The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

JOB SUMMARY:

CSIS seeks highly motivated candidates for a full-time (35 hours per week), unpaid internship to support the Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy, held by Dr. Anthony Cordesman, beginning in July 2020. The Burke Chair conducts in-depth, nonpartisan research on issues related to key strategic challenges facing the United States, including the Middle East, U.S. national security, global military balance, asymmetric warfare, and global energy security.

This internship will support the Burke Chair with research and administrative needs. Interns will learn valuable skills, information, and practices in political and military analysis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conducting qualitative and quantitative data research to be used in analyzing trends in the geopolitical landscape;
• Copyediting long-form (10-50 page) commentaries, op-eds, reports, and slide decks on a weekly, if not daily, basis. These large, data-driven analytical reports are written by Dr. Anthony Cordesman, and will require high attention to detail and time-sensitivity to be reviewed and copyedited properly;
• Assisting the Burke Chair in all aspects of event planning and execution for internal (private) meetings and briefings with members from the United States Government (USG), private sector, foreign government partners, and others;
• Other duties as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Completed Bachelor’s degree (competitive candidates will have completed, or will be in pursuit of, a Master’s degree);
• Prior experience conducting policy research on key U.S. national security issues, terrorism, defense spending, and the global military balance;
• Excellent written communication skills, including professional work experience copyediting and reviewing long-form (10-50 page) commentaries, op-eds, and reports;
• Must be detail-oriented and well-organized, with demonstrated success working in collaborative team environments, and proven ability to manage multiple projects & priorities simultaneously under strict deadlines;
• Quantitative data research experience, including creating, maintaining, and analyzing large Excel spreadsheets for data-collecting and graphics production;
• Competitive candidates will have 1-2 years of experience in a professional office environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please note that application instructions must be followed, otherwise your application may be rejected. Applications materials must be submitted via the online portal. Interested applicants please submit the following

1. Cover letter
2. Resumé
3. A writing sample of up to five double-spaced pages. Writing samples should demonstrate the ability to research and write policy-relevant work.
4. College transcripts