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 much preferred. Egypt, Syria, and the economics of the Middle East are of particular interest in 2020/21.

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.

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Research Assistant

Location: District of Columbia

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a leading non-profit, non-partisan research organization devoted exclusively to the study of U.S. policy in the Middle East, is seeking Research Assistants (RA’s) to support the think tank’s research programs.

The Institute offers a number of RA positions to college graduates with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Research Assistants support senior scholars and visiting research fellows, participate in and support 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. Research Assistants report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director as well as their assigned research fellows.

Research Assistant positions are full-time, year-long, paid positions plus benefits that begin in June of each year.

No phone calls please.

We are no longer accepting applications for 2021-22 Research Assistants.

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Research Intern

Full-time and part-time paid research internships at The Washington Institute are open to current undergraduates – preferably juniors and seniors – as well as recent graduates with a bachelor's degree. Interns provide research and administrative support to Institute staff from our DC office. We offer Fall, Spring, and Summer internships in DC.

Interns are assigned to specific research programs based on their skills, experience, and interests.

Our list of possible internships include:

  • Arab Politics (proficient Arabic required)
  • Arab Politics (proficient Russian required)
  • Arab Politics (general)
  • CT and Intelligence (on illicit finance): Background in economics/finance preferred.
  • CT and Intelligence (on counterterrorism): Background in counterterrorism research preferred.
  • Gulf & Energy (general)
  • Iran (proficient Persian reading required)
  • Middle East Peace Process (mapping role): Experience working with data/mapping preferred.
  • Middle East Peace Process (general)
  • Military and Security (general)
  • Project Fikra (editing skills required): Background in editing/journalism preferred.
  • Turkey (proficient Turkish required)
  • Turkey (general)

Apply online via this form.

On the application, you can select which internships you are qualified for and you can select several internships to apply for at once (do not submit multiple applications). Please note that several positions require language capabilities. Not all internships are available every season.

Internship applications will be collected on a rolling basis throughout the year. Most Spring internship decisions are made in November; Summer decisions are typically made in April; Fall decisions are typically made in June.

If you have further questions, please email rainternjobs@washingtoninstitute.org. No phone calls, please.

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Development Assistant, Western Region

Location: Southern California

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy is a nonpartisan, non-profit think tank based in Washington, D.C., focused on advancing a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East. We are currently seeking a full-time Development Assistant to support our Western States Regional Director who is located in San Diego. The Development Assistant will promote regional fundraising efforts and deepen the Institute’s overall engagement in the Western Region. The Development Assistant will work remotely from home. We are seeking candidates in Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego.

Responsibilities:

Administrative Support

  • Utilize fundraising database Raiser's Edge to maintain regional database, including data entry, running reports and queries, tracking event attendance, maintaining records.
  • Book travel and accommodations for Institute scholars and Regional Director.
  • Draft correspondences, prepare backgrounders on prospective and current trustees.
  • Complete expense reports for Regional Director and other administrative duties as needed.
  • Manage quarterly billing process, both by e-mail and traditional mail.
  • Maintain excellent grammar, proofreading and writing skills.

Donor Relations and Research

  • Identify and conduct research on prospective donors; perform outreach and follow-up.
  • Support donor relations through direct and indirect means (phone calls, emails, mailings, etc.)
  • Conduct foundation research, write foundation reports and grant proposals. Track multi-year gifts for renewals.
  • Orchestrate and manage quarterly billing campaigns for donors and trustees in the Western Region; interact with various levels of Institute donors for payment collection.
  • 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.

Communications, Event Production and Logistics

  • Coordinate and manage speaking engagements for Institute fellows and donors in the Western Region, including preparing materials, booking scholar travel and hotels, maintaining RSVPS, and working with event locations regarding catering, registration and logistics.
  • Utilize events platform CVENT to create invitations for events and assist in curating materials for a West Coast audience.
  • Cultivate regional young professionals programming.
  • Work with Regional Director and outside staff to produce annual special events.
  • Work with DC communications team to schedule/create event invitations, marketing materials, etc.

