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. 

• Master’s degree and at least 8-10 years of work experience in a relevant field is required.
• Relevant work experience, preferably in defense policy and/or across foreign policy/national security, the private sector, government, and/or a non-governmental organization.
• Impressive leadership and communication skills and effective at building non-partisan communities of influence around important defense priorities.
• Extensive experience in project management and a proven track record of business development success.
• An entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving and project management.
• Superior writing/communication skills and outstanding interpersonal skills to work well with all levels of experience and influence, from interns to senior officials.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship management skills, including the ability to identify and work through challenges, underscored by strong judgment and emotional intelligence.
• Leader of people and problem-solving team player with a can-do attitude and a passion for our shared work as an organization. Embodiment of our organizational values of teamwork and optimism.

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.