Research Assistant: Foreign and Defense Policy, Defense Budget Simulator

Overview

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time research assistant to support the development and maintenance of a comprehensive defense-spending simulator and work on issues related to the US defense budget. This position also supports the work of AEI fellows Elaine McCusker and Bill Greenwalt.

Primary responsibilities include quantitative and qualitative research related to the US defense budget and military force structure, collecting and analyzing data for the defense budget simulator, and supporting classes and organizations that employ the budget simulator. Additional responsibilities include organizing and coordinating public and private events with high-level interlocutors.

The ideal candidate has a background in data management or other statistical fields as well as a demonstrated familiarity with US defense budgeting and other defense issues. Candidates must also excel at administrative support and be comfortable preparing a principal for frequent briefings with government, media, and military personnel on defense budgets, American force structure, and the legislative political dynamics pertaining to national defense. A background with coding is preferred but not required.

When preparing your application, please include a resume, a cover letter, a general writing sample, a transcript (for undergraduate and graduate work, if applicable), and a research sample consisting of ONE of the following:

• An excel sheet you produced; or
• A graphic/data visualization you produced.

If you have trouble submitting a research sample, please email Olivia.Leon@aei.org with your research sample.

Responsibilities

• Support the maintenance of a comprehensive defense-spending simulator and work on issues related to the US defense budget.
• Collect and analyze data for the defense budget simulator and assist with annual updates.
• Research effective concepts using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint to visualize data.
• Distill numerical data quickly and accurately into digestible talking points for use by AEI scholars and fellows in media interviews, publications, and events.
• Manage long-term scholarly projects by drafting proposals, mapping timelines, and preparing regular progress reports for AEI management.
• Monitor movements within Congress related to the Department of Defense, especially its budget, in order to assist offices and committees and influence their work.
• Manage logistics and administrative tasks of designated scholars, including: coordinating with other AEI departments, assisting with publishing and promoting new products, tracking expenses and organizing travel, and planning and staffing public-facing and private meetings (including with foreign nationals).
• Select and supervise assigned intern(s).

Physical requirements and Working Conditions:

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close vision abilities due to computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phone, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, statistics, history, international relations, political science, public policy, computer science, or a related field is required.
• 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience is required; previous internship experience is strongly preferred.
• Excellent editing, interpersonal, organizational, research, and writing skills are required.
• A background in quantitative analysis and significant experience with Microsoft Excel and other data analysis software are required.