Associate Director for Polling and Outreach

Type of Role: Full-Time

Location: Washington, DC

Start Date: ASAP

National Security Action is seeking an Associate Director for Polling and Outreach to support its work advancing a smart, principled vision of U.S. foreign policy, while pushing back on the Trump Administration’s reckless national security policies. The ideal candidate would have experience with foreign policy, political campaigns, and/or  public opinion research, and be eager to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple projects and priorities ongoing simultaneously. They will be able to develop ideas, create new opportunities, and execute on bringing these to fruition. 

Responsibilities would include: 

  • Work with the organization’s leadership to identify and execute against dynamic research, policy, communications, and administrative requirements.

  • Work with the Director of Outreach and Partnerships to build relationships with, conduct outreach to, and develop programming for congressional, state, and local candidates and campaigns.

  • Lead on and manage the organization’s public opinion research portfolio, including identifying opportunities and developing proposals for polling opportunities. 

  • Work with outside partners to envision, design, and execute research products to measure American public opinion on foreign policy and national security. 

  • Manage down, up, and laterally to make sure tasks are completed well and on deadline. 

  • Other duties as assigned. 

Required qualifications: 

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

  • A minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience. Campaign and/or public opinion research experience is strongly preferred. 

  • An ideal candidate would have some familiarity and experience with foreign policy and national security issues.

  • Strong writing skills and ability to synthesize complex policy matters into concise products.

  • Superior communication and briefing skills.

  • Excellent judgement and discretion when working on sensitive issues.

  • Ability to represent the organization in meetings and engage with senior leaders and policymakers.

  • Demonstrated success with project management, including logistical tasks. 

  • Capacity to work under deadline pressure and manage competing priorities. 

  • Dedication to advocating for a principled national security agenda.

  • Desire to be a team-player within a lean, start-up environment and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Further Details and Application Instructions:

Compensation: $100,000-110,000, commensurate with experience. We offer a competitive benefits package as well, including 401k matching, healthcare, dental, and vision. 

If you are interested, please send your resume and cover letter to resume@nationalsecurityaction.org with the subject line “Associate Director - Your Name”. No calls or direct emails, please. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Even if you don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above, please apply anyway. National Security Action is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. National Security Action does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

National Security Action is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization which seeks to build a community of connected, capable, and empowered national security leaders. Through our programming, we identify, convene, and support a diverse array of knowledgeable voices in national security to advance a principled platform for policymakers.