Research Assistant: Foreign and Defense Policy; International Organizations and the United Nations

Position description

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time, in-person research assistant to join the Foreign and Defense Policy department, contributing to the Institute’s work on international organizations and the United Nations by supporting Senior Fellow Brett D. Schaefer. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

Responsibilities include primary- and secondary-source research on international organizations, including tracking recent events and developments. Other duties include organizing private roundtables, conferences, panel discussions, and public events; overseeing long-term projects; and providing administrative support.

Applicants must have excellent writing, editing, and research skills. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated interest in international relations.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter demonstrating their interest in AEI’s mission, academic transcript, and 500-word writing sample on any topic.

Responsibilities
 

• Provide research assistance to scholars, including primary- and secondary-source research, memo drafting, and data collection.
• Assist with and coordinate short-term and major long-term research projects.
• Coordinate various activities and ensure proper communication among various AEI departments and teams, including Academic Programs, Development, Government Relations, and media relations .
• Manage logistics and administrative tasks, including tracking expenses, planning and staffing public-facing events, and organizing private meetings and roundtables.
• Manage long-term scholarly projects by drafting proposals and mapping timelines and regular progress reports for AEI management.
  

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI
 

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in history, international relations, political science, or a related field is required.
• Candidates should have 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience; previous internship experience is strongly preferred.
• The ideal candidate has well-rounded internship experience and a strong history background; there is no foreign language requirement.
• Strong writing and editing skills, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines are required.
  

Benefits

AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care FSA; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403b retirement plan with a 12% contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits here .

Application instructions

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