, social media, editing, and publication skills are a plus, but not required. To learn more about the Fikra Forum, please visit our website: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/fikraforum

The Fikra Forum intern will work directly with the Fikra team while participating in the Washington Institute's larger intern cohort. Further details on the intern program are as follows:

Interns are assigned to Institute research programs based on their skills and interests, and support Institute research, publications, and events, gaining relevant experience for foreign policy careers.  Intern positions are geared towards undergraduate (rising juniors or seniors) or Master’s students who are interested in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Ideal candidates will be eager to learn about Middle East policy issues, regional developments, and U.S. policy making.

The 8-week paid internship runs from June to August. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the March 1, 2024 deadline. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. To apply for the Fikra Forum intern position, submit your information here. Please email rainternjobs@washingtoninstitute.org with any questions.

Summer 2024 Viterbi Program on Iran Intern

The Washington Institute is accepting rolling applications for our Summer 2024 intern class. The Viterbi Program on Iran intern will support TWI’s research on Iranian foreign policy, developments within Iran, and related issues. The intern will provide both research and administrative support by tracking news developments, analyzing official documents, and undertaking other research tasks.

Advanced/fluent Farsi reading skills are required. Ideal candidates will be detail-oriented, familiar with international relations, and interested in Middle East policy.

The Viterbi Program intern will also participate in the Washington Institute's larger intern cohort. Further details on the intern program are as follows:

Interns are assigned to Institute research programs based on their skills and interests, and support Institute research, publications, and events, gaining relevant experience for foreign policy careers.  Intern positions are geared towards undergraduate (rising juniors or seniors) or Master’s students who are interested in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Ideal candidates will be eager to learn about Middle East policy issues, regional developments, and U.S. policy making.

The 8-week paid internship runs from June to August. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the March 1, 2024 deadline. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. To apply for the Viterbi Program on Iran intern position, submit your information here. Please email rainternjobs@washingtoninstitute.org with any questions.

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.

Apply via Opportunity Guide. No emails, 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.

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.

Development Assistant, Southeast and Midwest

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 to assist our Southeast/Midwest Regional Director based in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Responsibilities

  • Provide administrative support to the Southeast/Midwest Regional Director such as booking travel, completing expense reports, draft correspondences, preparing background information on prospective donors or current trustees and other administrative duties as needed
  • Utilize fundraising database Raiser's Edge to maintain regional database – including data entry, running reports and queries, tracking event attendance, maintaining donor records
  • Support donor relations through direct and indirect means (phone calls, emails, mailings, etc.).
  • Identify and conduct research on prospective donors as well as outreach and follow-up, including mailing prospect kits and scheduling meetings
  • Coordinate and manage speaking engagements between Institute fellows and trustees in the Southeast/Midwest region, including preparing materials, booking scholar travel and hotels, maintaining RSVPS, and working with event locations regarding ordering food, registration and logistics of event
  • Conduct foundation research, write foundation reports and grant proposals. Track multi-year gifts for renewals
  • Utilize events platform CVENT to create invitations for events
  • Work with DC-based communications teams for scheduling and creating event invitations, marketing materials, etc.
  • Orchestrate quarterly billing campaigns for donors and trustees in the Southeast/Midwest region and interact with various levels of Institute donors for payment collection
  • Work with Regional Director and outside staff to assist in special events
  • Work with National Development Department in DC to facilitate donor needs/requests, including close work with Development Operations Manager and other Development Assistants based both in DC and other regions
  • Assist with board meeting preparation
  • Assist chairman, president, other board members and regional director with Institute duties in the Southeast/Midwest region

Qualifications

  • BA/BS in development, communications, business or related field preferred
  • Strong administrative support skills
  • Well-developed customer service orientation
  • Ability to work effectively in teams and across organizational lines
  • Ability to work remotely and independently
  • 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
  • Experience with Raiser’s Edge, CVENT helpful, but not required
  • Self-starter and ability to work independently
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Strong organizational skills and propensity for planning and logistics

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, cover letter and salary requirements for consideration via email.

COVID-19

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.