National Security Action Summer FellowSHIP

National Security Action is seeking two summer Fellows. Fellows form a key part of National Security Action’s small team in a fast-paced environment working to advance smart, progressive foreign policy while pushing back on the Trump Administration’s most reckless national security impulses. They will be counted on to provide timely and comprehensive research and analysis on an array of foreign policy, national security, and related political issues. The role will require the successful candidate to be both responsive to research and writing tasks from the organization’s leadership and to be a self-starter able to identify key research questions on their own initiative. The ability to write clearly and concisely on issues of foreign policy is a requirement for this position. 

Among the Fellow’s duties will be to: 

  • Work with the organization's leadership to identify and execute against dynamic research needs.

  • Undertake research and writing tasks to amplify the work of the organization, disseminate key policy messages, or respond to breaking news. 

  • Distill research into short memos for leadership and/or messaging vehicles appropriate for public distribution. 

  • Assist team in a start-up environment, including with media monitoring and administrative tasks. 

  • Support digital communications efforts. 

Required Qualifications

  • At minimum, be a candidate pursuing an undergraduate degree (rising juniors or above), or have commensurate experience. 

  • Excellent writing skills and attention to detail. 

  • Well-honed communication skills. 

  • Proven analytic skills and capabilities. 

  • Capacity to work under deadline pressure. 

  • Passion for foreign policy and national security issues. 

  • Dedication to advocating for a progressive national security agenda.

  • Ability to be a team-player within a lean and fast-paced environment. 

  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in policy spaces.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Completion of an undergraduate degree and some additional graduate coursework, or have commensurate experience.

  • Demonstrated success working in a foreign and national security policy or communications role (including internships). 

  • Demonstrated study of foreign policy and national security issues. 

  • Experience writing and/or publishing on national security issues for a public audience. 

  • Ability to manage multiple projects. 

Location

Fellows will be asked to work 2-3 days a week in a hybrid model. We ask that Fellows work from our offices in Washington, DC at least once a week. 

Time Commitment 

While there is some flexibility on timing, we are looking for fellows to start June 15 and work through September 15 on a part-time basis (20-30 hours per week). 

Compensation 

National Security Action will provide a $5,000 stipend to support housing and living expenses.

Application instructions

Please send the following materials to resume@nationalsecurityaction.org: 

  • Your resume 

  • A cover letter

  • Your transcript

Please submit all required materials in an email with the subject line “First Name, Last Name - Summer 2025 Fellowship”. No direct emails or phone calls, please. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, the final deadline is May 10.

Additional Information

Even if you don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above, please apply anyway. Studies have shown that marginalized communities – such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color – are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. National Security Action is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. 

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.