What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer 2025 - Stanley A. Weiss Fellowship position at Business Executives for National Security (BENS)?
The Stanley A. Weiss Fellowship program places high-performing individuals at the intersection of national security and industry. In today’s rapidly evolving and increasingly complex security landscape, seamless collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential. Stanley A. Weiss Fellows play a key role in supporting Business Executives for National Security (BENS) in their mission to unite national security and business leaders in strengthening our Nation’s security.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Stanley A. Weiss Fellows are essential members of the BENS team, contributing to the organization’s goals by working closely with government partners and BENS Members within the national security community.
Fellows will:
- Develop subject matter expertise on national security issues through comprehensive research and presentations delivered to BENS' leadership.
- Track and analyze developments on relevant policy issues, including critical infrastructure; geopolitics and economic statecraft; efforts to recruit and retain a talented national security workforce; and security implications of emergent technology.
- Support BENS staff in outreach and engagement with national security-focused government partners and business leaders.
- Assist with event preparation, draft media pieces, reports, and memos; and cover Congressional hearings and key meetings.
- Maintain and update membership databases.
- Set up and break down office events.
- Provide general administrative support.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Event Participation: Fellows will attend in-person and virtual events, such as panels, roundtables, and speaker series, gaining exposure to key national security figures and ideas.
- Mentorship: Fellows will receive mentorship from BENS staff and private sector leaders with experience in the military, government, and key industries.
- Networking: Fellows will have the opportunity to connect with BENS staff and program alumni with prestigious Washington backgrounds.
- Brownbag Lunches & Visits: Fellows will attend informal discussions with senior professionals and visits to institutions such as the State Department, White House, and agencies within the Intelligence Community.
SKILLS
- Effective research, writing, data analysis, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks.
- Exceptional interpersonal and professional skills – candidates should feel comfortable interacting at a high-level with senior business executives, military/government leaders, and staff at other nonprofits.
- Collaborative and independent work skills.
- Computer-literate and internet-savvy
- Preferred interest or experience in, but not required: Latin American Foreign Policy, Critical Infrastructure, Defense Industrial Base, Critical Supply Chains
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- BENS accepts applicants from all backgrounds and degree programs.
- Most applicants have, or are in the process of completing, an undergraduate or graduate degree.
- However, candidates at any stage of their professional development may be considered.
TERM
The summer fellowship will begin in early-June and end in mid-August. Fellows are paid an hourly wage at the current D.C. minimum wage and receive metro travel benefits. Fellows are expected to work full-time, though exceptions for academic conflicts will be made for outstanding candidates.
TO APPLY
To apply, email a resume, cover letter, and a 2-3 page writing sample to Ms. Sofia Olgado (solgado@bens.org). Complete applications must be submitted by Thursday, April 3 to be considered for the summer term.