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
• Development Assistant - Northeast (Fundraising)

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.

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Development Assistant - Northeast (Fundraising)

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 Northeast Regional Director based in New York City. This position is fully remote with frequent travel in and around New York City for donor events and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Northeast Regional Director, including: booking travel, completing expense reports, draft correspondences, prepare background information on prospective donors or current trustees, and other administrative duties as needed;
• Identify and conduct research on prospective donors as well as outreach and follow-up, including mailing prospect kits and scheduling meetings;
• Support donor relations through direct and indirect means (phone calls, emails, mailings, etc.);
• Utilize fundraising database Raiser's Edge to maintain NY regional database - including data entry, running reports and queries, tracking event attendance, maintaining donor records;
• Coordinate and manage speaking engagements between Institute fellows and trustees in the NY region, including preparing materials, booking scholar travel and hotels, maintaining RSVPS, and working with event locations regarding ordering food, registration and logistics of event;
• Utilize events platforms Act-On and Wufoo to create invitations and registration forms for events;
• Conduct foundation research, write foundation reports and grant proposals. Track multi-year gifts for renewals;
• 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 New York and Northeast Regions and interact with various levels of Institute donors for payment collection;
• Work with Regional Director and outside staff to assist in special events, including annual Gala in New York City;
• Work with National Development Department in DC to facilitate donor needs/requests, including close work with Development Assistants based both in DC and other regions;
• Assist with Board meeting preparation;
• Assist Chairman, President, other Board Members, and Director with Institute duties in the New York region.
   

Requirements

• BA/BS in development (fundraising), communications, business or related field preferred;
• Strong administrative support skills;
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through;
• Well-developed customer service orientation;
• Ability to work effectively independently, as part of a team and across organizational lines
  Ability to take direction;
• Self-motivated, adept at multi-tasking and prioritizing work;
• Experience using Microsoft Office suite, proficient in Excel;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Strength at building and maintaining relationships;
• Interest in the mission of The Institute and the Middle East region;
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge (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;
• Creativity and enthusiasm for thinking outside the box.

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. This position is in our fundraising, not policy area.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter and salary requirements for consideration to
jobs@washingtoninstitute.org. We will only review applications that include a cover letter that explains your background and how you might fit into this role. 

The Washington Institute is an equal opportunity employer.