Requirements:

  • BA/BS in development, communications, marketing, business or related field preferred
  • 2-5 years of experience working in development, non-profit, communications or a related field required. Must have prior full-time work experience, preferably in a remote office environment
  • Strong administrative support skills, highly detail oriented
  • Self-starter and independent worker
  • Adept at multi-tasking and prioritizing
  • Excellent grammar, proofreading and writing skills
  • Strong skills in organizing, planning and logistics
  • Interest in the mission of The Institute and the Middle East region
  • Well-developed client service orientation
  • Ability to work effectively in teams and across organizational lines
  • Experience using Microsoft Office suite
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strength at building and maintaining relationships
  • Experience with Raiser’s Edge, CVENT helpful, but not required
  • Creativity and enthusiasm for thinking outside the box
  • Exceptional time management and flexibility
  • Knowledge of think tanks and related local, national, and international organizations helpful, but not required

Travel to Washington, D.C. one to three time per year beginning in 2022.

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.

Please note that there is no foreign language requirement related to this position.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter for consideration via email to devjobsearch@washingtoninstitute.org.

The Washington Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

Development Assistant, Northeast

Location: New York City

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy is a nonpartisan, non-profit think tank based in Washington, D.C., focused on advancing a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East. We are currently seeking a full-time Development Assistant to support our Northeast Regional Director, based in New York City. The Development Assistant will promote regional fundraising efforts and deepen the Institute’s overall engagement in the tristate New York area and Boston. The Development Assistant will primarily work remotely from home. We are seeking candidates in New York City.

Responsibilities:

Administrative Support

  • Utilize fundraising database Raiser's Edge to maintain regional database, including data entry, running reports and queries, tracking event attendance, maintaining records.
  • Book travel reports for Institute scholars and Regional Director.
  • Draft correspondence, prepare backgrounders on prospective and current trustees.
  • Complete expense reports for Regional Director and other administrative duties as needed.
  • Manage quarterly billing process, both by e-mail and traditional mail.
  • Maintain excellent grammar, proofreading and writing skills.

Donor Relations and Research

  • Identify and conduct research on prospective donors; perform outreach and follow-up.
  • Support donor relations through direct and indirect means (phone calls, emails, mailings, etc.)
  • Conduct foundation research, write foundation reports and grant proposals. Track multi-year gifts for renewals.
  • Orchestrate and manage quarterly billing campaigns for donors and trustees in the Northeast Region; interact with various levels of Institute donors for payment collection.
  • 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.

Communications, Event Production and Logistics

  • Utilize events platform CVENT to create invitations for events and assist in curating materials for a Northeast audience.
  • Coordinate and manage speaking engagements between Institute fellows and trustees in the Northeast, including preparing materials, booking scholar travel and hotels, maintaining RSVPS, and working with event locations regarding catering, registration and logistics.
  • Cultivate regional young professionals programming.
  • Work with Regional Director and outside staff to produce annual special events.
  • Work on annual gala.
  • Work with DC communications team to schedule/create event invitations, marketing materials, etc.

Requirements:

  • BA/BS in development, communications, marketing, business or related field preferred
  • 2-5 years of experience working in development, non-profit, communications or a related field required. Must have prior full-time work experience, preferably in a remote office environment.
  • Strong administrative support skills, highly detail oriented
  • Self-starter and independent worker
  • Adept at multi-tasking and prioritizing
  • Strong skills in organizing, planning and logistics
  • Interest in the mission of The Institute and the Middle East region
  • Well-developed client service orientation
  • Ability to work effectively in teams and across organizational lines
  • Experience using Microsoft Office suite
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strength at building and maintaining relationships
  • Experience with Raiser’s Edge, CVENT helpful, but not required
  • Creativity and enthusiasm for thinking outside the box
  • Exceptional time management and flexibility
  • Knowledge of think tanks and related local, national, and international organizations helpful, but not required

Travel to Washington, D.C. up to twice a year beginning in 2022.

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.

Please note that there is no foreign language requirement related to this position.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter for consideration via email to devjobsearch@wahingtoninstitute.org.

The Washington Institute is an equal opportunity employer.