Director of Europe Engagement

Opportunity

This job is an opportunity to be a leading voice defining a more restrained U.S. foreign policy in Europe. Defense Priorities (DEFP) holds the view that the U.S. is suffering from decades of strategic overstretch encouraged by its grand strategy of “liberal hegemony.” This approach to foreign policy, we believe, has burdened the United States with defense policies in Europe that are outmoded. Rather than compel allies to bear the burden of maintaining a stable balance of power in Europe, U.S. policy has deliberately kept them dependent. This approach has enfeebled allies and left the U.S. providing expensive defenses to Europe it no longer needs. The Director will produce work that evaluates U.S. and NATO policy toward Russia and help define a restraint-based U.S. defense posture in Europe.

DEFP seeks a full-time Director to manage its new Europe Engagement Program. The Director will develop and build the project. The Director will conduct original analysis and writing on U.S. foreign policy based on realism and restraint in the forms of op-eds, reports, papers, and more. In addition to program leadership, research, and writing, the Director will engage in discussion and outreach with policymakers, media outlets, and the public about key policies and issues. Europe specialists, and generalists with deep knowledge of international relations and an interest in focusing on Europe, are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Developing and promoting major research projects to articulate policies for Europe engagement based on a grand strategy of restraint

• Writing policy reports, briefs, journal papers, and op-eds on important issues related to U.S. security and foreign policy, as well as working with DEFP team members to promote work after publication

• Organizing and leading symposia, roundtables, and workshops with journalists and policymakers on issues at the intersection of defense policy, international security, and world affairs

• Keeping abreast of current foreign policy trends, tracking the agenda of the current administration and policy proposals

• Identifying and pursuing opportunities to present ideas and research at public events, conferences, and think tank panel discussions

• Working with DEFP team to elevate our ideas through social media, online videos, data visualizations, and other media

• Meeting with administration officials, members of Congress, their staffs, and other relevant groups to present and discuss research findings and policy recommendations

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in political science, international affairs, or a related field

• 5–10 years of professional and research experience in U.S. foreign policy

• A strong record of research and writing about U.S. foreign policy

• Demonstration of high-quality work in a professional, demanding environment

• Self-starter with an ability to translate abstract concepts into practical policy applications

• Ability to balance multiple, competing directions, identify and delegate tasks effectively, and manage multiple projects successfully

• Outstanding writing, research, and communication skills

Additional information

DEFP is headquartered in Washington, DC, but we will consider applicants from other areas who are able to work remotely. The position offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits; a 401(k) retirement plan; and flexible PTO (paid time off).

We look for the following qualities in candidates: Integrity, intelligence, innovative/creative thinking, flexibility/adaptability, curiosity, strong story-telling capability, strong work ethic, passion, and positive energy.

Candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to send a resume, cover letter, and writing samples through the application below. If you have additional questions, please email jobs@defensepriorities.org.

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