Special Assistant, Special Initiatives

Who We Are 

The New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy is a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, D.C., working to enhance U.S. foreign policy based on a deep understanding of the geopolitics of the different regions of the world and their value systems.  

JOB BRIEF 

The Special Initiatives team at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy seeks a highly motivated individual to serve as a Special Assistant, supporting the activities and workstreams of the Senior Director of Special Initiatives. This position is in Washington, D.C.   

Special Initiatives analyzes issues of significant importance to U.S. policymakers and focuses on global issues that are not receiving enough attention. It produces research and analysis that is timely, targeted, and designed to be highly impactful from a policy perspective. Current initiatives include the Ukraine Genocide Project, Ukraine Reparations Project, Mass Atrocities and International Law, Transnational Repression Working Group, Balkans Observatory, and the Rohingya Global Initiative. 

The role of the SI team is to forge and sustain partnerships with relevant domestic and international actors to help drive policy based on New Lines’ mission, vision, and values.  

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Planning Support:  

• Assists with monitoring and tracking global policy developments related to SI’s mission and key priorities 
• Supports the Senior Director and team in the development and implementation of strategies for SI engagement and partnership with key international partners
• Assists with building, mapping, and maintaining a database of key relationships with partners from the U.S. federal government, as well as international organizations, civil society, think tanks, and the private sector
• Provides administrative support to the team in communications and coordination with the Senior Director  
• Develops and updates portfolio documents
• Creates targeted outreach lists and tracks schedules of high-level conferences, events, or other relevant policy conversations that present partnership opportunities for the Institute
• Coordinates and facilitates meetings with internal and external partners

Budget and Contract Management: 

• Provides contract management support for non-resident fellows  
• Makes travel arrangements for the team and invitational travelers 
• Assists with budgeting and implementation plans for SI projects 

Event Planning: 

• Supports all aspects of meeting and event organization and management, including public events and private working group discussions and consultations 

Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations or related field 
• One or more years of related office experience, demonstrating familiarity with coordination and administrative support responsibilities 
• Superb interpersonal skills; good humor and discretion 
• Excellent writing skill 
• Strong attention to detail, including time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment not necessarily in a 9-to-5 setting 
• Competence in administration and financial management 
• Strong skills in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Outlook, and Excel 
• Strong database skills preferred
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines
• Experience organizing conferences, meetings, and events preferred
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships and strong interpersonal skills, including cross-cultural communication 

All applicants must be U.S. citizens to be considered for positions with New Lines. This position requires the applicant to be located in the Washington, D.C., area. Hybrid and teleworking is possible with the approval of the Senior Director. Salary is commensurate with experience. 

HOW TO APPLY 
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of a writing sample of no more than five pages, a cover letter, and a resume. Please email your application to [email protected].