Summary

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Description

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a 501(c)3 grantmaking foundation that 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 (the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center). We seek a Program Assistant to take on a dynamic position at the International Forum for Democratic Studies. This position is based in Washington, D.C.

This is an opportunity to join an ambitious institution and team committed to the cause of our time. The ideal candidate will be energized by the idea of being part of a team supporting the fight for freedom and democracy around the world.

Position Summary:
The International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy is a leading center for research, discussion, innovation, and analysis on the theory and practice of democracy around the world. The Forum is at the cutting edge of topics such as authoritarian influence, the information space, transnational kleptocracy, and emerging technology – and their impact on democracy around the world. The International Forum for Democratic Studies seeks a Program Assistant to support the administrative, research, and scheduling needs for NED’s Vice President for Studies and Analysis, and to support the research and convening work of the Forum’s Research and Conferences team. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, be able to handle multiple tasks while maintaining focus on longer-term priorities, solid research and writing skills, experience with organizing events, and an interest in democracy studies and/or related fields such as technology or media.
 
Responsibilities:

  • Provide operational support for various Forum convenings and activities. Assist with scheduling, planning, and running of meetings, as well as follow-up activities.
  • Provide scheduling, administrative, and travel support to the NED Vice President for Studies and Analysis.
  • Assist the Vice President and, on occasion, other members of the team with special research projects.
  • Document events by taking notes and producing meeting summaries.
  • Assist with the drafting, editing, and proofreading of Forum electronic and print publications, including material for the Forum website and electronic newsletters. Occasionally assist with other communications support.
  • Work effectively across the Forum team, across internal NED departments, and with external contacts.
  • Help provide operational support for various Forum convenings and activities. Assist with the scheduling and planning, and running of briefings and convenings.
  • Assist Forum staff efforts with other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience.

 
Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in political science, international affairs, or a related field required; M.A. desirable.
  • 1+ years of work experience.
  • Experience assisting with events or related activities with significant logistical requirements.
  • Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • Understanding of the NED’s mission.
  • Strong research skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong editing and writing skills.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate in a team environment.
  • Knowledge of a foreign language desirable.
  • Experience living, working, or studying abroad a plus
  • Ability to work efficiently in a dynamic environment, take initiative, and juggle competing priorities.
  • Ability to quickly learn new software programs to support office operations.
  • Experience in international democracy, development, or public policy non-government organization preferred.
  • Authorized to work in the United States.

 
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. Please, no phone call inquiries.

Located in Washington, D.C., the salary range for this role is $ 45,500 – 60,625 USD, 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, our grantees, and our world.
NED strives to create a work experience that supports the well-being and healthy work-life balance of our employees. 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 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 NED 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 NED believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org  or careers@ned.org.