Chief of Staff

Type of Role: Full-Time

Location: Washington, DC

Start Date: ASAP

National Security Action is seeking a Chief of Staff to support its work advancing a smart, principled vision for U.S. foreign policy and empowering a growing and dynamic community of national security professionals and next generation of leaders. The ideal candidate would be interested in foreign policy and politics, and they would be eager to work in a fast-paced environment. This person will be expected to be a self-starting and strategically-minded team player who helps execute against multiple program priorities, coordinate the operations of organization, and also has the confidence to bring new ideas to the table. 

Required Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent is required; advanced degree in a relevant field is a plus.

  • A minimum of 5-8 years of professional experience, including significant experience supporting or advising senior leadership in a mission-driven, political, government, or national security setting.

  • Direct experience with or strong working knowledge of foreign policy and national security issues, and familiarity with the Washington, DC policy and political landscape.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage programs, projects, and budgets; build teams and organizational culture; and oversee cross-functional workstreams.

  • Excellent judgment and discretion in handling sensitive, high-stakes, and confidential matters.

  • Superior attention to detail and organizational, communication, and briefing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex policy matters into clear, concise products for the Executive Director and Board.

  • Proven track record leading organizational planning processes, translating strategy into actionable operating plans, and holding teams accountable to deadlines and deliverables.

  • Comfort operating in a lean, fast-paced, start-up-style environment, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities would include: 

  • Serve as a trusted strategic advisor and thought partner to the Executive Director, helping to prioritize initiatives, decisions, and organizational focus.

  • Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the organization's strategic priorities across teams, ensuring workstreams stay aligned and on track.

  • Work with the Executive Director on fundraising strategy, funder communications, grant applications and paperwork, and reporting.

  • Lead on personnel management, including all hiring, onboarding, and offboarding processes.

  • Oversee and coordinate the planning and execution of major events, including full-day meetings, board convenings, travel, and engagements with external stakeholders.

  • Help build and strengthen internal systems and processes as the organization grows.

  • Manage operations, logistics, and administration, and oversee the organization's operational infrastructure and budget.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Further Details and Application Instructions:

Compensation: $125,000-$140,000, commensurate with experience. We offer a competitive benefits package as well, including 401k matching, healthcare, dental, and vision. 

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to resume@nationalsecurityaction.org with your subject line “Chief of Staff - Your First and Last Name.”  No calls or direct emails, please. Resumes 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.