Project Coordinator

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks to hire a Project Coordinator to support a major, Center-wide initiative on artificial intelligence (AI) security and stability. The goal of this project is to advance the national security policy community’s understanding of AI risks and potential policy solutions to address them. Candidates with a demonstrated interest in project management and policy issues pertaining to AI risks and governance are strongly encouraged to apply. The position is a three-year appointment.

The Project Coordinator will play a key role in organizing events, scheduling meetings, drafting emails and grant progress reports, arranging travel logistics, tracking project deliverables, and managing other administrative responsibilities for the project. This is primarily a coordinating and administrative role, but the Project Coordinator may also provide research support and actively contribute to strategic policy development and direction-setting as needed.

Candidates should be self-starters comfortable working as part of a small, close-knit team in a fast-paced and fluid work environment. This position requires strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as administrative, event, and project management skills. An ability to manage complex administrative tasks with diligent attention to detail is critical. A successful Project Coordinator is creative, organized, detail-oriented, and able to tackle a range of tasks at one time.

Responsibilities

The employee will be expected to perform a variety of tasks outlined below. The following is an overview of primary responsibilities. Other tasks may be required, and responsibilities will vary over time.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Serve as lead project coordinator for a major, cross-program initiative on AI security and stability.


• Schedule meetings and events, including support for project researchers’ scheduling.


• Track deliverables and milestones related to the project.


• Arrange business travel and accommodations.


• Compile expense reports.


• Maintain program website and project content in coordination with Center staff.

RESEARCH SUPPORT

• Create meeting agendas, take notes, and track associated tasks.


• Develop literature reviews, bibliographies, background research, and citations for project research.


• Track current developments in relevant policy areas both domestically and internationally and identify new sources and areas for further research and analysis.


• Participate in engagements with external experts and practitioners, including non-resident adjunct fellows.


• Travel domestically and internationally for in-person engagements as needed to support project activities.

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT

• Edit CNAS papers and reports for substance, style, and layout.


• Manage team publication schedules and deadlines.


• Coordinate with outside authors.


• Collaborate with Center staff to develop compelling graphics and data visualizations.


• Help promote research among target audiences in coordination with Center staff.

DONOR ENGAGEMENT

• Generate and manage project budgets in conjunction with Center staff.


• Engage with donors and sponsors and support the Center’s research.


• Write interim and final grant reports.

EVENT DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

• Support project efforts to design impactful events that generate fresh thinking on relevant policy areas, including:
  
  
  
  • Formulate event agendas, including themes and speakers.
  
  
  • Oversee event logistics, such as venues, catering, invitations, and RSVPs.
  
  
  • Execute event communications plans using Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams.
  
  
  • Coordinate with external speakers and their staffs.
  
  
  
  


• Manage event budgets.


• Manage project contact lists.

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in interviews and other personnel processes.


• Attend internal meetings and represent CNAS at outside events.


• Mentor colleagues.


• Assist in networking, messaging, and outreach about CNAS and its products.


• Attend and staff CNAS events and activities as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree.


• One to two years of relevant experience in project/program coordination or management.


• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.


• An ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and fluid environment.


• Willingness to support the Center through administrative work.


• Strong writing skills, including good grammar and diligent self-editing and fact checking.


• Good judgment, especially regarding the quality of data and competing information sources.


• Strong time management skills, as well as an ability to juggle multiple projects and competing priorities.


• Willingness to maintain confidentiality.


• Computer competency including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Slack, and Zoom.


• Legal right to work in the United States.


• Based in Washington, DC or willing to relocate upon job offer.

Preferred:

• Science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or technical analytic education and/or work experience.


• Master’s degree in a relevant area of study (e.g., science, technology, engineering, mathematics, political science, international relations, security studies, economics, public policy).


• Demonstrated interest in technology and national security policy or AI security and stability.


• Demonstrated ability to use emerging tools, including AI, to improve workflows and business processes as needed.


• Two to three years of relevant work experience.

About CNAS

The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.

CNAS is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

CNAS offers a complete and competitive benefits package for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and an employee assistance program.