Deputy Director, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, Middle East Programs

The Atlantic Council seeks a dynamic and experienced Deputy Director to support and expand the programming of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative (SMESI) – a robust initiative of Middle East Programs that focuses on the regional security, political, and diplomatic dimensions of MENA. Reporting directly to the SMESI Director, the Deputy will play a critical role in shaping the priorities, research, and programming of the initiative, including the Council’s work on cross-regional issues and with a specific focus on the Levant, Gulf, and Iran. The ideal candidate will bring a high level of intellectual rigor, strategic insight, and operational excellence to the team.

The Deputy Director will support the design, pitch, and execution of major initiatives, oversee event management and publication support, and collaborate with the Director on all aspects of research, analysis, external engagement, and partnership development. The Deputy Director will be a trusted partner in all aspects of SMESI’s work and represent the initiative and the Atlantic Council on SMESI engagements when the Director is unavailable.

The successful candidate will have deep understanding of the evolving security, political, and diplomatic dynamics and changes within the region, a willingness to take ownership of workstreams and projects, and an ability to execute independently. The candidate will develop concepts for, write, and oversee production of major projects, policy documents, and longer reports. He/she will also moderate private and public events at the Atlantic Council and outside institutions as needed and will be comfortable with public speaking at in-person and virtual events. The Deputy Director will also exhibit strong management skills, mentor junior staff, and work collaboratively across teams within Middle East
Programs and the wider Atlantic Council. Strong writing and speaking skills in English are essential; fluency in Arabic is preferred. The position is based in Washington, DC, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in office, with some travel to the region, and occasional travel to Europe or elsewhere to be expected.

The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, education, and organizational
equity, with offers from $120,000 to $160,000. Applications submitted by October 31, 2025, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director will be specifically responsible for:

• Thought Leadership: Support the Director in managing timelines and deliverables, overseeing the authorship and production of high-quality articles, policy briefs, and reports, and mentor junior staff as they develop their own thought leadership. The Deputy will develop their own analytical voice and positioning as an expert on areas of SMESI’s work through written work and speaking opportunities within and outside the Council.
• Programmatic Design and Oversight: Support the development and execution of multiple simultaneous programs and workstreams, working in an independent and highly collaborative way across teams.
• Business Development: Support the Director in developing funding opportunities and partnerships to maintain and grow SMESI’s work, including with foreign governments and institutional partners.
• Management: Provide management support and mentorship to the SMESI team,  working closely with MEP leadership to ensure consistency and support for all junior staff.
• Outreach/Communications: Represent the Atlantic Council externally with the Administration, Congress, the diplomatic community and foreign governments, donors, media, etc., as well as at public and private events, international conferences, etc.
• Financial Management: Work with the Director to track expenses and revenues, manage the SMESI budgets, and ensure program solvency.

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience and/or other relevant areas
  within government service, the private sector, nongovernment organizations, and/or
  academia; Masters, PhD, or JD preferred.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills – preferably a demonstrated track record in research and independent analysis in the Middle East and North Africa region, and on the Levant, Gulf, and Iran-related issues in particular.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams of 3 or more, including recruitment and retention.
• Ability to research and publish on a consistent basis, often responding to time-sensitive developments under tight deadlines and balancing competing demands.
• Outstanding spoken and written English skills are necessary; fluency in Arabic is desired.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; must be able to engage and build relationships with high-level US policymakers, foreign government officials, and prestigious members of the Atlantic Council, as well as speak as an expert frequently in media and public forums.
• Excellent organizational, project, and general management skills.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the political, social, and economic dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa and US policy toward the region.

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.

About Atlantic Council
Working Together to Shape the Future. Renewing the Atlantic Community for Global Challenges

Driven by our mission of "working together to secure the future," the Atlantic Council promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the Atlantic Community's central role in meeting global challenges.

The Council provides an essential forum for navigating the dramatic economic and political changes defining the twenty-first century in order to adapt, revitalize, and defend the international rules-based order. Through the papers we write, the ideas we generate, and the communities we build, the Council shapes policy choices and strategies to create a more secure and prosperous world.

Our focus on results attracts an extended network of global citizens who join our community of influence. For heads of state and government, the Council is a powerful platform for connecting with a uniquely relevant audience. Businesses find a place for understanding our rapidly evolving world, its impacts on markets, and means to contribute to the public interest. For global strategists, we are a vehicle to navigate the trends shaping the future.

The Council's fourteen programs and centers work together in a way that mirrors how real policy is created: not in a vacuum, but in a collaborative effort that draws from a range of expertise to address multiple issues and steered by an overarching strategy and worldview.

The Atlantic Council community believes that by working together, we can and should secure a better global future. Succeeding in our mission requires the hard work of building consensus, including rather than excluding partners, while also broadening awareness of our mission's importance among the public and preparing a new generation of leaders to take up the mantle of fostering a better global future.

The Atlantic Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics covered by applicable law. 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. The Atlantic Council believes that diversity and inclusion amongst our team members are critical to our success as a global organization and seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.