Director, Forward Defense Initiative

About Forward Defense

The Forward Defense Initiative, housed within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, leads the Atlantic Council’s US and global defense programming, developing actionable recommendations for the United States and its allies and partners to compete, innovate, and navigate the rapidly evolving character of warfare. Through our work on US defense policy and force design, military applications of advanced technology, space security, strategic deterrence, and defense industrial revitalization, we inform the strategies, policies, and capabilities that the United States will need to deter, and, if necessary, prevail in major-power conflict. The Forward Defense Initiative advances the Scowcroft Center’s core mission by developing sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and its allies and partners.

About the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges and opportunities facing the United States and the world. The Center honors General Brent Scowcroft’s legacy of service and embodies his ethos of nonpartisan commitment to the cause of security, support for US leadership in cooperation with allies and partners, and dedication to the mentorship of the next generation of leaders.

Overview of the Role

The Atlantic Council seeks a strategic, collaborative, and innovative leader with a track record of shaping the public debate and influencing US and allied defense strategy, policy, and implementation. Reporting to the Vice President and Senior Director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, the successful candidate will be an organized, operationally savvy, experienced thought leader and manager who will develop and oversee the Initiative’s programmatic conception and implementation; expand the Initiative’s business development and fundraising opportunities, including through cultivating new partnerships and managing existing donor relationships; produce innovative and path-breaking thought leadership that will influence US defense policy and defense industrial base discussions; and lead and mentor a talented team of program staff to execute the Initiative’s mission.

A proven track record of, and passion for, people management and complex program implementation is required. Having strong networks among defense-oriented policymakers and stakeholders is critical. The position is based in our Washington, DC headquarters. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers from $170,000 to $210,000.

Job Responsibilities

The Director will be responsible for :

• Programmatic Design and Oversight. Spearhead the design, development, and implementation of annual plans and budget for the Initiative aimed at influencing policy and impacting the public debate on US and allied defense priorities. Oversee a high-impact team, multiple projects and commissions, and high-level donor and stakeholder relationships simultaneously.
• Intellectual Leadership. Play a leading role in developing intellectual content and policy frameworks that centrally advance the Initiative’s mission. Advance US and global defense programming through written work, events, media, and speaking opportunities within and outside the Council; develop selected issues on which the incumbent maintains a public profile and is respected in the policy community for their thought leadership.
• People Management . Supervise and serve as a mentor for a team of more than a dozen staff and interns and several dozen nonresident fellows. Identify paths for professional development and internal growth for full-time staff.
• Business Development. Secure financial support for both new and existing lines of effort. Steward existing donors and partners of Forward Defense, ensuring they see value for their investment. Provide vision and programmatic that shape compelling proposals and attract new funding. Working with Scowcroft Center leadership, the Office of External Relations, and other Atlantic Council centers and programs, expand the Initiative’s funding base by sustaining current financial support and pursuing additional support from corporations, governments, international organizations, foundations, and individuals.
• Outreach / Communications. Represent the Atlantic Council externally. Maintain an understanding of the key players on defense issues, including within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the military services, combatant commands, key defense agencies, the Senate and House Armed Services Committees and Defense Appropriations Subcommittees, defense staffs of key allied embassies, leading defense journalists, and the defense innovation ecosystem (ranging from established prime contractors to venture-backed, dual-use startups). Speak on behalf of the Council at public and private events, international conferences, etc.
• Financial Management. Serve as a reliable and faithful steward of Initiative and Council funds. Oversee expenses and revenues, management of budgets and anticipated fundraising, and ensure program solvency.

Qualifications

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work / life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.

Forward Defense , housed within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, generates ideas and connects stakeholders in the defense ecosystem to promote an enduring military advantage for the United States, its allies, and partners. Our work identifiesthe defense strategies, capabilities, and resources the United States needs to deter and, if necessary, prevail in future conflict.

Please note : The Atlantic Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any classification protected by law, including but not limited to those protected characteristics covered by the DC Human Rights Act, including age, skin color, credit information, disability, family responsibilities, familial status, gender identity & expression, genetic information, homeless status, marital status, matriculation, national origin, personal appearance, place of residence or business, political affiliation, race, religion, seal eviction record, sex, sexual orientation, source of income, status as a victim or family member of a victim of DVSOS, or status as a victim of an intrafamily offense. The Atlantic Council is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. For more information, please connect with us atrecruitment@atlanticcouncil.org . Eligibility to work in the United States is confirmed with E-Verify; employment at the Atlantic Council is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

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