Research Assistant/Associate – Defense Program

About the role

The Center for a New American Security is hiring a Research Assistant/Associate to support its Defense Program. The role blends research, event coordination, and administrative duties, offering the chance to work on high‑impact defense topics alongside senior national‑security leaders.

Key responsibilities

• Schedule and execute meetings and events across time zones, including roundtables, wargames, and public briefings.
• Prepare agendas, take detailed notes, track action items, and manage RSVP lists.
• Arrange travel, compile expense reports, and handle financial reporting.
• Maintain the program website, contact lists, and assist in mentoring interns.
• Edit research papers and reports, manage publication timelines, and collaborate on graphics and data visualizations.
• Develop proposals, grant applications, and project budgets; liaise with funders and sponsors.
• Conduct literature reviews, support wargame design and analysis, and produce supporting materials.

Required profile

• Self‑starter comfortable in a fast‑paced, fluid environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple administrative and research tasks.
• Excellent written communication and organizational skills.
• Interest in defense strategy, policy, and operations.

Required skills

• Zoom
• Slack
• Microsoft Teams