The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) supports the democratic aspirations of people around the world working to advance fundamental freedoms, justice, and human rights through grantmaking, research, and solidarity. We are united as a team in the pursuit of a world in which people determine their future and are free to participate with dignity in their societies, endowed with equal rights and without repression.

As a 501(c)3 grantmaking foundation that receives an annual Congressional appropriation, NED is governed by a private, bipartisan Board of Directors. This unusual arrangement positions NED to play a unique role as America’s leading foundation for freedom, empowering the institution to be nimble, innovative, and risk-taking in support of democratic activists, civil society organizations, independent media, and the NED family core institutes (International Republican Institute, National Democratic Institute, Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center).

We seek an entrepreneurial, dynamic, and communications-driven Program Assistant (Communications and Outreach) for the International Forum for Democratic Studies. This position is based in Washington, D.C. The position is based in Washington, D.C.

Position Summary

The International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy drives thought leadership and learning on defining global challenges to democracy that can reverse the authoritarian wave and accelerate democratic renewal. Drawing on NED’s global network of democracy defenders, the Forum’s research and activities focus on global challenges to democracy, including: countering authoritarian influence, ensuring information integrity, combating transnational kleptocracy, and leveraging emerging technologies for democracy. By engaging in interdisciplinary convening, publishing, and outreach in Washington, DC, and overseas, the Forum seeks to bridge ideas and action in the democracy and policy communities around these defining challenges.

To accomplish these goals, the International Forum for Democratic Studies seeks a Program Assistant (Communications and Outreach) (Level 3) to expand the reach and engagement for the Forum’s research and activities at this critical time, and support other research and convening support tasks. The ideal candidate will thrive working as part of a team and will possess experience including the promotion of cutting-edge research through social media and web-based means, utilizing other communications tools like podcasts, executing public and private events (in-person and/or online), and conducting research on democracy studies and authoritarian influence.

Responsibilities

Expand and grow the influence and reach of Forum research in the United States and internationally across multiple platforms and to new audiences outside of the democracy community (X, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.), coordinating closely with other parts of the NED.
Work closely with key stakeholders within the Forum, NED, and with key non-NED partners to help support outreach plans for our research.
Oversee and enhance the quality and reach of the Forum’s website and Power 3.0 blog and podcast.
Coordinate the production of the Forum’s regular newsletter (Forum Focus) and other outreach tools.
Support and coordinate the production of and ensure high quality for the Forum’s public events, in coordination with others on the team and at NED.
Utilize basic quantitative and qualitative metrics to identify indicators of the success of the Forum’s outreach efforts.
Assist Forum staff with research as assigned by supervisors in support of the Forum’s research on democratic studies, authoritarianism, and related topics.
Assist Forum staff with administrative and coordination tasks in support of the Forum’s convenings on democratic studies, authoritarianism, and related topics.
The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in political science, international affairs, communications, or a related field required; M.A. desired.
2+ years of relevant work experience for Level 3.
Communications, marketing, and/or outreach work experience preferred.
Experience assisting with executing events or related activities with significant logistical requirements and outreach expectations.
Experience conducting research in support of supervisors or individual writing outputs (public-facing and internal)
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Ability to utilize contact management, social media, content, and graphic creation, podcast and audio editing, and web development software preferred.
Experience in and strong passion for international democracy or related fields preferred.
Experience living, working, or studying abroad, or knowledge of one or more foreign languages a plus.
Sound understanding of the NED’s mission, and experience with the international democracy and development community.
Excellent editing and writing skills;
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate in a team environment.
Strong attention to detail;
Ability to work efficiently in a dynamic environment, take initiative, and juggle competing priorities.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

This position is part of the NED Bargaining Unit.

To Apply

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, desired salary, and contact information for three professional references, of which one should be a supervisor.

Located in Washington, D.C., the salary range for this role is $45,500 - USD 60,625, plus benefits. The final offer for a successful candidate will be determined by a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.

At NED, we recognize that our most important asset is our people. We value the diversity of skills and perspectives our team brings to our work. We believe an inclusive and supportive work environment fosters a culture of respect and appreciation for all individuals. NED is committed to creating a workplace that allows everyone to be their authentic selves and make meaningful contributions to our organization, grantees, and world.

NED strives to create a work experience that supports our employees' well-being and healthy work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package offers health insurance (includes no copay for mental health services), a generous retirement savings plan, paid parental, vacation, and sick leave, a hybrid workplace model, flexible work schedules, and wellness initiatives to ensure a positive work-life balance.

NED is dedicated to creating an environment of respect and collaboration where everyone is encouraged to participate and take ownership of their work. We offer flexible work schedules and, for most positions, the opportunity for weekly telework days. This hybrid approach allows our employees to balance their work and personal lives while still participating in the collaborative process at the heart of our mission.

The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics covered by applicable law. The NED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business needs. The NED believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

Please, no phone call inquiries. For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org or careers@ned.org.

National Endowment for Democracy jobs

Program Assistant (Communications and Outreach), International Forum for Democratic Studies (IFDS)