Senior Fellow, Force Structure & Defense Budgeting
Washington, DC / Policy / Full-time
Opportunity
Defense Priorities (DEFP) seeks a full-time Senior Fellow, Force Structure & Defense Budgeting as part of its Grand Strategy Program. The organization holds the view that the U.S. is suffering from decades of strategic overstretch encouraged by its grand strategy of “liberal hegemony.” This strategy, we believe, has encouraged excessive spending in pursuit of global dominance and will require even more spending as rival nations grow more capable of self-defense. DEFP promotes an alternative grand strategy of restraint, which values a balance of power abroad, rather than U.S. dominance per se, as desirable. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director, Grand Strategy to operationalize a strategy of restraint through close examination of DoD’s budget and program-level analysis. The aim is not only to identify areas for savings, but also to find ways to improve management and opportunities to shift funds into programs conducive to restraint.
The Senior Fellow will conduct original analysis and writing on U.S. defense budgeting based on realism and restraint in the forms of op-eds, reports, papers, and more. The Senior Fellow will also engage in discussion and outreach with policymakers, media outlets, and the public about key policies and issues.
Responsibilities
Developing and promoting major research projects to articulate policies based on a grand strategy of restraint, closely examining issues related to defense budgeting and force structure
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
Professional experience with defense budgeting, either as analyst or practitioner is desirable
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.